Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
13th February 2026
Together with


THE HOT STORY
Trump revokes U.S. scientific finding behind climate change rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the repeal of the “endangerment finding,” a scientific determination made in 2009 during Barack Obama’s administration, which empowered the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases. The rule classified carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. The endangerment finding underpinned regulations that set emissions standards for cars and light trucks, power plants, and oil and gas industry facilities. “This is about as big as it gets,” President Donald Trump said at the White House with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Obama said in a social media post that the Trump administration’s action makes the U.S. “less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change - all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.”
AI TRENDS
What does Agentic Ai really mean for contracts?

If you're trying to understand what “Agentic AI” really means and its implications for your contracting process, you’re not alone. 

The buzz around the newest AI technology is widespread, but practical guidance is hard to find. Our guide will help you understand the real capabilities (and limits) of agentic AI for CLM and how you can leverage it to solve problems and deliver value in your contracts.

Grab the guide 

 
LAW
U.S. antitrust chief resigns amid tensions with Trump officials
Gail Slater, the head of the U.S. Justice Department's antitrust division, which enforces laws against illegal monopolies, has stepped down less than a year after being appointed by President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, Mark Hamer, the second-in-command at the division, said he was exiting the Trump administration after nearly a year in the role. Reuters says the departures leave the division with few senior leaders at a time when companies facing antitrust investigations have increasingly hired Trump-connected lobbyists to influence the outcomes of their cases. Omeed Assefi, another senior official in the antitrust division, is expected to become its acting director, according to people familiar with the matter.
Top Goldman Sachs lawyer to resign over Epstein links
Goldman Sachs general counsel Kathy Ruemmler is to resign after documents released by the Department of Justice revealed the extent of her ties with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Ruemmler told the Financial Times that she would depart the Wall Street lender on June 30. In a statement, Goldman CEO David Solomon said: “As one of the most accomplished professionals in her field, Kathy has also been a mentor and friend to many of our people, and she will be missed. I accepted her resignation, and I respect her decision.”
LAWSUITS
Trump case against BBC to go to trial in February 2027
U.S. President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the BBC has been scheduled to go to trial in February 2027, according to court documents. The trial date comes after U.S. District Judge Roy Altman denied the British broadcaster's application to stay the merits-based discovery phase, when both sides can obtain evidence from other parties in the lawsuit, the documents showed. Trump is suing the BBC for defamation over the way an episode of the corporation's Panorama program edited two sections of a speech together. The edit made it appear that he had directly encouraged his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on 6 January 2021.
CASES
Texas schools reject prayer law
San Antonio school districts are opting out of a new Texas law allowing prayer time during the school day due to concerns over legal liability and church-state conflicts. Senate Bill 11, which permits districts to create a daily prayer period with parental consent, has faced criticism for potentially violating the First Amendment. State Sen. Mayes Middleton, the bill's author, argued that Texas schools should not be "God-free zones," saying: "Litigious atheists are no longer going to get to decide for everyone else if students and educators exercise their religious liberties during school hours." Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, warn that the law could lead to lawsuits and administrative burdens.
Taylor Swift wants U.S. government to block 'Swift Home' trademark
Taylor Swift has asked the U.S. government to stop New York-founded bedding company Cathay Home's attempt to trademark the phrase "Swift Home," claiming it could mislead consumers. Swift, represented by TAS Rights Management, told the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in a filing that the cursive "Swift" in Cathay Home's logo closely resembles the singer's trademarked signature and would likely mislead consumers into thinking that she endorsed Cathay's products. Cathay's website says it sells its products through Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Nordstrom and other retailers.
CORPORATE
Saks, lenders, and luxury Brands seek deal to avoid bankruptcy court clash
Saks, its bankruptcy lenders, and luxury suppliers are in last-minute talks to avoid a court dispute over whether high-end inventory can be used as collateral for the retailer’s $1.75bn debtor-in-possession loan. Suppliers, including major concessionaire Chanel with a reported $136m claim, are seeking assurances that goods supplied on concession or consignment - which remain vendor-owned until sold - will not be claimed by lenders. While a January court order provided some protections, brands fear the loan terms could still allow lenders to assert rights over certain inventory or proceeds. With a deadline approaching to file objections, negotiations are said to be close but unresolved, highlighting the unusual leverage luxury brands hold in Saks’ restructuring given their importance to the department store’s business model.
FIRMS
How to buy a law firm if you’re not allowed to buy a law firm
The Financial Times reports on increasing interest among U.S. law firms on how to use a management services organisation (MSO) structure to sell an ownership stake to private equity.
REGULATION
FTC's expanded merger disclosure rule is blocked
A federal judge in Texas has blocked a rule that expanded the amount of information companies must provide when seeking a merger review. U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle said the rule exceeded the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Kernodle, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said the FTC had not demonstrated the benefits of the rule would outweigh its costs. "Though the FTC asserts that the rule will detect illegal mergers and save agency resources, the FTC fails to substantiate these assertions," he wrote.
INTERNATIONAL
Israel charges two people over Polymarket bets on military events
Israeli authorities have filed charges against two people who are accused of using classified information to bet on military operations on the Polymarket gambling site. Polymarket is a so-called prediction market that allows people to place bets to forecast the direction of events. Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, said the two people, an army reservist and a civilian, used information they had come across during their military service to inform their bets. Several U.S. lawyers specializing in prediction markets said the arrests marked the first time that they were aware of anyone being arrested for insider trading on such a platform, the Wall Street Journal reports.
OTHER
California's billionaires face new tax
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is set to launch a campaign next week for a one-time 5% tax on California's billionaires, aimed at addressing healthcare funding cuts. He said the initiative "would provide the necessary funding to prevent over 3m working-class Californians from losing the healthcare they currently have.” The proposal, backed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, requires nearly 875,000 signatures by June 24 to qualify for the November ballot. While supporters argue it is crucial for vulnerable residents, opponents, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, warn it could drive wealthy entrepreneurs out of the state and hinder innovation. Over 200 billionaires in California would be impacted if the measure passes.

 

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