DEI Programs as a Source of Liability for Law Firms and Other Businesses

August 6th, 2025|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, Emerging Litigation & Risk, Employment, HB Tort Notes, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

Two recent cases against international law firms point to an emerging trend in litigation that could have wide-spread implications for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The author, William "Billy" Jones examines these recent cases filed against the law firms for their DEI fellowships and the potential impacts for law firms and other private businesses.

Judge finds flaws in motion for an injunction against Trump’s wind turbine order

July 29th, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, HB Tort Notes, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

While Trump’s freeze on offshore wind permits faces legal challenge, a federal judge isn’t convinced the states bringing the case have shown enough harm. In this article, guest contributor Justin Ward explains why the motion for an injunction was denied, what it means for the broader battle over renewable energy, and how executive power could stall green infrastructure without ever breaking the law.

Sexual Abuse & Insurance

July 23rd, 2025|Categories: Class Actions, CLE OnDemand, New Webinars|Tags: , , , , |

Join Marshall Gilinsky and John Lacey of Anderson Kill, along with Brian Della Torre of ARMR, for a CLE webinar focused on navigating sexual abuse claims through insurance recovery. Learn how to locate and leverage historic liability policies, understand allocation and occurrence issues, and overcome common insurer defenses. Discover how institutions can access valuable coverage through strategic claims, litigation tactics, and insurance archaeology.

Am I Covered For? . . . A Discussion of Insurance Coverage Issues

July 8th, 2025|Categories: CLE OnDemand, Complex Business Litigation, Corporate Compliance, Insurance|Tags: , , , , , , |

Join Steven J. Pudell and Christina Yousef of Anderson Kill and William Harrison of Gallagher for an engaging CLE webinar introducing the fundamentals of insurance coverage. This session breaks down the differences between first-party and third-party claims and provides an overview of key insurance policies—including general liability, property, D&O, E&O, employment practices, cyber, commercial crime, and product recall. Through real-world examples and practical tips, the panel will highlight common challenges policyholders face and how courts have addressed key coverage issues. Ideal for those new to insurance or looking for a comprehensive refresher.

AI tools may be the cause of the explosion in nuclear verdicts — and also the solution

April 6th, 2025|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, HB Tort Notes, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News, Technology Law|Tags: , , , , |

Guest contributor Justin Ward discusses how artificial intelligence is both fueling and fighting the rise of “nuclear verdicts.” Plaintiff attorneys are using AI to identify high-damages cases, favorable jurisdictions, and winning arguments—driving a spike in verdicts over $10 million. At the same time, defense lawyers and insurers are adopting tools like NaVeL to spot high-risk cases early and craft smarter strategies. As AI reshapes legal practice, the very technology accelerating massive awards may also be the best hope for containing them.

Supreme Court to Reconsider Separate Sovereignties

April 6th, 2025|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Law Firm Operations, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

The Supreme Court’s decision to review Barrett v. United States signals a potential shift in how the long-standing “separate sovereignties” exception to the Double Jeopardy Clause is applied. This article by guest contributor Bret Thurman offers a deep dive into the historical, constitutional, and practical complexities of double jeopardy, from its roots in ancient Greece to modern-day interpretations. It explores how exceptions—like implied acquittals, mistrials, and fraud—have shaped the doctrine, and raises questions about whether dual prosecutions still make sense in today’s legal landscape.

When Litigation Financing Goes Wrong, Who Pays?

February 27th, 2025|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, Emerging Litigation & Risk, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

The bankruptcy of Houston's AkinMears LLP highlights the risks of relying too heavily on third-party litigation financing and the broader implications for transparency, regulation, and financial sustainability in mass torts. The firm filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy citing more than $200 million in debt owed to litigation funding companies Virage SPV 1 and Rocade Capital. According to Bloomberg Law’s U.S. Bankruptcy Tracker, AkinMears LLP was the only U.S. law firm filing for bankruptcy in January 2025 with $50 million or more in liabilities. In total, 12 large law firms declared bankruptcy in January 2025, up from seven in January 2024 but slightly below the 17 cases recorded in January 2023. Read our report by guest contributor Jennifer Holmes.

Appellate Lawyers at Trial: Don’t Wait Until Your Ox is in the Ditch with Jeff Doss

February 16th, 2025|Categories: Complex Business Litigation, ELP, Law Firm Operations|Tags: , , , , |

In this episode of the Emerging Litigation Podcast, you will discover how appellate counsel can strengthen trial strategy and improve post-verdict outcomes in high-stakes cases. Our guest, Jeffrey P. Doss, a partner in the White-Collar Criminal Defense & Corporate Investigations practice group at Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC, explores their critical role in error preservation, evidentiary challenges, and navigating appeals. Don't miss this episode!

Class Action Defense: Key Developments on the Arbitration Front

February 8th, 2025|Categories: Class Actions, CLE OnDemand, Corporate Compliance, New Webinars|Tags: , , , , , , |

Gain a better understanding of the key developments on the arbitration front related to class action defense, including the key U.S. Supreme Court rulings shaping the litigation landscape and the main arbitration trends to remain vigilant for on a CLE webinar featuring experienced class action defense attorneys Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. and Eden E. Anderson. Register today!

Resolving Litigation with AI with Jeff Trueman & John T. Sly

November 28th, 2024|Categories: CLE OnDemand, Law Firm Operations, New Webinars, Technology Law|Tags: , , , , |

Join full-time mediator and arbitrator Jeff Trueman and practicing attorney John Sly for a CLE webinar focused on enhancing your understanding of how AI can assist with your work, specifically how it can be used to handle disputes more efficiently, facilitate improved decision-making, and leverage predictive capabilities to achieve optimal outcomes in dispute resolution.

Defense of Data Breach Class Actions: Key Trends, Rulings, and Settlements

September 26th, 2024|Categories: Class Actions, CLE OnDemand, Complex Business Litigation, New Webinars|Tags: , , , , |

Data breach class actions have emerged as one of the fastest growing areas in the complex litigation space, forcing companies to navigate evolving cybersecurity risks, negative publicity, and costly litigation as a result. Litigation was particularly notable in 2023, with a record-breaking number of filings and several high-profile cases resulting in substantial settlements. The sheer volume of individuals affected by data breaches has grown significantly, leading to larger classes and subsequently higher settlement demands. Furthermore, the nature of the data being compromised is becoming more sensitive – including financial and health information – which increases the potential damages awarded in these cases. Join experienced class action defense litigators Gerald L. Maatman, Jr. and Jennifer A. Riley for a high-level breakdown of the data breach class action landscape through analysis of key trends, rulings, and litigation strategies.

Trademarks, Copyrights, Brands, T-Shirts, and Champagne with Tiffany Gehrke and Kelley Gordon

August 7th, 2024|Categories: ELP, Intellectual Property, Law Firm Operations|Tags: , , , |

In this episode, we discuss three matters relevant to anyone watching copyright and trademark law, or anyone fond of branded t-shirts and fancy French beverages, with guests Tiffany Gehrke and Kelley Gordon, both Partners at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP. Listen and learn more! Tom even (somewhat) learned how to say something in French. Mon dieu, people!

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