Today's Legal Pulse
Biden sues DOJ to block release of interview audio
President Biden filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the Department of Justice from publishing an audio interview, arguing the release would be improper. The action has sparked political commentary, including remarks from former President Trump.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader clear final merger hurdles
Data Collection in Occupied Territory: A Closer Read of Cyber Law Toolkit Scenario 35
The Cyber Law Toolkit’s Scenario 35 dissects a hypothetical occupying power’s mass data‑collection program—rerouting internet traffic, door‑to‑door reporting, and daily checkpoint interrogations—and measures it against international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). The analysis concludes the bulk surveillance likely violates Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, breaches the collective‑punishment prohibition of Article 33, and fails the ICCPR’s requirement for a precise, necessary legal basis. It stresses that security‑driven data gathering must be narrowly tailored, proportionate, and legally grounded. Practitioners receive a dual‑regime checklist to evaluate compliance.
How ADR Notable Helps Mediators And Arbitrators Run Secure, Efficient Cases
In this episode, Gary Dornhafer, founder and CEO of ADR Notable, explains how his platform addresses the unique workflow needs of mediators and arbitrators, from secure document handling and private vs. public communications to specialized billing and scheduling tools. He...
Trump Admin Revives COVID Origins Debate with Indictment
The Justice Department has indicted David Morens, a former senior adviser at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on conspiracy and record‑tampering charges for allegedly deleting emails and routing communications to a personal account to hide information about...
India Bans Ashwagandha Leaf Use in Any Form, Industry Reacts
India's Food Safety and Standards Authority has banned the use of ashwagandha leaf in all food and supplement products, limiting the herb to root‑only extracts. The directive follows an Ayush ministry letter citing a 2024 safety dossier that flags higher...
Why Sharing a Screenshot Can Get You Jailed in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is enforcing its cyber‑crime law, especially Article 52, to punish the spread of false or destabilising online content during emergencies. Minimum penalties jump from one year in prison and a $27,000 fine to two years and $54,000...
CCI Clears Mizuho Securities Stake Purchase in Avendus Capital
The Competition Commission of India approved Mizuho Securities' purchase of a stake in merchant banker Avendus Capital, a firm with operations in India, Singapore, the US and the UK. The regulator also cleared the merger of three edible‑oil companies—A1 Agri...
FTC and States Target Alleged Collusion in Digital Ad Agency Market
The Federal Trade Commission, together with a coalition of state attorneys general, filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging that major digital‑advertising agencies coordinated pricing, placement and information‑sharing practices. The complaint targets the intermediary ad‑agency layer, expanding enforcement beyond dominant platforms like...
U.S. DOL Proposes New Joint-Employer Rule
On April 23, 2026 the U.S. Department of Labor issued a proposed rule that would define when two or more entities are considered joint employers under the FLSA, FMLA and MSPA. The rule revives the 2020 framework but adds a...
California AG Bonta Has Everything He Needs to Open a Criminal Investigation Into Musk and DOGE. Today I’m Submitting a...
A Substack author has submitted a prosecution investigation referral memorandum to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, demanding a criminal probe into Elon Musk’s DOGE for alleged unauthorized transfer of Social Security Administration data and voter‑fraud related activities. The demand cites...
SFO and OAK Resolve Trademark Lawsuit Over Airport Name
The City and County of San Francisco and the Port of Oakland have settled their trademark lawsuit, confirming that the Oakland airport will continue to be officially named “Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport.” The agreement, posted on both airports’ websites, ends a branding dispute...
Miller Thomson Adds Perry Kiefer as a Corporate Tax Partner in Saskatoon
Miller Thomson LLP announced the addition of Perry Kiefer as a partner in its Saskatoon corporate tax group. Kiefer, a former partner at Felesky Flynn, brings extensive experience in corporate and personal tax planning, reorganizations, M&A, and estate matters. His...
