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
Former Twitter Lawyer Says He Received Threats of ‘World War III’ over Musk Acquisition Deal
Former Twitter attorney Martin Korman testified that Musk's lawyer warned a forced completion would be "World War III to the end of time." He also disclosed attempts to resolve the bot‑account dispute, including offers for joint data‑science analysis that Musk ignored. The testimony comes as investors' securities‑fraud lawsuit proceeds, with plaintiffs resting their case and defense witnesses slated to appear. The trial is scheduled to continue through March 16, 2024.
OPINION: U.S. Top Court's Decision on Trump Tariffs Highlights Separation of Powers
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are unconstitutional, emphasizing that taxing authority resides with Congress. The decision focuses on separation of powers rather than partisan ideology. It...
Appellate Decision Sends Storm Clouds to California Solar Panel Customers
A three‑justice panel of the California First Appellate District affirmed the Public Utilities Commission’s 2022 net‑energy metering 3.0 tariff, which slashes rooftop solar credits by about 75% and replaces full‑retail rate subsidies with cost‑based credits. The court rejected challenges from...
U.S. Reaches Tentative Deal Ending Prosecution of Turkish Bank
The Trump administration has reached a tentative agreement to dismiss criminal charges against Turkey’s state‑run Halkbank, which prosecutors accused of moving roughly $20 billion in sanctioned Iranian funds. The deal links the dismissal to Turkey’s instrumental role in negotiating the release...
“DC Circuit Questions If Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee Is a Tax”
The episode dissects the legal dispute over whether the Trump administration’s $100,000 H‑1B fee constitutes a tax or a permissible immigration restriction. Drawing on Supreme Court precedent from Learning Resources and related cases, the guests argue that the statute granting...
Victorian Road Accident Claims Process Under the Microscope
A state parliamentary inquiry has been launched to examine Victoria's Transport Accident Commission (TAC) claims process, inviting submissions before hearings later this year. The review will assess how the TAC interacts with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and other services,...
RFK Jr. Contradicts Himself on GRAS Chemical Policies
Another example of how RFK Jrs version of MAHA is totally incoherent. --> he wants to end 'GRAS' chemicals in food (generally regarded as safe) --> his FDA opens door to flavored e-cigs (which use GRAS chemicals - NEVER TESTED FOR INHALATION...
SEC Investor Advisory Committee to Consider Recommendation on Tokenization of Equity Securities
On March 5, 2026 the SEC Investor Advisory Committee’s Market Structure Subcommittee issued a recommendation on tokenizing equity securities, slated for a vote on March 12. The committee defines tokenized equities as blockchain‑recorded assets that still fall under federal securities law, and it...
In a Rare Move, a University System Sues the Trump Administration
California State University system filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a Department of Education finding that San Jose State violated Title IX by allowing a transgender athlete to play volleyball. The suit argues the university complied with existing...
Judge Rules ICE Made Warrantless, Race-Based Stops of Somali, Latino Minnesotans
U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud ruled that ICE agents conducted warrantless stops and arrests of Somali and Latino Minnesotans solely on race, violating the Fourth Amendment. The judge identified 17 of 33 witnesses who were stopped purely because of ethnicity...
Conservative Media Figures Urge Court for Washington House Press Passes
Three conservative media figures—radio host Ari Hoffman, podcaster Brandi Kruse and Discovery Institute correspondent Jonathan Choe—were denied Washington state House press passes and have filed an emergency lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order for the final 72 hours of the...
From AI Ambition to Operational Reality
The OneAdvanced Legal Trends Report shows AI has become central to law firms, yet a stark gap exists between ambition and execution. Over 60% of firms face a software integration crisis and two‑thirds remain stuck in ‘automation purgatory.’ While senior...
Lawyers Will Blame Brokers for Not Vetting Drivers
If you’ve ever been in a lawsuit, it’s not what you did or didn’t do that matters, it’s what a lawyer can convince a jury that you should have done. The problem for brokers - it will be incredibly easy to...
Court Forces OpenAI to Release Millions of Logs
W, W and a W - “OpenAl is ordered to produce the reservoirs of 78 million and 10 million logs” - “I find that OpenAl designee Vinnie Monaco was not sufficiently or properly prepared for his deposition” - “Plaintiffs' motion to compel Brockman's journal...
Why Is China Set to Approve a New Law Promoting 'Ethnic Unity'?
China's National People's Congress is set to pass a new "Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress" law, codifying Xi Jinping's Sinicisation agenda. The legislation lowers the status of minority languages, mandates Mandarin instruction, encourages inter‑ethnic marriage, and requires minors to love...
Judge Seeks Orders
Judge Friedman asked both NYT and DOD to submit proposed orders for a summary judgment ruling. The gov't declined, saying the press policy is "constitutional and not arbitrary and capricious." The NYT submitted a proposed order to strike parts of...
Judge Allows JPMorgan Employees to Sue CVS Over Drug Costs
JPMorgan Chase employees may sue CVS Caremark over high PBM drug costs and premiums, judge rules https://t.co/FuzsnUNSLY
SDT Faces £700k Costs Battle with Carter-Ruck Partner
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) ruled that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) must pay up to £700,000 in costs after its prosecution of Carter‑Ruck partner Claire Gill was summarily dismissed. The tribunal cited prolonged delays, shifting allegations and legal inaccuracies...
