Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
9th April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Pro bono deals are 'damages', Trump says
Speaking at an event at which he signed executive orders aimed at expanding the mining and burning of coal in the United States, President Trump said that law firms which have made pro bono deals with his administration have given him “a lot of money, considering they've done nothing wrong,” and suggested he would direct those firms to “work” with coal miners. Trump described the $100m in pro bono work several firms have offered his administration as “damages” for prior firm actions. He has announced deals with four firms so far: Willkie, Skadden, Paul Weiss and Milbank.

 
Law
FIRMS
Skadden ditches employee affinity groups
Affinity group events for the remainder of the year have vanished from the calendar of law firm Skadden following its deal with President Donald Trump to avoid an executive order, in which it pledged it “will not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.” Mentions of the groups - which include affinity networks for parents, veterans, and Asian pacific islanders - have been removed from the firm’s website. “Affinity networks play a key role in the firm’s ongoing efforts regarding law student recruitment, associate mentoring, peer networking, career development, workplace inclusion, attorney retention and community involvement,” Skadden had said in a 2023 Vault diversity survey.
A&O Shearman expands with Chicago office
A&O Shearman has inaugurated its tenth U.S. office, in Chicago, following the recruitment of energy and infrastructure partners Paul Astolfi and Katy McNeil from Mayer Brown. Adam Hakki, A&O Shearman's U.S. chair, described the hires as a "major step forward" for the firm's energy practice and U.S. growth strategy. Astolfi, who has 15 years of experience at Mayer Brown, focuses on energy transition matters, while McNeil, who became a partner in 2023, specializes in domestic renewable energy and solar finance. Kent Rowey, global co-head of A&O Shearman’s energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice, emphasized that energy transition is a key aspect of the firm's strategy.
Brown Rudnick opens LA office
Brown Rudnick has established its seventh U.S. office, in Los Angeles, hiring four partners from Stubbs Alderton & Markiles: Daniel Rozansky, Nicholas Rozansky, Jonathan Friedman, and John De La Merced. The team brings diverse expertise in litigation, corporate law, privacy, and brand management, serving clients in various sectors such as media, fashion, and technology. Dan Rozansky, recognised by Chambers and Partners for his media and entertainment litigation, will lead the new office. Vince Guglielmotti, CEO and chairman of Brown Rudnick, said: “We . . . have numerous clients based in LA who have encouraged us to grow our LA presence.” This expansion follows the firm's recent opening in Houston.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Supreme Court backs Trump's mass firing of new federal workers
The Supreme Court has upheld the Trump administration's mass firing of 16,000 probationary federal employees, overturning a ruling by U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco. The justices voted 7-2, stating that the judge improperly based his decision on complaints from nine nonprofit groups, which the court deemed insufficient for standing. The ruling is part of a series of recent decisions favoring the administration's actions regarding federal personnel management.
LAWSUITS
Appeals court restores DOGE access to personal data
An appeals court has reinstated the Department of Government Efficiency's access to personal data from the Education Department, the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management, in a significant victory for the Trump administration amid ongoing legal challenges. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court's decision that had blocked the access.  Judge G. Steven Agee said that the lower court had misinterpreted legal precedents. The American Federation of Teachers and other plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration violated federal privacy laws by granting DOGE access to sensitive information of tens of millions of Americans without consent. The lawsuit claimed that DOGE's actions extend beyond its intended purpose, alleging misuse of data related to the federal student loan program.
Bayer battles cancer claims
Germany-based agrochemical giant Bayer has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether federal law preempts thousands of state lawsuits alleging the company failed to warn people that its commonly used Roundup weedkiller could cause cancer. Bayer says the Supreme Court should intervene because lower courts have issued conflicting rulings. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Bayer's favor last year; the 9th and 11th Circuits have ruled against its stance. 
APPOINTMENTS
Cravath's Perkins jumps ship to Sidley
Dave Perkins has transitioned to Sidley Austin after nearly 20 years at Cravath Swaine & Moore, where he was a key player in the private equity practice. His departure comes amid a trend of partner exits from Cravath, which has faced increasing competition for top talent. At Sidley, Perkins will enhance the firm's M&A and private equity practice, which has recently expanded with new talent, including David Grubman from Jones Day. Yvette Ostolaza, Sidley’s management committee chair, said: “Dave is a versatile lawyer with a strong client following,” as she highlighted his potential to accelerate growth in the private equity market. Perkins will also collaborate with other partners to enhance leveraged finance and fund formation capabilities for private equity sponsors.
Adrienne Walker joins Foley & Lardner
Adrienne Walker has joined Foley & Lardner as a partner in its bankruptcy and business reorganisations practice group, focusing on the health care and life sciences sector in Boston. Walker brings extensive experience advising clients in various industries, including health care, senior living, and hospitality, particularly in distressed mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy litigation, and out-of-court restructurings. She previously worked at Troutman Pepper Locke.
CORPORATE
American Airlines hires Latham & Watkins partner to lead legal team
American Airlines Group has appointed Anthony Richmond as its new chief legal officer, succeeding Priya Aiyar, who left for Warner Brothers in February. Richmond, previously a partner at Latham & Watkins, will oversee the airline's legal affairs team, focusing on legal and labour relations strategy, corporate governance, and compliance, among other responsibilities. He is set to begin his role on 5 May.
INTERNATIONAL
Trump ordered to pay legal bill of U.K. firm
A British judge has ordered U.S. President Donald Trump to pay over $820,000 in legal costs to Orbis Business Intelligence, a consulting firm he unsuccessfully sued regarding a controversial dossier. The dossier alleged that Trump had been “compromised” by Russia's security service after taking part in sex acts. Trump, who denies all allegations, claimed the dossier was false and violated British data protection laws. In a written witness statement, Trump said the allegations were “wholly untrue.” Judge Karen Steyn dismissed Trump's case in February 2024, saying it was "bound to fail" due to the delay in filing. Following a hearing, Judge Jason Rowley confirmed the total amount owed, which includes daily interest of 12%.

 

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