Law news from across the country

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

👉 Full story

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

December 19, 2025
Morrison & Foerster Shatters Industry Norms with Triple-Layered Bonus Structure, Offers Up to $218K for Associates

In a groundbreaking move, Morrison & Foerster, ranked No. 40 on the Am Law 100 with a gross revenue of over $1.4 billion in 2024, has set a new precedent in the legal industry by offering a triple-layered bonus structure to its associat 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
From Pilot to Playbook: The Nonprofit Transformation Through AI

What happens when a nonprofit turns to artificial intelligence (AI) not just for technological advancement but for practical solutions? The latest episode of the UpLevel View podcast reveals exactly that, featuring insights from Brandi 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Filevine's DraftAI Revolutionizes Legal Document Creation, Saving Lawyers Precious Time

After establishing itself as a leader in case management software, Filevine has once again innovated the legal tech landscape with its latest feature, DraftAI. This new tool promises to drastically cut down the time a href="https://njla 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Legal Luminaries and High-Stakes Hearings: This Week’s Top Appellate Litigation Updates

DC Circuit to Likely Dismiss Peter Navarro’s Appeal on Executive Privilege

The DC Circuit is poised to reject Peter Navarro’s contempt appeal, which hinges on a broad theory of executive privilege. This development comes after

👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Small Business Forced to Rename Product After Trademark Dispute with Koozie Group

In the often cutthroat world of business trademarks, a small Newfane-based company, Better Wheel Workshops, found themselves at the losing end of a trademark dispute with the Koozie Group, a large corporation from Clearwater, Florida. T 👉 Full story

December 19, 2025
Morning Docket Sheds Light on a Tumultuous Week in Law and Politics

In a series of legal and political twists, former President Donald Trump has issued directives to loosen marijuana restrictions, a move that came just after he approved stringent laws against hemp. This contradictory policy-making has s 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Historic Merger Creates Fifth Largest Law Firm Globally!

In a groundbreaking move reshaping the legal landscape, Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader have announced a definitive merger agreement, positioning the new entity as the fifth largest law firm worldwide by revenue. This merger combines Hogan 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Top Law Schools Forecast a 'Brutal' Admissions Cycle Ahead for Prospective Students

Aspiring law students are bracing for what experts are calling one of the most competitive admissions cycles in recent history. With a surge in high-quality applicants and climbing LSAT and GPA medians, top law schools are expected to t 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Biglaw Firm Hired to Investigate Michigan Football Amidst Scandal and Coach’s Arrest

In a striking turn of events that has rocked the University of Michigan and its esteemed football program, the recent firing and subsequent arrest of coach Sherrone Moore have prompted the university to seek external help to unravel the 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Man Arrested for Meme Sues for Violation of First Amendment Rights

In a case that underscores the tension between national security and free speech, Larry Bushart has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Perry County, Tennessee law enforcement. Bushart was arrested on September 21 and detained for 37 d 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Shocking Allegations of Rape and Abuse Surface at Prominent Law Firm DLA Piper

A serious lawsuit has emerged against DLA Piper, one of the largest law firms globally, as a former associate, referred to as Jane Doe, has filed a harrowing legal complaint. The suit alleges that Brian Biggs, a former partner at the fi 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Dershowitz Stirs Controversy with Claims on Trump's Third Term Eligibility

Alan Dershowitz, once a revered Harvard Law School scholar, seems to have veered into contentious territory with his forthcoming book, *Could President Trump Constitutionally Serve a Third Term?* Set for release in March, the book chall 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
AI Revolutionizes Legal Practice: ABA Task Force Declares AI Essential Infrastructure

In a landmark announcement, the American Bar Association's (ABA) special task force has officially recognized artificial intelligence (AI) as not just an experimental technology, but a fundamental infrastructure within the legal profess 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Building Economic Resilience: 4 Strategies for Law Firms to Thrive Amid Uncertainty

Even during prosperous times, unforeseen economic challenges might be just around the corner. As such, it is imperative for law firms to reinforce their economic resilience to ensure long-term success. Kelley Brubaker, a seasoned fracti 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Unlock a Year of Success: Embrace Your 2026 Daily Affirmations for Personal and Professional Growth

In a dynamic fusion of technology and motivational wisdom, a new digital companion, Ask Frank, is offering young lawyers and professionals a unique tool: a year-long journey of daily affirmations designed 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Legal Sector at a Crossroads: Key Distinctions Between Professional and Consumer AI

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, the legal profession stands at a crucial juncture. The choice between consumer-grade AI and professional-grade AI is not merely a technical decision but a strategic one that 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Boutique Law Firm in Austin Shatters Industry Standards with Record-Breaking Bonuses

In a stunning display of financial appreciation, Gjerset & Lorenz, a healthcare-focused boutique law firm based in Austin, Texas, has set a new precedent in associate bonuses this season, dwarfing established market rates with payouts t 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Cadwalader Joins Forces with Hogan Lovells in Groundbreaking Law Firm Merger

