Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
5th March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Trump administration drops cancer lawsuit against synthetic rubber manufacturer
The Trump administration is set to withdraw a federal lawsuit against Denka Performance Elastomer, a synthetic rubber manufacturer linked to increased cancer risks in a predominantly Black community near its Louisiana plant. The decision reverses a significant environmental justice initiative by the Biden administration, which had accused Denka of emitting harmful levels of chloroprene. David Uhlmann, former Environmental Protection Agency enforcement head, said: “The Trump administration chose to protect a well-heeled and well-connected, multinational corporation over protecting American children and their families.” Robert Taylor, a local activist, described the move as “terrible” and a setback for efforts to combat harmful emissions. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to an email sent Tuesday seeking comment.
LAW
Judge blocks Trump from firing agency chair
A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump cannot remove Cathy Harris from her position as chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board without cause. The board is the agency that hears appeals by federal government employees when they are fired or disciplined. It plays a crucial role in allowing federal employees to appeal firings, which could hinder Trump's efforts to reduce the federal workforce. Harris was appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2022, and after Trump fired her on February 10, Henry Kerner, a Republican, was named as acting chair of the board.
Georgia State Senate passes litigation funding bill
The Georgia State Senate has approved Senate Bill 69, aimed at regulating the third-party litigation funding industry. Sponsored by state Sen. John F. Kennedy, the bill mandates that third-party financiers register with the state and disclose financing agreements, enhancing transparency in civil cases. Opponents argue that the current lack of transparency could turn courtrooms into profit centers. The legislation is part of a broader trend, as other states and federal legislation also seek to address foreign influence in funded cases.

 
Law
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Oregon's wage transparency bill returns
Oregon lawmakers are revisiting a bill that mandates employers to include wage information in job postings, following a similar proposal that was shelved two years ago. House Bill 2746 aims to address gender and racial wage disparities. Rep. Travis Nelson, D-Portland, said: “I believe that it's a big win for employees, employers and all Oregonians.” Supporters argue that pay transparency will facilitate equitable compensation negotiations and attract top talent, while opponents claim existing pay equity laws are sufficient. The bill would impose escalating penalties on non-compliant employers, starting with a written warning and fines of $1,000 for subsequent violations. If passed, the legislation would take effect 91 days after the Legislature adjourns.
LAWSUITS
Utilities seek wildfire immunity in Oregon
House Bill 3666, introduced by Rep. Pam Marsh, aims to establish minimum wildfire prevention standards for electric utilities in Oregon. If passed, it could provide these utilities with immunity from lawsuits related to fire damages, leaving victims vulnerable. Critics, including Cody Berne from the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, argue that the bill acts as a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for companies such as PacificCorp, which has faced significant legal repercussions following past wildfires. The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee, and concerns about its implications for accountability remain unresolved. Survivors of the 2020 Labor Day fires have expressed their frustration over the potential for utilities to evade responsibility while they await compensation.
Lobster fishermen fight back in court
A federal court has allowed a group of Maine lobster fishermen to sue the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program for defamation. The lawsuit stems from a report that labelled Maine lobster as an unwise choice for consumers, leading to significant reputational damage for the fishermen. Judge John Woodcock said: “Reputation and goodwill cannot be adequately replaced through awarding damages,” as he highlighted the long-lasting impact of the red-listing. The lobster industry, valued at over £500m, is crucial to Maine's economy. The aquarium plans to appeal the ruling, asserting its right to inform the public about seafood choices. Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen's Association, called the decision “significant” in defending their livelihood against what they deem baseless claims.
SEC fraud lawsuit against crypto founder dismissed
A lawsuit by the Securities and Exchange Commission accusing online entrepreneur Richard Heart of raising over $1bn through unregistered cryptocurrency offerings and of defrauding investors out of $12.1m has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon in Brooklyn. Amon noted that "The alleged misappropriation occurred through digital wallets and crypto asset platforms, none of which were alleged to have any connection with the United States." A spokesperson for Mr Heart remarked that the ruling "in favor of a cryptocurrency founder and his projects over the SEC brings welcome relief and opportunity to all cryptocurrencies."
FIRMS
Wilmerhale ups in-office days
WilmerHale has announced a new policy requiring its lawyers to be in the office four days a week, an increase from the previous three days. A spokesperson for the firm confirmed this change on Monday. The decision follows a similar move by Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison, which will also require its lawyers to work in the office from Monday to Thursday starting April 30.
McGuireWoods revenue grew 9% to $1.1bn in 2024
McGuireWoods has reported a 9% increase in gross revenue for 2024 to £1.1bn. The firm also saw a 15% rise in net income to $474m, and average profits per equity partner grew 11.8% to $2.3m.

 
Law
APPOINTMENTS
Jones Day taps IP litigation pair
Edward Reines, the head of Weil, Gotshal & Manges' patent litigation and life sciences practices, and Weil partner Derek Walter, have joined Jones Day as partners in the firm's intellectual property practice. Reines will be based in Silicon Valley and Walter in San Francisco. Reines focuses on competitor disputes, handling cases related to false advertising, genetic testing, and patent litigation. Walter's expertise lies in biological and chemical technologies, representing clients before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
Malcolm Ingram joins Littler Mendelson
Malcolm Ingram has joined Littler Mendelson as a shareholder in its Philadelphia office, bringing extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution. He advises employers on various employment law matters, including discrimination and harassment claims, as well as wage and hour disputes and trade secret misappropriation. Ingram previously worked at Greenberg Traurig.
Edward Kim returns to KKL
Edward Kim, the former Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney, is rejoining the boutique law firm Krieger Lewin, which will be renamed KKL. After leaving office in January, Kim narrowly avoided a period of upheaval that resulted in the resignations of his successor, Danielle Sassoon, and several other prosecutors. Reflecting on his time, Kim said: “It was the privilege of a lifetime to lead the U.S. attorney's office for the Southern District of New York.”
TAX
Tax reform shake-up for expats
A leaked memo reveals potential tax reforms in the U.S. House of Representatives that could significantly alter tax obligations for Americans abroad and multinational business owners. The proposals echo President Donald Trump's tax reform agenda, aiming to reduce taxes for overseas workers and lower the corporate tax rate from 21% to as low as 15%. Key changes include increasing the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) threshold and possibly exempting all foreign-earned income from U.S. taxation. These reforms could simplify tax compliance for U.S. persons abroad, who currently face complex regulations. If enacted, these reforms may reshape international tax planning and compliance for expatriates and businesses.

 

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