Law news from across the country

December 29, 2025
Legal Landscape 2025: Key Shifts and Shockers — See Also

In a year fraught with surprises and significant shifts, the legal world hasn't been left unscathed. From unprecedented judicial controversies to seismic shifts in law firm hiring practices, 2025 has been a year to remember. Here’s a br 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
A T14 Law Degree Won't Shield You from the Wrath of Hans Gruber: A Die Hard Lesson

In the realm of high-stakes action and unforgettable villains, few can overlook the gripping narrative of the 1988 classic film, *Die Hard*. As much as it is a tale of resilience and heroism, it also sneakily serves a lesson on the limi 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
From Risk Aversion to Risk Calibration: Senne Mennes' Insights on Dynamic Legal Systems

In a revealing conversation with Senne Mennes, the co-founder of ClauseBase and a former attorney at DLA Piper Brussels, I gained profound insights into the evolution of legal systems through risk managem 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
Viral Video Captures Chief Justice John Roberts in a Moment of Apparent Regret

In a moment that has quickly gone viral, Chief Justice John Roberts appears to confront a personal realization about the decisions he has made in his judicial career. The scene, captured during a recent public speaking event and highlig 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
Navigating the Mirage: Colorado Study Tackles the Deepfake Dilemma in Courtrooms

In a world where seeing is no longer believing, the courtroom battles are getting a futuristic twist. The Visual Evidence Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder has taken a significant step forward by convening experts to address the 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
Unprecedented Moves: Trump’s National Security Claims Stir Controversy

In an unparalleled move, former President Donald Trump recently demolished the East Wing of the White House without securing any prior governmental approval. The Trump administration asserted that it only required authorization for cons 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
Major Law Firm Shakeup: Latham Opts Out Of Traditional Law School Recruitment

In a move that's caught the eye of the legal community, the prestigious law firm Latham & Watkins is charting a new path away from the conventional law school on-campus interview (OCI) programs. As of 2025, Latham, a stalwart in the leg 👉 Full story

December 29, 2025
Supreme Court Halts Trump's National Guard Deployment in Cities Amidst Controversial DOJ Surveillance Revelations

In a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, the Supreme Court has ruled against the proposed deployment of National Guard troops to police various U.S. cities. This decision, which reflects ongoing tensions between stat 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
How Legal Professionals Can Leverage Holiday Downtime for Career Insights

As the holiday season approaches, legal professionals across the spectrum from in-house teams to law firm associates are being encouraged to engage in a unique kind of holiday sharing – sharing compensation information. This initiative 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
Why Distressed Businesses Must Prioritize Paying Their Lawyers

In the tumultuous journey of business, financial distress is an unfortunate but common phase that many companies may encounter. During such times, the instinct to cut costs is powerful and often leads firms to reconsider their financial 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
HHS Unveils Groundbreaking Regulations to Enhance Healthcare Accessibility and Quality

In a bold move to transform the landscape of healthcare, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a new rule aimed at increasing accessibility and improving the quality of healthcare services across the United Stat 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
Legal Battle Intensifies as Lawyers Request Judge Aileen Cannon's Recusal Over Alleged Bias Toward Trump

In a striking turn of events, the legal team representing former CIA Director John Brennan has formally requested that Chief District Judge Cecilia Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida prevent Judge Aileen Cannon from presiding 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
Law Professionals Invited to Contribute to In-House Compensation Survey

The legal industry is constantly evolving, and with these changes come shifts in compensation trends. In an effort to track and analyze these shifts, Above the Law is calling all in-house attorneys and le 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
Weekly Legal Roundup: Supreme Court Decisions and Judicial Harassments Headline a Turbulent Year

In this week's edition of "How Appealing Weekly Roundup," we delve into a series of compelling legal stories that have shaped the judicial landscape, highlighting the Supreme Court's active involvement in critical national issues and th 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
Google's Legal Battle Against SerpApi Highlights Irony and Potential Threats to Open Web

Last week, Google initiated a legal battle against SerpApi, a company known for scraping search results, by filing a lawsuit that accuses SerpApi of violating DMCA Section 1201. This section pertains to the circumvention of technologica 👉 Full story

December 26, 2025
DLA Piper Celebrates the Season with Generous Associate Bonuses

In a festive turn of events this holiday season, DLA Piper, one of America’s premier law firms, has announced substantial bonuses for its associates, aligning with the well-known Cravath/Milbank scales for year-end and special bonuses. 👉 Full story

December 24, 2025
Holiday Cheer and Legal Affairs: The Buzz in Law Firms as Christmas Nears

As the festive season approaches, the legal industry is not slowing down. This week, notable developments in law firms and the legal community have sparked interest across the board.