Hikma and Amarin's Generic Drug Case Heads to Supreme Court Arguments
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week in the dispute between Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Amarin over a prescription‑strength fish‑oil pill, the first generic challenge to Amarin’s Vascepa. The case centers on whether the FDA’s bioequivalence standards and the...
The Supreme Court Seems Likely to Shut Down a Lawsuit by Falun Gong over Ciscos Aid to China
The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to dismiss the Falun Gong lawsuit accusing Cisco of providing technology that enabled persecution in China. The case hinges on whether Cisco can be held liable under the Alien Tort Statute and the Torture...
FCC Orders Early Renewals for ABC TV Licenses Following Scrutiny Over Kimmel Joke
The Federal Communications Commission ordered eight ABC‑owned and operated TV stations to file broadcast‑license renewals by May 28, 2026, two years ahead of the 2028 deadline. The move coincides with a year‑long FCC probe into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices...
Unified Employee Data Makes SOC 2 Compliance Effortless
Hot take: compliance feels complex because of how it gets handled. SOC 2 turns painful when teams try to recreate reality inside a compliance tool using integrations, exports, and manual checks. That’s what turns it into a second job. @Rippling takes a different...
Government of Canada Terminates Spire Global Canada’s $72 Million WildFireSat Contract
The Canadian government terminated its $71.8 million CAD (≈$52 million USD) Phase B‑C contract with Spire Global Canada for the WildFireSat satellite constellation, effective immediately. The agreement, signed in February 2025, would have funded design and development of ten small satellites aimed at real‑time...
Virginia’s Paid Family Leave Law Signals Shift in the South
Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Virginia’s paid family and medical leave law on April 22, making the Commonwealth the 15th state—and the first in the South—to enact a statewide paid leave program. The legislation will begin disbursing benefits in December 2028,...
Trial Presentation Checklist: The Roadmap to a Winning Argument
Nextpoint has published a trial presentation checklist that walks lawyers through every step of preparing courtroom evidence, from selecting the right technology to crafting minimalist slides and integrating video depositions. The guide stresses dynamic software like Nextpoint Theater, real‑time exhibit...
Steps to Take After a Workers’ Comp Denial
A workers’ compensation denial can halt medical treatment and wage replacement, but the decision is not final. Claimants should first dissect the denial letter to understand the specific reasons and any missing evidence. Gathering comprehensive documentation—medical reports, timesheets, incident logs,...
Maine Launches 12‑Week Paid Leave for All Workers
MAINE ROLLS OUT PAID LEAVE (Starting May 1st) Your Mamattorney explains: ✅ 12 weeks ✅ max $1,200 per week ✅ for recovery (including birth), medical caretaking, bonding, safety leave Self-employed folks can opt-in! Very cool -->
Unprotected LLM Output Gives Government Power to Censor
"If the outputs of large language models were not treated as protected expression, the government would have sweeping power to dictate what they can and cannot say—even what they must say." https://t.co/fRPnCFjG3B
As Legal Challenges Mount, What’s Next for the Chetrits?
The Chetrit brothers, Meyer and Joseph, are confronting mounting legal and financial pressures, including a $132 million judgment from Maverick Real Estate Partners tied to a recourse guaranty, and a $39 million fire‑damage verdict. Allegations range from misappropriating tenant security deposits to...
Targeting Only Democratic‑Led States, 5 of 5 Wins
Continuing its battle only against states with Democratic Governors and Attorney Generals. 5 out of 5 so far (NY, AZ, CT, IL & WI). That is not a coincidence.
FCC Probes Bridge News for Unauthorized License Control Transfer
Isn't it clearer than that @brianstelter? @FCC Media Bureau said it was investigating Bridge News "for possible violations of the @FCC’s prohibition on unauthorized transfers of control of the station licenses." https://t.co/G9yDWJxuX7
Polymarket Reportedly Seeking CFTC Approval to Reopen Main Exchange to U.S. Traders
Polymarket is petitioning the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to lift the ban on U.S. traders from its main, offshore prediction‑market platform, a restriction imposed after a 2022 settlement. The CFTC must vote on the request, a process that could be...