Freight Brokers’ Cash Fuels Lucrative Trucking Lawsuits, Hurting All
The freight brokers have money, which will make trucking litigation more lucrative. This will create more lawyers and everyone will be worse off
SCOTUS Broker Liability Case Signals Major Shift for Trucking
If you aren’t familiar with how insane nuclear lawsuits are - listen to Matt break it down for you. This is why the SCOTUS broker liability case is a much watch for anyone in trucking.
Claimant Funded by Solicitor Boyfriend “Cannot Claim Impecuniosity”
The Court of Appeal dismissed Ellen Kay’s attempt to rely on impecuniosity to extend the limitation period for her negligence claim against former law firm Martineau Johnson. Despite receiving substantial financial support from her solicitor boyfriend, the judges found she...
Repealing Jones Act Would Instantly Boost U.S. Oil Transport
"On the other hand, repealing the Jones Act, which would allow non-U.S. tankers to transport oil between U.S. ports, would immediately have salutary effects" 🔥 https://t.co/mIuRPyAKFY https://t.co/Rcxft259fv
Using Legal Choices “Improves Understanding”
Research by Mustard for the Legal Choices portal shows that 29 of 40 participants reported increased knowledge of their legal issue after using the site. Half of the users felt more confident, and 15 said the experience influenced their next...
Irish Woman Repeatedly Called ‘Potato’ Awarded £24k
An employment tribunal in Leeds ordered West Leeds Civils to pay Ms B Hayes over £23,500 after finding she was subjected to racial harassment. The manager repeatedly called her “potato”, “Paddy” and “pikey”, creating a hostile environment that led to...
China’s Financial Superpower Ambitions Get Legal Backing at ‘Two Sessions’
China announced at the 2026 Two Sessions that it will draft a comprehensive financial law and a dedicated financial stability law within the year. The measures aim to cement the yuan’s global role, expand green‑finance frameworks, and formalise risk‑control mechanisms....
Travis Scott Tells Supreme Court Use of Rap Lyrics in Death Sentence Was Unconstitutional
Travis Scott’s legal team filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the use of James Garfield Broadnax’s rap lyrics during his Texas death‑penalty sentencing violated the First Amendment. Broadnax, convicted in 2009 by an all‑white jury, faces...
Lil Durk Murder-for-Hire Case: Lawyer Brian Steel Files to Join Rapper’s Defense Team
Powerhouse attorney Brian Steel filed a pro hac vice application to join Lil Durk’s murder‑for‑hire defense, seeking to replace Jonathan M. Brayman. Steel, who is in good standing in Georgia and previously defended Young Thug in a high‑profile RICO trial,...
Court Orders Full Three-Year Salary After Termination Clause Gets Overridden
A British Columbia Court of Appeal upheld a trial order requiring FCAPX to pay the remainder of a three‑year fixed‑term salary to former engineer Joseph Bouchard after the company terminated him without cause. The court found that a superseding clause...
Shanghai Huangpu District People’s Court: AI Prompts Not Copyrightable
In a 2025 ruling, Shanghai Huangpu District People’s Court held that English‑language prompts fed into Midjourney are not eligible for copyright protection. The court found the six prompt sets to be unordered lists of common artistic terms lacking original expression,...
Michigan Lawmakers Propose Letting Voters Elect Utility Regulators
Michigan lawmakers introduced a bill to make the three‑member Public Service Commission elected rather than governor‑appointed, expanding it to five members. The measure would place the positions on statewide ballots beginning in 2028, with staggered four‑year terms and a 12‑year...
Crypto Operators Freeze 10,000 Suspect Accounts
Thailand’s digital‑asset industry has frozen more than 10,000 accounts suspected of being mule accounts through a newly introduced “Speed Bump” rule. The measure imposes a 24‑hour transaction lock on transfers of 50,000 baht or more and requires additional KYC steps...
There's Hope That At Least Colorado's Age Attestation Bill Could Exclude Open-Source
System76 CEO Carl Richell met Colorado Senator Matt Ball to discuss SB26-051, the state’s age‑attestation bill that could require operating systems to verify user age. Ball indicated a possible amendment to exclude open‑source software, offering a potential safeguard for Linux...
Attorneys for Detained Immigrant Children Awarded $7 Million in Legal Fees
A Los Angeles federal judge awarded attorneys representing detained immigrant children $7 million in fees and costs under the Equal Access to Justice Act. The award follows a 2018 class‑action lawsuit against the Trump administration alleging unlawful detention, lack of due...
Hong Kong Legco to Explore Mainland-Style Oversight System for Bills Enforcement
Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (Legco) will debate a proposal to create a dedicated oversight body that monitors the implementation of passed bills and allocated funding, mirroring mainland China’s law‑enforcement inspection system. The idea was championed by Legco president Starry Lee...
