Today's Legal Pulse
UK pushes commonhold reform to boost housing supply
The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill proposes abolishing leasehold and mandating new homes be sold as commonhold, tying the change to a target of delivering 1.5 million homes annually—the highest since 1968. The model remains untested, with fewer than 25 developments and unresolved issues around dispute resolution.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader clear final merger hurdles
Australia Launches Tripartite Forum to Govern Workplace AI
Australia's Albanese government has inaugurated the AI Employment and Workplaces Forum, a tripartite body that brings together unions, major employer groups and the government to set guardrails on AI use in workplaces. The inaugural meeting in Adelaide this week marks the first formal step toward a national AI‑at‑work regulatory framework, while deliberately stopping short of giving unions a veto over AI deployment.
U.S. News Unveils 2026 Best Law Firms to Work For, Shaping Recruitment Landscape
U.S. News & World Report announced its 2026 Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms rankings, evaluating firms on pay, benefits, work‑life balance and professional development. The list, compiled with SurePoint Technologies and Revelio Labs, requires at least ten Glassdoor...
Pa. Supreme Court Orders 2020 Records for DHS Conspiracy Theorist
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that election officials in Lycoming County must hand over 2020 voting records to Heather Honey — an election conspiracy theorist currently serving in a leadership role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/court-gives-dhs-conspiracy-theorist-access-to-2020-election-data/
FTC Settlement Compels Express Scripts to Offer Cheaper Insulin Options
The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with Cigna's Express Scripts, the first of three major pharmacy benefit managers to be sued over insulin pricing. The agreement obligates the PBM to place the lowest‑cost drug on patients' formularies, though it...
Reindorf Claims Legal Loophole to Erase Gender Reassignment Protection
Reindorf thinks she's found a legal way of eliminating the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. Cc @speakoutsister
RBI Orders Banks to Report All Rupee‑Linked Forex Derivative Trades, Including Offshore
The Reserve Bank of India has mandated that all banks disclose every foreign‑exchange derivative involving the rupee—both onshore and offshore—within two working days. The rule covers group entities worldwide, with only trades under $1 million exempt, aiming to bring previously hidden...
Google Inks $200 Million Classified AI Contract with Pentagon
Alphabet’s Google has entered a classified agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, permitting the Pentagon to deploy Google’s AI models for any lawful government purpose. The deal, valued at up to $200 million, includes safeguards against domestic mass surveillance and...
Court Struck Down Controversial $25,000 Ban From Simply Entering Wooded Areas in Nova Scotia
A Nova Scotia Supreme Court justice struck down a $25,000 CAD (≈$18,500 USD) fine that barred anyone from entering wooded areas during a wildfire‑season restriction imposed in August 2025. The ban, introduced by former natural‑resources minister Tory Rushton, was challenged after activist...
Coinbase Partners with Nium to Broaden USDC Payouts for Banks and Businesses
Coinbase announced a partnership with payments‑technology firm Nium to enable banks and businesses to send, receive, convert and spend USDC, the market’s second‑largest stablecoin. The deal follows Coinbase’s recent conditional approval for an OCC trust charter, positioning the exchange to...
Senate Nears May Markup of Crypto CLARITY Act Amid Lummis Push and Industry Ultimatum
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis announced that the Senate Banking Committee will likely markup the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act in May. The timeline is being accelerated by a coordinated industry letter from more than 120 crypto firms and a looming...
People
Justin Faulb, after a decade at the Federal Communications Commission, has been appointed senior vice president, Policy and General Counsel at NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, effective May 11. At the FCC, Faulb served as chief of staff and legal advisor...
26-622 - Bruner V. State of Oklahoma Et Al
On April 1, 2026, Magistrate Judge Chris M. Stephens recommended dismissing Bruner’s petition for a writ of mandamus without prejudice. The recommendation was adopted in full by Chief Judge Scott L. Palk on April 27, 2026, resulting in an official dismissal of the case....
