Racial disparities in maternal mortality are exacerbated by COVID-19

New concerns about maternal risks in pregnancy emerged as COVID-19 plowed its way across the country this year. Maternal mortality across the spectrum shows stunning increases in the United States. The number of deaths has risen while declining in almost every other nation.

Oct 1, 2020 2:00 AM CDT

First all-virtual ABA Annual Meeting highlights accessibility

Just hours after the final bang of the gavel, Judy Perry Martinez answered the million-dollar question: How was the first all-virtual annual meeting in ABA history?

Oct 1, 2020 12:50 AM CDT

ABA leaders vow to fight effects of racism and COVID-19

Oct 1, 2020 12:20 AM CDT

2020 Elections: A year of challenges

Oct 1, 2020 12:10 AM CDT

Former bonus leader Cravath isn’t paying special bonuses; it’s reportedly 3rd BigLaw firm to say no

Several large law firms are paying special bonuses to associates this fall, but Cravath, Swaine & Moore won’t be among them. The announcement appeared to surprise Above the Law, which described Cravath as “the perennial bonus leader.”

Sep 30, 2020 11:10 AM CDT

Judges remain skeptical of GOP ballot fraud arguments; litigation keeps rules in flux

Judges have been “broadly skeptical” of GOP arguments of voter fraud, according to a Washington Post review of nearly 90 state and federal voting lawsuits.

Sep 29, 2020 3:54 PM CDT

How contract review software can save your law firm time and money

This type of software is grounded in machine learning and natural language processing, and it assists lawyers in analyzing contracts for their clients more effectively and efficiently, saving tons of time and money, writes lawyer and author Nicole Black.

Sep 29, 2020 9:00 AM CDT

Are businesses liable to ill family members of workers who contract COVID-19?

Do businesses have an obligation to those who have never been at a worksite? Courts have split on the issue, which will likely be raised in new lawsuits alleging that negligence led workers to become ill and pass on the COVID-19 virus to family members.

Sep 28, 2020 9:54 AM CDT

How is the lawyer known as ‘Popehat’ on Twitter keeping busy during the pandemic?

Lawyer Kenneth White says his wife would like him to cut back on his Twitter time, but he has not. And like many other lawyers, he’s dealing with online litigation, including virtual court appearances, hearing postponements and telephone depositions.

Sep 28, 2020 9:06 AM CDT

Afternoon Briefs: Weil Gotshal special bonuses tied to hours; Trump sued by his niece

Weil Gotshal bonuses could reach $50K for top billers Weil Gotshal & Manges is breaking from the ranks by tying special bonuses to hours worked and raising the top amount to $50,000. Most other firms with special bonuses are paying $7,500 to $40,000, based on class year. Weil Gotshal’s special…

Sep 25, 2020 4:33 PM CDT

Divided DC appeals court announces bar exam waiver as 1 option for licensing

A divided District of Columbia Court of Appeals granted Thursday what it describes as an "emergency examination waiver" admission to practice law with various restrictions.

Sep 25, 2020 3:07 PM CDT

How to empower working moms during the coronavirus pandemic

Ari Kaplan recently spoke with Carolyn Elefant, an attorney who focuses her practice on energy and environmental matters and the author of several books, including Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be.

Sep 25, 2020 9:58 AM CDT

Ethics charges allege judge defied order to delay hearings and issued no-show warrants

A Cleveland municipal judge is facing ethics charges after holding court hearings despite a rescheduling order because of the coronavirus pandemic, and then issuing arrest warrants for no-shows.

Sep 22, 2020 4:12 PM CDT

Bar exam in hotel rooms offered test-takers social distancing and private bathrooms

Among the many worries for people taking recent in-person bar exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, some were logistical: How could they maintain social distancing during the test? Would public restrooms be germ magnets? Could they safely eat with others? Hotel rooms could be the answer to those concerns.

Sep 22, 2020 1:56 PM CDT

Ginsburg’s death could doom health care law, cement environmental rollbacks, imperil right to abortion

Environmental regulations, the right to abortion and the Affordable Care Act are all in danger if President Donald Trump’s next nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court is confirmed.

Sep 22, 2020 10:17 AM CDT