COVID-19

Some law firms are tweaking partner compensation models because of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic may push law firms that were already reevaluating their partner compensation systems to go forward with changes.

Nov 19, 2020 2:27 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Bankruptcy judge OKs opioid deal; judge bans immigration arrests at some courts

Bankruptcy judge approves opioid deal U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain in New York has approved a settlement between the government and Purdue Pharma, a maker of OxyContin, to resolve federal criminal and civil investigations. The company is accused of defrauding federal health agencies and violating anti-kickback laws. The deal calls…

Nov 18, 2020 4:17 PM CST

Constant communication has been key amid COVID-19, law school dean says

“We have all gone above and beyond to ensure that we are creating relationships with our students and mechanisms for ensuring they have the ability to contact us, to learn from us, to ask the questions they have,” says L. Song Richardson.

Nov 18, 2020 9:00 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Trump campaign loses ballot access case; ex-Knicks player wins appeal

Top Pennsylvania court rules against Trump campaign The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has reversed an appellate order that gave observers from the Trump campaign closer access to the ballot count in Philadelphia County. The state supreme court’s 5-2 decision said Pennsylvania election law contemplates an opportunity to observe the count from…

Nov 17, 2020 4:48 PM CST

2 justices dissent over Supreme Court’s refusal to restore COVID-19 safety steps at ‘tinderbox’ prison

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied a request by two older inmates at a Texas geriatric prison to reinstate a judge’s order requiring COVID-19 safety measures.

Nov 17, 2020 9:50 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Several states pause jury trials; suit accuses Texas AG of whistleblower retaliation

Several states stop jury trials A surge in COVID-19 cases has led several states to suspend jury trials. They include New York, Maryland, Texas, New Mexico and Wyoming. (The Daily Docket) Suit accuses Texas AG of abusing his office A Nov. 12 lawsuit accuses Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton of…

Nov 16, 2020 4:38 PM CST

The COVID-19 consequence: Emerging talent is at risk

For those students who did not land an entry-level job at a BigLaw firm, the circle is truly vicious as they attempt to launch their careers in an unwelcoming and unstructured environment, write Jonathan Greenblatt and Bryan Parker of Legal Innovators.

Nov 16, 2020 8:52 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Law students pledge not to work for Trump firms; women deported after OB-GYN complaints

Law students pledge not to work for Trump election firms A group of law students and new lawyers is circulating a pledge not to work or interview with law firms that represent the Trump campaign and GOP allies. Targeted law firms are Jones Day, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, King…

Nov 13, 2020 3:55 PM CST

ABA asks Trump for delays in 3 executions, including case in which the lawyers have COVID-19

The ABA has asked President Donald Trump to delay three federal executions amid “a startling surge” in cases of COVID-19, including a case in which the lawyers are sickened by the virus.

Nov 13, 2020 2:10 PM CST

Alito: COVID-19 restrictions highlight disturbing trend of ‘lawmaking by executive fiat’

In a Federalist Society speech on Thursday, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and worship services highlight a disturbing trend of "lawmaking by executive fiat."

Nov 13, 2020 12:00 PM CST

Gig economy companies hope to expand upon California labor law win

Gig economy companies hope to leverage their recent California ballot measure victory to usher in laws across the country classifying their workers as independent contractors, and some experts say they have the momentum to succeed on that front.

Nov 12, 2020 2:30 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Lawyer sentenced in veterans charity thefts; lawyer accused in romance scams

Lawyer gets prison time for stealing from veterans charity Former Connecticut lawyer Kevin Creed was sentenced Monday to 3½ years in prison for stealing about $1.4 million from a veterans charity that he founded. Creed, 69, of Litchfield, Connecticut, had faced as many as 20 years in prison after his…

Nov 11, 2020 4:46 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Proposed $26B opioid settlement revealed; Florida judge reprimanded for noise response

Proposed $26B opioid settlement disclosed Four companies involved in making and distributing opioids have disclosed a proposed $26 billion settlement that would end thousands of lawsuits by state and local governments. The proposal is $4 billion higher than an earlier offer that was met with resistance. The four companies are…

Nov 6, 2020 3:48 PM CST

Deloitte’s legal arm will add up to 86 lawyers from UK law firm

Deloitte’s legal arm is acquiring the London law firm Kemp Little and up to 86 of its lawyers, including its 29 partners.

Nov 6, 2020 2:12 PM CST

Legal industry gained 4,800 jobs in October; number is still lower than a year ago

Employment is picking up in the legal industry after a disastrous April.

Nov 6, 2020 10:41 AM CST