In a move set to reshape the legal landscape, Cadwalader, Wall Street's most venerable law firm, announced today it will merge with multinational giant Hogan Lovells. The merger, poised to be the largest in the history of law firms, sig 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
From Briefs to Blazers: The Dual Success of Jessica Markham in Law and Fashion

In Potomac, Maryland, a unique boutique not only offers exclusive fashion but also tells the inspiring story of its owner, Jessica Markham, who manages dual careers as a family law attorney and a boutique 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Stepping Up in Law: Harnessing Reflection for New Year Momentum

As the calendar turns, the new year offers a unique energy and opportunity for legal professionals—from solo practitioners and small firm owners to law students and managing attorneys—to not just reflect, 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Holiday Parties: Yay Or Nay? Office Festivities Under Scrutiny

Is there anything worse than a holiday office party? For many, the answer might be a resounding "yes." The thought of spending hours with colleagues in a social setting outside the structured environment of work seems less than appealin 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Coalition of Pharmacy Groups Calls on Congress for Urgent PBM Reform

In a significant move aimed at overhauling the pharmaceutical landscape, a broad coalition of pharmacy organizations has made an urgent plea to Congress to enact critical reforms on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). This call to action 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Morgan Lewis Sets Bar High with Early and Stealthy Bonus Match

This year’s bonus season in the world of Biglaw has been fiercely competitive, with firms scrambling to match or exceed the generous benchmarks set by Cravath and Milbank. However, it appears that Morgan Lewis, a formidable player in th 👉 Full story

December 18, 2025
Legal Landscape Shaken Up: From Tariff Troubles to AI in Law and Beyond

In a momentous week, the Trump administration gears up for a significant defeat in the Supreme Court over its tariff policies, underlining ongoing critiques of the administration's legal acumen. Politico's latest analysis suggests a pat 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Boutique Law Firms Shatter Expectations with Record-Shattering Bonuses

In an unprecedented display of financial appreciation, boutique law firm Bursor & Fisher has set a new industry standard by offering associate bonuses of up to $770,000, significantly outpacing the market. This staggering figure highlig 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Boutique Trial Firm Hueston Hennigan Surprises Associates with Major Bonuses

No one likes another call when they’re already swamped with work, but Hueston Hennigan just gave all of their associates a reason to be happy about the phone going off. The boutique trial firm saw some huge wins this year, allowing them 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
High-Profile Attorney Takes on Nick Reiner's Defense in Alleged Parental Murder Case

In a shocking turn of events that has gripped Hollywood, Nick Reiner, son of acclaimed director and actor Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner, has been charged with the murder of his parents. To represent him in court, Nic 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
2025: A Year of Turmoil for Trump's Justice Department

They shoot first, they aim later, and even then, they miss. This stark critique from former prosecutor Gene Rossi encapsulates the tumultuous year endured by the Justice Department under Donald Trump’s administration in 2025. Rossi's 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Brand New Biglaw Firm HSF Kramer Announces Generous Associate Bonuses

In a thrilling development for legal professionals, the newly formed Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) has announced its inaugural bonus scale for associates, setting a high bar in the competitive Biglaw environment. The firm, 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Navigating the Transition: Strategies for Returning to Law Practice After Parental Leave

The return to a bustling law firm after parental leave can feel as daunting as the first day of a legal career. For many, like Dana, a senior associate, stepping back into the fast-paced environment brings not only operational challenge 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Foley & Lardner Sets New Standards with Generous Bonus Structure for Hardworking Associates

In a move that underscores its commitment to rewarding hard work, the prestigious law firm Foley & Lardner has announced a new bonus structure that significantly exceeds market rates for its most industrious associates. This initiative 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Oval Office Outdoes Scrooge: A Less Christmassy President Unimaginable

With the holiday season upon us, one would hope to see a sprinkle of Christmas cheer from the highest office in the land. Yet, the current occupant of the Oval Office, President Donald Trump, seems to embody a spirit far removed from th 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Elite IP Boutique Surpasses Biglaw with Exceptional Associate Bonuses

Whoever coined the phrase "bigger is better" clearly hadn't considered the dynamic world of elite boutique law firms. In the competitive arena of legal practices, it's not always the largest firms that lead the pack in associate compens 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
AI Unleashed: Pentagon’s New Bot Calls Out War Crimes, While Legal and Corporate Worlds Reel

In a startling revelation that underscores the complex intersection of technology, law, and ethics, the Pentagon's latest acquisition—a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) system—has swiftly generated waves across the political a 👉 Full story

December 17, 2025
Small Firm, Big Money: Boutique Law Firm Matches Biglaw Bonuses with an Extra Twist

Here we go again: Yet another boutique law firm is stepping up to the plate to offer its associates Biglaw bonus money. Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes, a litigation firm founded in 2021, is making headlines by not only matching the Cravat 👉 Full story