Polymarket Seeks End to CFTC Trading Ban
Polymarket has formally asked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to lift the ban that prevents U.S. customers from accessing its prediction‑market platform. The company has been “technically banned” in the United States since a 2022 settlement that included a $1.4 million...
YC Maintains a Blacklist of Lawyers to Avoid
I was today years old when i learned that YC has a lawyers NOT to work with list 😂😂😂
How Unstoppable AI Is Reshaping UK Legal Practice
AI is rapidly reshaping legal practice in the United Kingdom, where lawtech investment rose more than a third in 2025, setting a new record. A pragmatic regulatory framework and the absence of a U.S.-style unauthorized‑practice rule give UK firms an...
James Comey Responds to Indictment Over Seashell Photo: ‘I’m Still Not Afraid’
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in North Carolina on two counts—threatening to kill or injure President Donald Trump and transmitting that threat via Instagram. The indictment stems from a beach photo of...
Solicitor Who Fabricated Attendance Note Escapes Strike-Off
A London solicitor, Undiga Emuekpere, fabricated a cost‑warning attendance note and was suspended for two years, sidestepping the usual strike‑off for dishonesty. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal deemed the misconduct an isolated incident without financial motive, deeming a strike‑off disproportionate. Riverbrooke...
The OIA Is Getting Faster While the System It Depends on Gets Slower
The Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) recorded a historic 4,234 complaints in 2025, a 17% increase from the previous year and the first time receipts topped 4,000. The complaint rate per 100,000 students surged to roughly 166, four times...
Fine for Drunk Barrister Who Collapsed at Court
The Bar Standards Board fined barrister James Frederick Hankinson £1,000 (≈ $1,270) after he collapsed at Maidstone County Court while visibly intoxicated, forcing an adjournment and a client‑sponsored senior replacement. Hankinson voluntarily withdrew from practice for five months, compensated the client...
Face Serum Advert Banned over 'Five Years Younger' Claim
The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned Eucerin’s billboard for the Hyaluron‑Filler Epigenetic Serum after deeming its "up to five years younger" claim misleading. The advert relied on a self‑reported study of 160 participants, lacking a control group, UK‑specific testing,...
First Batch of Credit Hire Claims Processed by Arbitration Pilot
Nuvalaw’s Interact platform processed its first batch of credit‑hire arbitration claims, resolving 15 cases each under £25,000 (≈$31,750). The pilot, involving law firm Winn Solicitors and insurer esure, delivered awards in an average of eight days with fees between £350...
James Comey Indicted over Social Media Post Trump's DOJ Says Crossed a Line
Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for a second time, this time on two felony counts of threatening President Trump’s life. The indictment stems from a 2025 social‑media post showing seashells that spelled “86 47,” which the Justice Department alleges is...
The Legal AF Evening Briefing
The Legal AF Evening Briefing covered five headline‑making legal battles. Katie Phang discussed suing the Trump DOJ for alleged violations of the Epstein Transparency Act, while Ron DeSantis admitted his newly drawn Florida congressional map breaches the state constitution and could help Democrats....
Firm Leaders 'Determined' To Train Attorneys to Avoid Using AI-Produced Mistakes
Law firms are rolling out comprehensive training programs to ensure attorneys recognize and avoid errors generated by artificial‑intelligence tools. Partners like Robert Hays of King & Spalding say clients demand AI adoption, but only if it is used responsibly and...
Legaltech Connect: How Baker & Hostetler, Eversheds Prepare Staff for AI Adoption
Law firms Baker & Hostetler and Eversheds Sutherland are actively preparing their attorneys and support personnel for generative AI integration. They have rolled out firm‑wide training programs, pilot projects in contract analysis, and dedicated ethics oversight bodies. The initiatives aim...