Trump Family-Linked Financial Group Probed by Congressional Committee over Chinese Stock Scams
Congressional investigators have opened a probe into a financial group tied to the Trump family over alleged Chinese stock scams. The committee alleges the firm may have facilitated fraudulent securities offerings that targeted U.S. investors. Lawmakers say the investigation will...
CalPrivacy Update: Shifting to Structural Compliance and Auditing
CalPrivacy has formalized its Audits Division and appointed Sabrina Boyson Ross as the agency’s first Chief Privacy Auditor, signaling a move toward systematic, technical oversight of privacy compliance. Recent California enforcement actions, including multi‑million‑dollar settlements, demonstrate regulators’ focus on whether opt‑out...
Weighing Partnership Payoff Against Life Balance
You’re 37, Corporate Lawyer, New York. $550k income. Married, 2 kids. $600k retirement $300k brokerage $200k cash. You’re on the partnership track, but the hours are brutal. Some say partnership is worth the grind. Others say quality of life matters more. Option A: Stay for the partnership...
Sunday Ticket Lawsuit Revives: Appeal Court Hearing Update
The Sunday ticket lawsuit is not dead yet, and may have some runway. My story for @awfulannouncing on today’s appeal court hearing. https://t.co/CAof0u2LU5
Complaint to Consequence: Avoiding Retaliation Allegations in Harassment Cases
A recent Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board ruling in the City of Moose Jaw case illustrates how post‑complaint actions can be perceived as retaliation. The tribunal scrutinized sudden changes to accommodation agreements, pay cuts, and privacy breaches, finding employer motives critical....
"See MAGA, Shoot MAGA" In TikTok Video Was Criminally Punishable Threat
A federal jury convicted Desiree Doreen Segari for transmitting a true threat under 18 U.S.C. §875(c) after she posted TikTok videos urging viewers to "see MAGA, shoot MAGA." The court rejected Segari’s argument that the statute requires a singular, specifically...
Compliance Fundamentals: Trade Surveillance in Financial Services
Bloomberg’s latest post outlines the fundamentals of trade surveillance, emphasizing its role in detecting insider dealing, spoofing, and other market abuse across asset classes. It details regulatory expectations that mandate scenario‑based alerts, robust audit trails, and periodic risk assessments. The...
NFL Faces Tough Questions in Sunday Ticket Lawsuit Appeal Hearing
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held a 45‑minute oral argument on the NFL’s Sunday Ticket antitrust case, where three Democrat‑appointed judges grilled the league’s outside counsel. A 2024 jury had awarded restaurant owners and consumers $4.7 billion, but a Republican‑appointed...
When Likes Lead to Lawsuits - Social Media Marketing Risks
Social media has evolved into a primary advertising channel, but rapid posting and influencer collaborations expose brands to a maze of legal obligations. Missteps—such as inadequate influencer disclosures, poorly structured sweepstakes, and missing content‑ownership agreements—can trigger enforcement actions from regulators,...
M&A Monday: Non-Compete and Other Must-Have Restrictive Covenants
The article stresses that robust restrictive covenants—especially non‑competes—are essential in M&A transactions to safeguard a buyer’s investment. Sellers are typically bound for five years, with clauses covering family affiliates and tailored side‑ventures. Proper drafting, often in a separate agreement, ensures...
Valve Sued by The Performing Right Society for Allegedly Using Its Members' Musical Works "without Permission"
Roblox announced two new developer initiatives—Incubator, a six‑month mentorship for seasoned teams, and Jumpstart, a rolling program for newer and experienced creators. Both provide subject‑matter experts to help refine concepts, build audiences, and scale games. The launch coincides with age‑checked...
Legal Conflict Between Art-Dealing Brothers Escalates Into Competing Assault Accusations
A legal battle between New York art‑dealing brothers Prajit and Projjal Dutta, stemming from a 2019 split of Aicon Gallery, has escalated from trademark and contract disputes to physical‑assault accusations. On April 11, 2025, gallery director Harry Hutchison filed a...
San Francisco to Pay Family Claiming Wrongful Death After Laguna Honda Transfers
San Francisco agreed to a $500,000 settlement with the Pham family, who sued over the wrongful death of their father after his transfer from Laguna Honda Hospital. The settlement comes as the safety‑net hospital, which lost certification in 2022, regained...
DOJ Lawyers Discover Settlement Simultaneously with Judge
According to this, DoJ trial lawyers in the Ticketmaster case learned about a settlement at the same time the trial judge did. It takes so much time & effort to bring these cases on behalf of the public, such...
F.D.A. Opens Door to More Flavored E-Cigarettes
The FDA announced a draft guidance that would permit e‑cigarette flavors such as mint, coffee, tea, and spices while maintaining a ban on sweet and fruity varieties. The shift follows earlier attempts to curb teen vaping with a broad flavor...
Live Nation Settles Antitrust Lawsuit, Penalties Revealed
Live Nation, the parent of Ticketmaster, reached a settlement in the DOJ‑led antitrust case, agreeing to pay roughly $200 million to participating states. The deal mandates structural reforms, including opening Ticketmaster’s platform to third‑party vendors and allowing venues to list tickets...