SEBI Weighs Uniform Regime for Options Strike Prices
India’s securities regulator, SEBI, is reviewing a proposal to institute a uniform regime for options strike prices across exchanges. The plan would let exchanges introduce new strike levels during market hours, especially when underlying assets experience sharp intraday moves, eliminating...
Elon, Sam, OpenAI’s Trial Comments Seen as Unusual
I wondered if the judge would comment on Elon, Sam and OpenAI posting about the trial as it got underway. From what I know, it's such an abnormal thing to do and usually seem as very inappropriate.
Manifest OS Raises $60m Series A to Build AI-Native Law Firm Model
Manifest OS, a New York‑based legal‑tech startup, closed a $60 million Series A round at a $750 million valuation, backed by Menlo Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, First Round Capital and Quiet Capital. The funding will fuel the development of an AI‑native law firm model...
Manifest OS Raises $60m Series A to Build AI-Native Law Firm Model
New York‑based startup Manifest OS closed a $60 million Series A round, valuing the company at $750 million. Backed by Menlo Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, First Round Capital and Quiet Capital, the funding will fuel its AI‑native law‑firm model that offers fixed‑fee and outcomes‑based...
Virginia Dark‑pattern Lawsuit Adds to Growing Legal Wave
The latest dark pattern lawsuit was filed in Virginia earlier in April, but it's only the latest of a long series of similar actions. Here's all we know. https://t.co/YDAR8vo96v
Inheritance Tax on Pensions Set for 2027 Spurs Shift to Annuities and Estate Planning
The UK government will extend inheritance tax to unused pension funds and certain death benefits starting April 2027, a change announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the 2024 autumn budget. Savers are already moving away from pure retirement income products...
Fragmented AI Policy Threatens US Leadership as Government Scrambles to Keep Pace
Appian Corp. announced that its new head of government relations, Joe Vidulich, is actively engaging federal and state policymakers to address AI policy fragmentation. Speaking at Appian World 2026, Vidulich warned that 50 separate state AI rules create a chaotic...
Maine Governor Veto Opens Way for Jay Data Center and Rural Fiber Rollout
Maine Governor Janet Mills vetoed a statewide data‑center moratorium, clearing regulatory hurdles for a new data center at the former Androscoggin Mill in Jay. The move accelerates the rollout of the MooseNet‑backed fiber network that will bring high‑speed broadband to...
Harvey and Ansarada Unite to Offer Secure AI‑Powered Deal Document Workflows
Harvey and Ansarada have launched a partnership that integrates Ansarada’s AI‑driven virtual data rooms with Harvey’s legal AI platform, enabling secure, end‑to‑end deal document analysis and drafting. The integration preserves permissions, audit trails and governance, promising faster due‑diligence for law...
DOJ Joins xAI in Federal Suit to Block Colorado AI Hiring Law
The U.S. Department of Justice filed an amicus brief on April 24, joining Elon Musk’s xAI in a federal lawsuit seeking to halt Colorado’s Anti‑Discrimination in AI Act before it takes effect on June 30. The challenge argues the law...
Judge Gives Maurene Comey Green Light to Sue DOJ over Firing
A Manhattan federal judge granted Maurene Comey permission to pursue her lawsuit against the Justice Department for her July 2024 termination. Judge Jesse Furman concluded that her firing, ordered under the Constitution's Article II authority, falls outside the Civil Service Reform...
Sidley Adds Katarina Molnarova as Partner to Expand Global Finance Practice
Sidley Austin has appointed Katarina Molnarova as a partner in its Global Finance practice, enhancing the firm’s private‑credit and cross‑border debt expertise. The hire follows more than a dozen finance‑focused partner additions in the past two years, signaling Sidley’s aggressive...
House Passes IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act
The U.S. House approved the bipartisan IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act (H.R. 7959) by a 346‑10 vote, sending the measure to the Senate. The legislation tightens the appeals process by allowing new evidence in Tax Court and guarantees anonymity for whistleblowers...