The Push for New York for All
The episode is a lyrical commentary on New York’s political gridlock, focusing on a controversial state act that could shift power to federal authorities and affect local control over infrastructure like airports and public transit. It criticizes leaders—dubbed “Mom Donnie”—for...
Nexstar CEO Declares No DEI Programs Amid FCC Approval
A fair and balanced report would have noted that on March 19, 2026, the date of the @FCC Media Bureau's approval of Nexstar-TEGNA, @NXSTMediaGroup CEO Perry Sook wrote @BrendanCarrFCC to say, “Nexstar does not have DEI programs in place today...
Legal Tech’s Future Explored with Winston Weinberg
If you want to know what is happening in the world of legal tech and the future of the legal profession, you do not want to miss this great conversation when @winstonweinberg of @Harveyaisol joins me on the latest episode...
Oakland’s Airport Name Dispute Finally Lands After 2 Years of Legal Turbulence
After two years of lawsuits over a trademark dispute, the Port of Oakland and the city of San Francisco reached a settlement that preserves the airport’s new name, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport. The agreement allows the name to stay,...
CyberHeed Pushes Beyond Checkbox Compliance with SmartPrep
CyberHeed, a Melbourne startup, is expanding its SmartPrep platform to serve as a foundational "compliance brain" for organizations at any maturity level. The tool reuses up to 60% of work across different GRC frameworks, shifting focus from certificate‑driven compliance to...
Morens' Records Evasion Sparks False Conspiracy, Political Persecution
David Morens should not have evaded public records laws. There were no records destroyed & all the messages in question were colleagues blowing off steam & talking shit. The “conspiracy” is made up. This is political persecution, not legitimate prosecution for...
Trump's Shameful Effort to Deport Russian Dissenters Fleeing Putin
The Trump administration has accelerated the deportation of Russian asylum seekers who fled Vladimir Putin’s war, with estimates from Russian America for Democracy in Russia indicating hundreds have been returned to Russia. Detainees include a former soldier, an opposition activist,...
Tech Lobbyists Hard At Work Undermining Proposed Alaska ‘Right To Repair’ Law
Lawmakers in Alaska are considering two right‑to‑repair bills that would amend the state’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, obligating tech manufacturers to supply parts, tools, and software to independent repair shops and consumers. The proposals enjoy bipartisan public...
Jackson Lewis Spotlighted as Daily Report Litigation Department of the Year Finalist
Jackson Lewis has been spotlighted as a finalist for Daily Report’s Litigation Department of the Year in the Labor and Employment category, recognizing the firm’s standout performance in 2025. The accolade highlights a series of high‑value wins and a 15%...
The New Rules of Federal Contracting: Redefining DEI Compliance
President Trump’s Executive Order 14398 mandates that all federal contracts prohibit racially discriminatory DEI activities. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council issued FAR 52.222‑90, which takes effect on April 24 2026 for new contracts and requires existing contracts to be amended by July 24 2026. Contractors...
Federal Circuit Issues Mixed Ruling on Patent Eligibility for Non-Uniform Constellation Technology
The Federal Circuit partially reversed a district court ruling in Constellation Designs v. LG Electronics, vacating patent‑eligibility summary judgment for the company’s “optimization” claims while affirming eligibility for its “constellation” claims. The panel applied the Alice/Mayo two‑step test, finding the...
Ex-PM Sues Franklin Templeton, Says Cat Bond Fund's "Rules-Based" Process Was Rigged
A former portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton’s K2 Cat Bond UCITS fund alleges the fund’s purportedly "rules‑based" screening was deliberately altered to override sell signals and force purchases. He claims the overrides involved tampering with risk‑metric inputs, enabling a colleague...
IRS Clarifies Tax-Free Educational Assistance Cap to Adjust With Inflation Beginning in 2027
The IRS issued Fact Sheet 2026‑10 clarifying that the $5,250 tax‑free educational assistance limit stays flat for 2026 but will be indexed to the cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) starting in 2027. The guidance also makes employer‑paid qualified education‑loan payments a permanent benefit...