Firstly, Rolnick Kramer Sadighi made headlines wit

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December 24, 2025
Legal Landscape Shaken: Major Law Firm Merger and Questionable Government Actions Highlight Year-End Turmoil

As the year draws to a close, the legal community and broader society are witnessing significant shifts that could shape the landscape well into the future. A major highlight is the announcement of a merger between Cadwalader and cross- 👉 Full story

December 24, 2025
Biglaw Firm Launches ‘Resilience’ Workshops to Equip Future Lawyers for High-Pressure Careers

In an innovative move aimed at preparing the next generation of legal professionals for the high-stress demands of their future careers, the renowned law firm Freshfields has introduced a series of 'resilience' workshops. These sessions 👉 Full story

December 24, 2025
Record-Breaking Greed: How 2025 Shattered Historical Excesses

Elon Musk's Unprecedented Wealth

In an astonishing leap of personal fortune, Elon Musk's net worth skyrocketed to over $700 billion by December 2025, setting a new record for individual wealth. Barely days apart, Musk first hi

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December 24, 2025
From Sinners To Civil Servants: The Evolution Of Tax Collectors From Jesus’s Time To Today

While the Christmas season often brings to mind gifts and festive celebrations, it also commemorates the birth of Jesus, a figure who not only preached and performed miracles but also notably associated with one of the most despised gro 👉 Full story

December 24, 2025
Deloitte’s 2026 Healthcare Outlook Reveals Major Trends: AI, Digital Health, and Strategic Partnerships Lead the Way

In a landmark report released by Deloitte, the 2026 outlook for the healthcare sector has been detailed with an emphasis on growing confidence among healthcare providers, the rapid adoption of digital technologies, the transformative po 👉 Full story

December 24, 2025
Small Firm, Big Checks: Boutique Firm Leaves Market Bonus Rate In The Dust

In an industry where substantial year-end bonuses are the norm, one boutique law firm is setting itself apart by significantly exceeding the established market rates. Rolnick Kramer Sadighi (RKS), a New York-based investment fund litiga 👉 Full story

December 24, 2025
Morning Docket: Legal and Political Turmoil Grips the Nation on Christmas Eve

In a striking decision that marks a significant check on executive power, the Supreme Court has halted President Trump's controversial plan to deploy troops in several U.S. cities. The debate now shifts towards the potential invocation 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Legal Departments Brace for 2026: The Urgent Need for Operational Maturity

As we inch closer to 2026, a pattern has emerged across legal departments of all sizes: increased workload, technology adoption, and business demands have not been matched by an evolution in operational infrastructure. This discrepancy 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Holiday Bonuses and AI Ethics: The Legal Community Buzzes with Year-End Excitement

As the holiday season approaches, the legal community is abuzz with more than just festive spirit. Major law firm Alston & Bird has set a joyful tone by announcing holiday bonuses, bringing cheer to its many employees. The firm, known f 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
From GameStop to Gavel Drops: Exploring the $10,000 Hourly Legal Fee

In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of the GameStop stock saga, where the price per share skyrocketed from under $3 to an intraday high of $483, the legal industry is now facing its own potential upheaval with discussions of $10,00 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Biglaw Firm Delights Associates with Festive Bonus Bonanza

Alston & Bird, a powerhouse in the legal industry, has ushered in the holiday season with a gleaming gift for its associates: a generous bonus! Reporting a staggering gross of $1,331,414,000 last year, according to the American a href=" 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
When AI Paused: Learning from the Temporary Shutdown of ChatGPT

Don McLean famously sang about the day the music died, a poignant metaphor that resonated on November 18, when digital silence befell users of AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude due to a temporary outage. This event wasn't just a minor in 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Top Biglaw Firm Davis Polk Leads as Premier Advisor in Law Firm Mega Mergers

