Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
30th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY
Whistleblower receives $1m reward under new DOJ program
A whistleblower has received a $1m reward for reporting illegal bid-rigging of used car auctions to federal authorities under the auspices of a Justice Department program announced last year. The information led to a deferred prosecution agreement that will see eBlock Inc. pay a $3.28m criminal fine. “This whistleblower helped expose a brazen $16m scheme that made it more expensive for hardworking Americans to afford second-hand cars across the country,” said Omeed Assefi, deputy assistant attorney general for criminal antitrust enforcement. “Whistleblowers serve as the Justice System’s greatest disinfectant against criminal antitrust conspiracies.”
AI TRENDS
Where does AI really add value in contracting?   

The top challenge to implementing AI in contracting isn’t the technology; it’s not knowing where to start.   

If you're looking for a shortcut to clarity, Promise vs. Reality: is AI the future of contract lifecycle management? is a practical end-to-end guide for legal professionals. It breaks down the stages of the contract lifecycle, illustrating exactly where AI can be beneficial, and how it can help reduce your to-do list.  

Grab the guide

 
LAWSUITS
Trump administration targets UCLA admissions
The Trump administration has moved to join a lawsuit against UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, alleging that the school employs a “systemically racist approach” in its admissions process. The Department of Justice claims that UCLA's practices favor Black and Latino applicants over white and Asian American candidates, violating the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. The lawsuit, initiated by the group Do No Harm and Students for Fair Admissions, includes Kelly Mahoney, who asserts she was denied admission due to her race. The Justice Department's filing cites lower median MCAT scores for Black and Latino students compared to their white and Asian American counterparts. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the action is part of the Department's effort to hold universities accountable for unlawful policies, particularly in California.
Bank of America must face Epstein lawsuit
U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff has ruled that Bank of America must face part of a class action lawsuit alleging it knowingly aided Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking by providing banking services. The judge dismissed four claims but allowed two to proceed, including accusations of benefiting from Epstein's activities and obstructing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Bank of America expressed satisfaction with the narrowed case, saying: "We look forward to a full review of the facts."
Dodge wins fraud lawsuit over 'limited edition' SUV production changes
Dodge's parent company, Fiat Chrysler, has successfully dismissed a lawsuit by owners of 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcats who claimed their SUVs lost value after the company resumed production of what they believed were "limited edition" vehicles. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Hall in Wilmington, Delaware, said she found no proof that Fiat Chrysler intended to renege on its promises, or that its statements amounted to an express warranty. She also said the automaker didn’t violate state consumer fraud laws "where the alleged ’misrepresentation’ pertained to intended future conduct and was true when made."
Biogen must face class action over multiple sclerosis drug
A federal judge in Illinois has allowed a class action lawsuit against Biogen to proceed amid claims the company colluded with pharmacy benefit managers to promote its multiple sclerosis drug, Tecfidera, over cheaper alternatives. The ruling reverses a previous decision where Judge April Perry dismissed the case, saying that the plaintiff health plans had not sufficiently demonstrated antitrust violations or direct injury. However, the plaintiffs have since amended their complaint, addressing these issues.
LAW
Investigation into WhatsApp privacy claims by U.S. authorities
U.S. law enforcement is probing allegations from former Meta Platforms contractors suggesting that company personnel have gained access to WhatsApp messages, contradicting the company's assertions that the service hosts private and encrypted communications. The claims, which highlight alleged “unfettered” access to chats, are being investigated by special agents from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and echo similar allegations raised in a 2024 whistleblower complaint to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The ongoing inquiry has not been publicly disclosed until now.
FRAUD
First Brands founder faces fraud charges after bankruptcy collapse
First Brands founder Patrick James has been indicted on multiple charges including fraud and conspiracy following allegations of defrauding lenders out of billions before the company's bankruptcy. Prosecutors claim that he and his brother Edward concealed financial fraud through schemes involving false documents and inflated assets, which ultimately led to the company’s insolvency and disrupted supply chains for major clients such as Ford and General Motors. Patrick James has denied the charges through a spokesperson, asserting his commitment to the company's success as he prepares to defend himself in court.
FIRMS
Law firm accused of filing fraudulent asbestos lawsuits
JM Eagle, a Los Angeles pipe manufacturer, has filed a federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act lawsuit against the Gori Law Firm in Edwardsville, Ill., alleging the firm has engaged in fraudulent practices by coaching plaintiffs to falsely identify JM Eagle's products as the source of their asbestos exposure. The lawsuit claims that this “systematic scheme of fraud” aims to secure costly mass settlements. JM Eagle's allegations surfaced after a former attorney from the Gori Law Firm came forward with information about the alleged misconduct. In response, the Gori Law Firm said: “We are outraged by these ridiculous claims from an asbestos company. These scare tactics will not stop us from fighting for justice for our clients who are hurt by manufacturers like [JM Eagle].” 
APPOINTMENTS
Ropes & Gray hires Wachtell litigator in New York
Noah Yavitz has joined Ropes & Gray as a partner in its litigation and enforcement practice in New York, enhancing the firm's capabilities in complex commercial disputes. With a strong background in high-stakes merger litigation, federal securities actions, and derivative claims, Yavitz's expertise aligns with the growing client demand for advanced trial and appellate advocacy. He previously worked at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
INTERNATIONAL
Ex-Casino chief Jean-Charles Naouri found guilty of corruption
Jean-Charles Naouri, the former chief executive of French retailer Casino, has been convicted of corruption and disseminating false information in a case tied to efforts to prop up the company’s share price in 2018. A French court sentenced Naouri to four years in prison, three suspended and one under electronic surveillance, and fined him €1m ($1.19m). He is appealing the ruling. The court found that Mr Naouri and three other ex-Casino executives paid a journalist €823,000 to spread false rumors of a Carrefour takeover bid to support Casino’s stock. All were found guilty of corruption and misinformation, while two were also convicted of insider trading. Casino itself was fined €40m, half suspended.
German prosecutors target Lebanese banker’s assets
German prosecutors have requested a court to confiscate assets worth €35m linked to a money laundering investigation involving Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's central bank. The investigation, which began in mid-2021, focuses on whether embezzled funds were laundered in Europe. Salameh, who denies wrongdoing, said: "My lawyer will challenge the case and will prove that these investments are of my own funds." The seized properties include commercial real estate in Munich and Hamburg, as well as shares in a Düsseldorf-based company.

 

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