FCC Orders a Review of ABC’s Licenses Amid Feud Between Trump and Kimmel
The Federal Communications Commission ordered a comprehensive review of all broadcast licenses owned by ABC, marking an unprecedented regulatory move. The review is officially linked to an investigation of ABC's diversity and inclusion policies but coincides with President Trump’s public...
SEC Sues NY Private Equity Adviser Lucas over Alleged $8M Investor Cash Grab
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a civil lawsuit against New York private‑equity adviser Jay S. Lucas and his firm Lucas Brand Equity LLC, alleging that at least $8 million was diverted from three funds that raised over $50 million....
Ponzi Trustee Loses Bid to Reclaim Fees Rerouted to Dubai Shell Entity
On April 24, 2026, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. denied a Ponzi‑trustee’s bid to claw back management fees that had been rerouted to a newly formed Dubai shell, Altemere FZCO. The fees, $50,000 a month from Capital Strategies Fund’s...
Senate Democrat Condemns FCC Disney Review as Unconstitutional Censorship
Senate Democrat on early @FCC review of Disney broadcast licenses: "This is authoritarian censorship. It’s unconstitutional and unacceptable" https://t.co/BQw4DCMuDJ
Analyzing Indictment of James Comey for "86 47" Post
A federal grand jury indicted former FBI director James Comey on May 15, 2025, accusing him of making a “true threat” against President Donald Trump by posting an Instagram image of seashells spelling “86 47.” The indictment cites violations of 18...
Adriana Midence Discusses Achievements and Advice as a Distinguished Leader Honoree
Adriana R. Midence was spotlighted as a Distinguished Leader by Jackson Lewis, where she shared insights on leading by example, prioritizing tasks, and meticulous attention to detail. The Daily Report interview highlights her extensive experience in employment law and her commitment...
Compass, United the Latest to Settle in Tuccori
Compass and United Real Estate have entered settlement agreements in the Tuccori litigation and have asked the court to stay the related Batton 2 case, which alleges a commission‑inflation conspiracy. The settlements, if approved, would likely release both firms from all...
Black IP Lawyer Sues Gowling, Claims Toronto Office Held Her to Higher Standards than White Colleagues
Black former senior associate Natalia Thawe has sued Gowling WLG for wrongful dismissal and discrimination, alleging the Toronto office held her to higher standards, withheld work, and forced her out. She points to only four Black partners among more than 480...
SkyBell Technologies V. Alarm.com: Reverse Engineering Prohibitions and the Statute of Limitations Discovery Rule in Trade Secrets Litigation
SkyBell Technologies sued Alarm.com for alleged trade‑secret misappropriation of video‑doorbell technology, asserting that Alarm.com released knock‑off products after their Development and Integration Agreement (DIA) ended. Alarm.com moved to dismiss, arguing the claims were time‑barred under the three‑year statute of limitations...
EPA Workers Disciplined for Dissent Letter Get Legal Aid From Whistleblower Groups
More than 600 EPA employees signed a dissent letter criticizing Administrator Lee Zeldin, prompting the agency to suspend over 100 staff members last summer. Whistleblower groups Lawyers for Good Government and the Government Accountability Project announced they will represent dozens...
Private Funds and Unregistered Finders: How Fund Sponsors Can Avoid Unnecessary Risk
The article warns private‑fund sponsors that paying success‑based fees to unregistered third‑party finders for U.S. investor introductions creates broker‑dealer registration risk under the Exchange Act. The SEC never finalized its 2020 conditional exemption, so the formal broker‑dealer regime remains in...
Supreme Court Reinstates Texas Congressional Map Previously Rejected over Racial Gerrymandering
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a brief order reversing a district court injunction that had blocked Texas's 2025 congressional map for alleged racial gerrymandering. Citing its recent Abbott v. LULAC decision, the Court reinstated the Republican‑drawn districts for the 2026...