In the high-stakes world of law firm mergers, one name stands out as the beacon of trust and credibility: Davis Polk & Wardwell. This prestigious firm has carved out a niche as the preferred counsel for some of the most significant law 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Filevine Expands Legal Tech Frontier with Acquisition of AI Innovator Pincites

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to revolutionizing legal technology, Filevine, a leading provider of legal operations software, has announced the acquisition of Pincites, a company at the forefront of AI-powered cont 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Navigating the Crossroads: Key Insights from the ABA's Latest AI in Law Report

As we approach the end of 2025, the legal sector stands at a critical juncture with Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping practices from the ground up. This year, AI has been a dominant theme across seminars, conferences, and industry 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Major Healthcare Shifts Expected in 2026 Following Bold Prior Authorization Reforms

In an unprecedented move, major healthcare payers committed to overhauling the prior authorization process in 2025, aiming to streamline healthcare delivery and reduce administrative burdens. As we venture into 2026, the healthcare sect 👉 Full story

December 23, 2025
Legal Roundup: Gummy Bears, Retaliatory Measures, and Resilience Training in the Spotlight

From gummy bear disputes to high-profile legal battles, the legal world is buzzing with intriguing cases and developments. Here’s a roundup of some noteworthy events capturing the legal landscape's current pulse.

JP Morgan is curren

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December 22, 2025
Lindsey Halligan's Tenacious Legal Battle Continues Amid DOJ's Appeal Efforts

In a recent twist to the ongoing legal saga, the Department of Justice has expressed its intention to appeal the decisions involving high-profile figures Comey and James, an action that underscores the complexities and relentless nature 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Exploring Agentic AI: The New Frontier in Legal Tech and Education

Just when the legal community was getting a grip on generative AI, a new concept has emerged to push the envelope further: agentic AI. But what does 'agentic' mean in this context, and why should legal professionals care?

David Colar

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December 22, 2025
No Christmas For You: The Historical Ban on Yuletide Joy

In 1659, Boston became the setting for a rather unusual chapter in the history of American holidays. A law was enacted that banned all Christmas celebrations, transforming December 25 from a day of merriment into just another winter's d 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Thomson Reuters White Paper Warns: AI's Impact on Legal Critical Thinking Skills

AI technology is increasingly pervasive across all sectors, including law, where it promises efficiency but also poses significant risks to the development of critical thinking skills among lawyers. A rec 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Seward & Kissel Joins The Holiday Bonus Festivities With Generous Payouts

Few events spread holiday cheer among employees quite like the announcement of year-end bonuses. This year, Seward & Kissel has decided to jump on the bonus bandwagon, bringing some festive joy to its hardworking staff with a newly anno 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
‘AI as a Public Health Tool’: Kara Peterson Advocates for Legal Access as a Fundamental Right

When Kara Peterson co-founded descrybe.ai, her vision extended beyond just creating another legal tech startup. She was on a mission to reframe access to legal information as a public health intervention, critical to societal well-being 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Merger Mania Expected to Ramp Up in Biglaw During 2026 as Firms Seek Survival Strategies

In the competitive landscape of Biglaw, the trend of law firm mergers shows no signs of slowing down. Following the recent announcement of Cadwalader's merger with Hogan Lovells, industry insiders predict a continuing wave of consolidat 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Exploring the Unique Pathways and Challenges in Boutique Law Practice with Sandra Cohen

In a recent episode of the Jabot podcast, hosted by Kathryn Rubino and an initiative by Above the Law, Sandra Cohen, co-managing partner at Cohen & Buckmann, delves into her intriguing transition from HR to law, and the distinct landsca 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Once A Real Estate Developer: The Mismatch of Economic Offers in Geopolitical Conflicts

Imagine you're a real estate developer, but instead of negotiating for land and building contracts, you're trying to solve some of the world's most intractable geopolitical issues. This scenario isn't just a thought experiment; it mirro 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Haynes Boone Matches Market with Black-Box Bonuses Amid Biglaw Year-End Rush

As year-end approaches and Biglaw firms scramble to announce competitive bonuses, the spotlight turns to Haynes Boone, a Texas powerhouse, which has successfully matched the coveted Cravath/Milbank bonus scale, albeit with its unique bl 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Legal Drama Unfolds: Lindsey Halligan's Controversial Role at SCOTUS in 2026