FTC Says $2.1 Billion Lost to Social‑Media Scams in 2025, Facebook Leads the Way
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission disclosed that Americans lost $2.1 billion to social‑media scams in 2025, an eightfold jump since 2020. Facebook alone was linked to $794 million of those losses, while investment, shopping and romance scams drove the bulk of the...
Apple and Google Thwart California “Based Act,” Preserving Digital Ad Data Practices
Apple and Google successfully blocked the California‑based “Based Act” after an intensive lobbying campaign, preserving their existing data‑collection frameworks. The defeat halts a bill that would have limited platform advantages in app stores and search, a move that could have...
Frequency of Medical Liability Lawsuits Is Declining, but Risk Remains for Doctors: AMA
The American Medical Association’s latest Physician Practice Benchmark Survey shows that the proportion of doctors sued at least once dropped to 28.7% in 2024 from 31.2% in 2022, indicating a modest decline in medical‑liability lawsuits. However, litigation risk remains concentrated...
Illumination Zone: Episode 230 | Jeff Shapiro of HaystackID Sits Down with Mary Mack and Holley Robinson
Jeff Shapiro, Managing Director for Europe at HaystackID, joins EDRM’s Illumination Zone podcast to discuss his eDiscovery career and the looming EU e‑Evidence Regulation deadline. He explains how the new rule forces law firms and service providers to adapt quickly...
Update: Florida AG Subpoenas Plastics Industry Groups, Brands Amid Antitrust Investigation
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued civil investigative demands to major consumer‑product companies—including Unilever, Coca‑Cola, Target, Nestlé and Mondelez—and to environmental coalitions such as the U.S. Plastics Pact and the Consumer Goods Forum. The subpoenas, filed April 21, seek communications, policy...
CFTC Deploys AI to Streamline Crypto Registrations and Boost Market Surveillance
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced a rollout of artificial‑intelligence systems to automate crypto registration reviews and enhance trade surveillance. Chairman Mike Selig says the tools will help the agency maintain oversight despite a workforce reduction of more than one‑fifth.
SMCR Reform: Key Aspects of Firm and Individual Notifications
The PRA and FCA issued Phase 1 SMCR reforms on 21 April, largely effective 24 April, to give firms more flexibility and cut administrative load. Highlights include extending criminal‑record‑check validity to six months, a revised 12‑week rule that lets senior managers act while...
FCC Moves to Challenge ABC Licenses After Kimmel Monologue
FCC plans to challenge ABC’s broadcast licenses after Kimmel monologue, sources tell me & @rogoswami https://t.co/HAi0WLFXfZ
Former FCC Staffers Agree: Brendan Carr Needs to Be Stopped
Former FCC commissioners and staffers from both parties have filed a petition urging the D.C. Circuit Court to compel the commission to vote on repealing the News Distortion Policy, a rule dating back to 1949. Chairman Brendan Carr has revived...
New York Proposes an Additional Layer of Legal Protection to Those Profiting From Injecting Vaccines
New York is introducing Senate Bill A9140, which would grant blanket legal immunity to doctors, pharmacists and other entities that prescribe, dispense, order, furnish, or administer vaccines to minors. The bill bars any civil lawsuit alleging injury, including residual effects,...
Conservation Groups Challenge EPA In West Virginia Regional Haze Lawsuit
Three conservation groups have filed a response in the Fourth Circuit challenging the EPA’s approval of West Virginia’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan. The groups argue the plan relies on a Trump‑era policy that lets the state skip the Clean...
CLM Redefined: Why Context-First Architecture Matters
M-Files argues that contract lifecycle management (CLM) must shift from a file‑centric, digitisation focus to a context‑first, metadata‑driven architecture. In an AI‑enabled, regulated environment, contracts are strategic assets that allocate risk, drive revenue recognition, and dictate compliance, not merely documents...