Afternoon Briefs: Bankruptcy classes more popular; John Pierce representing teen in Kenosha shootings
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More law students are taking bankruptcy classes
Some law professors are reporting the demand for their bankruptcy classes is booming. Ronald Mann, a Columbia Law School professor, told Thomson Reuters Legal that more than a hundred students are enrolled in his fall 2020 bankruptcy course—three times as many as last year. A second law professor also reported an increase, while a third said he assumes that there will be an uptick when enrollment opens. (Thomson Reuters Legal)
Pierce Bainbridge partner and founder represents teen accused in Kenosha shootings
Pierce Bainbridge partner and founder John Pierce is representing 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, the Illinois youth charged with killing two people during recent protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Pierce is raising money for the defense through a Texas nonprofit that he formed with Atlanta lawyer L. Lin Wood, who said on Twitter the youth acted in self-defense. Pierce Bainbridge has previously represented Rudy Giuliani, a lawyer for President Donald Trump, and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who was also a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. The law firm is currently enmeshed in litigation with an ousted partner and is facing a sex bias lawsuit by a former paralegal. (Thomson Reuters Legal, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Husch Blackwell pays delayed associates bonuses
Husch Blackwell has paid a special bonus to associates that was supposed to be deferred until January 2021. The bonus follows law firm austerity measures that included layoffs and furloughs of some lawyers and staff members. (Law360, Above the Law)
Monsanto settlement deal is uncertain
Plaintiffs lawyers in litigation over Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer claim that Monsanto’s parent company, Bayer AG, is reneging on a settlement deal for up to $10.9 billion. A lawyer for Monsanto told the judge that there “are no shenanigans.” (Law.com)