In an ongoing legal saga that has captured the nation's attention, the Justice Department has signaled its intent to appeal recent rulings in *US v. Comey* and *US v. James*. These cases involve charges against former political adversar 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Trump Administration Pushes Ambitious 2028 Deadline for Lunar Base with Iconic Golden Dome

In a bold move that underscores its commitment to reasserting American dominance in space, the Trump administration has unveiled a new space policy that includes the establishment of a manned lunar base by 2028, featuring a striking Gol 👉 Full story

December 22, 2025
Morning Docket Review: Dec 22, 2025 - From Legal Battles to AI and Gas Stoves

In a striking revelation that has stirred both political and legal circles, recent reports from The Guardian reveal that the Trump administration may have violated statutes concerning the disclosure of the Epstein files. The breach came 👉 Full story

December 21, 2025
Historic Law Firm Merger and Other Legal Landmarks Shape a Turbulent Holiday Season

In a monumental move just before the festive period, Cadwalader, America’s oldest law firm, is set to merge with global legal giant Hogan Lovells. The merger, confirmed after months of speculation, promises to create an unprecedented po 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
BigLaw Bonanza: Top Firms Shower Associates with Lucrative Bonuses

In a stunning display of generosity, leading law firms are setting new standards in associate compensation, with bonus announcements that are creating waves across the legal industry. WilmerHale leads the charge, demonstrating that havi 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
CMS Introduces ACCESS Model to Revolutionize Medicare with Outcome-Based Approaches

In a groundbreaking move, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have launched the ACCESS Model, an innovative framework aimed at transforming Medicare by focusing more rigorously on health outcomes rather than the volume of 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Survey Reveals High Stress Levels Among In-House Legal Department Leaders

In a revealing survey conducted by the Association of Corporate Counsel, an alarming number of in-house legal department leaders report experiencing "high or severe" levels of stress. The findings underscore the intense pressure and cha 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Anti-Zionism: The New Facade for Antisemitism

In a stirring address delivered by a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice at a Democratic Jewish gathering in Philadelphia, the intertwining of Jewish identity with Zionism was passionately defended, particularly as the world remembered t 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Test Your Legal Insight: ATL Launches Interactive Quiz on Top Outside Counsel

Earlier this month, Above the Law unveiled its prestigious 2025 Outside Counsel Rankings, spotlighting the elite law firms most favored by in-house counsel across the nation. This comprehensive list not only ranks firms but also gathers 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Why Novice Lawyers Should Embrace Volunteering at Legal Aid Clinics

In the high-stakes world of law, where every detail matters and every minute counts, novice lawyers are often relegated to the sidelines of big cases, observing rather than acting. This is due to the unde 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Early Recruitment in Biglaw Challenges First-Year Law Students

Philadelphia, PA – The fast-paced world of Biglaw is now reaching into the lives of first-year law students at an unprecedented pace, pushing them to make career-defining decisions far earlier than before. According to Anna DiSalvo K 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
No True Bill for Letitia James: A Series of Failed Legal Pursuits by US Attorney Halligan

On a recent Wednesday, the legal community watched as another attempt by US Attorney Lindsey Halligan to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James crumbled in spec 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Redefining the Legal Landscape: AI-Driven Firms Set to Transform Traditional Legal Services

In the realm of law, the winds of change are blowing, challenging the traditional structure of law firms and reshaping the future of legal services. An emerging trend sees artificial intelligence not just as a tool but as a foundational 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Avast Ye Mateys! Republicans Introduce Bill To Bring Back Pirates To Fight Drug Cartels

In an audacious move straight out of a historical adventure novel, Senator Mike Lee, alongside House sponsor Rep. Tim Burchett, has introduced the "Cartel Marque and Reprisal Reauthorization Act". This legislation seeks to revive an 18t 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
King & Spalding Joins the Bonus Frenzy with Hefty Holiday Payouts

Amidst a bustling holiday season, King & Spalding, a top-tier Biglaw firm, has officially announced their year-end bonuses, sparking excitement among their hardworking associates. The firm, which has seen a substantial gross revenue of 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
WilmerHale Celebrates Legal Triumph with Generous Associate Bonuses Amid Trump’s Legal Battles

In a bold move that has resonated through the corridors of power and law, WilmerHale has stood firm against a daunting executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at crippling elite law firms. This year, the firm not only s 👉 Full story