Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
3rd November 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Letitia James seeks to block Trump administration's subpoenas
New York Attorney General Letitia James is challenging the legitimacy of acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone as she pushes back on the White House's probe of cases she brought against the president and the National Rifle Association, according to court documents that were unsealed on Friday. In August, James filed a motion to block subpoenas issued by Sarcone for records related to the legal actions. James claimed the Justice Department's investigation of the cases was retaliatory, and she also also said that Sarcone lacked legitimate authority to authorize the subpoenas because he had been improperly appointed to his role.
LEGAL TECH
Cut Costs, Not Capability

Litigation practices are under pressure to do more with less - making the right software choice critical. But with so many legal management tools on the market, pricing can be opaque and misleading. That’s where the Legal Management Software for Litigation Pricing Guide comes in.

This expert report from Software Advice breaks down real pricing data, typical cost structures, and what’s included (or not) at each tier. It reveals how leading platforms compare on essential features like document management, time tracking, billing, and client communication - helping firms balance functionality and budget with confidence.

Whether you’re reviewing current systems or buying for the first time, this guide arms legal leaders with the clarity needed to make informed, cost-effective technology decisions.

Download your pricing guide now.

 
TECHNOLOGY
AI adoption in law firms stumbles
Generative AI adoption in law firms is uneven, with 63% of lawyers using it in limited ways due to fears of misuse and inefficiency. Debbie Foster, CEO of Affinity Consulting Group, noted that while some teams find success, firm-wide adoption remains a challenge. Olivia Mockel from SurePoint Technologies highlighted that firms leveraging data as a strategic asset can make better decisions. Laura Wenzel from iManage stated that the need for clean data is crucial for AI effectiveness. Foster emphasizes the importance of continuous training to help lawyers navigate AI's integration into their practices.
LAWSUITS
Firms take action over tariffs
Learning Resources chief executive Rick Woldenberg and other small business owners are taking their case against Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs to the U.S. Supreme Court. Reuters notes that the tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, have significantly increased costs for small importers like Learning Resources and MicroKits, forcing cutbacks in expansion, hiring, and production. Lower courts have previously ruled the tariffs unlawful, and the Supreme Court will hear arguments this Wednesday.
CASES
JPMorgan raised Epstein suspicions in 2002
Newly unsealed documents show JPMorgan Chase began flagging Jeffrey Epstein’s suspicious cash withdrawals in 2002 - years before his crimes became public. The bank filed multiple reports about patterns suggesting evasion of oversight but continued serving him until 2013. Internal emails showed staff suspected criminal behavior. JPMorgan later settled a lawsuit alleging it enabled Epstein’s sex trafficking, paying $75m without admitting wrongdoing.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Airlines call on government to end shutdown
Delta, United, and American Airlines are urging Congress to end the government shutdown immediately and pay air traffic controllers, who missed their first full paychecks last week. Controllers, already facing staffing shortages, are working mandatory overtime to maintain safety. Airlines warn prolonged shutdowns could cause holiday travel delays and cancellations, stressing both workers and the economy. The shutdown, ongoing since October 1, risks costing up to $14bn if it lasts eight weeks, while essential federal employees continue working without pay, increasing operational and safety pressures in the National Airspace System.
REGULATION
Top drug regulator resigns
The director of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has resigned. George Tidmarsh had been placed on leave on Friday following scrutiny over his comments criticizing a treatment made by Canadian pharmaceutical company Aurinia Pharmaceuticals. That company on Sunday filed a lawsuit accusing Tidmarsh of making false statements and soliciting a bribe due to a “long-standing personal vendetta” against its board chairman.
CORPORATE
BDO's First Brand audit painted healthy picture
The Wall Street Journal reports that BDO USA signed off on First Brands’ 2024 financials months before the auto-parts giant collapsed amid a $2bn accounting scandal. The audit failed to reveal billions in off-balance-sheet debt and unpaid financing obligations later uncovered by restructuring advisers. While BDO denied wrongdoing, experts say auditors often miss hidden risks. First Brands has filed for bankruptcy, prompting CEO Patrick James’s resignation and a Justice Department probe into missing investor funds and opaque factoring arrangements.
CYBERSECURITY
Nation-state hack hits Ribbon systems
Hackers linked to a foreign nation infiltrated Ribbon Communications' IT network undetected for nearly a year, starting in December 2024, the company has disclosed in an SEC filing. Ribbon, a Texas-based telecom technology provider, confirmed the breach in an October 23 statement, noting three smaller customers were affected. The company has not named the nation-state involved or specified impacted clients. “We do not have evidence at this time that would indicate the threat actor gained access to any material information,” said a company spokesperson, adding that security enhancements are underway.
RISK
Wall Street prepares for collaboration with Mamdani
Reuters reports that the finance sector has broad misgivings about the prospect of frontrunner Zohran Mamdani becoming New York City's mayor, but many are hopeful he moderates his positions as they prepare to try and collaborate with him.
APPOINTMENTS
Burr & Forman adds Holland & Knight contracts lawyer
Kelsey Hayes has been appointed as a partner at Burr & Forman in Washington, DC, focusing on construction and government contracts. She specializes in representing contractors in bid protests, claims, and disputes before federal agencies and courts. Additionally, Hayes provides guidance on federal procurement, small business contracting, compliance, and risk mitigation. Previously, she was with Holland & Knight.
INTERNATIONAL
Spain shifts criminal investigations to prosecutors
Spain's cabinet has approved a bill to transfer criminal investigation responsibilities from court magistrates to prosecutors. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said the reform aims to modernize Spain's criminal justice system, aligning it with European standards. The proposed changes will limit private prosecutions, allowing only certain associations with a legitimate link to initiate criminal proceedings. Opposition parties, including Vox, argue this undermines judicial independence. Bolanos emphasized that judges will still oversee prosecutors to ensure rights and procedures are upheld.
OTHER
'Love Is Blind' is reshaping global views on love
The Netflix reality dating show franchise 'Love Is Blind', which is premised on challenging traditional ideas of love by focusing on emotional connections over physical appearance, and which has found a formula to showcase different cultural norms and the many types of love that exist, is said to be reshaping global views on love. “The duality - local authenticity plus global relatability - has allowed ‘Love Is Blind’ to not just entertain, but to subtly shape how audiences think about love across the globe,” observes Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports. The show has nevertheless been subject to lawsuits over the treatment of contestants.

 

Legal Slice delivers the latest, most relevant, and useful legal intelligence each weekday morning with intelligence, designed specifically for legal professionals, including attorneys, practice owners, judges, legal scholars, and influencers.

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in Legal Slice, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Legal Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe