Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
29th August 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Fed Governor sues Trump over firing
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s attempt to fire her, arguing he lacks legal authority under a law that permits removal only “for cause.” Trump accused Cook of mortgage fraud from 2021, predating her Fed appointment. Cook’s motion for a temporary restraining order claims the firing attempt is baseless and threatens the Fed’s independence. Her lawyers argued: “The President would not have ‘cause’ to remove a Federal Reserve Governor even if he possessed smoking-gun evidence that she jaywalked in college.”
LAW
ACC appoints new president and CEO
Jason Brown has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the world’s largest membership organization supporting in-house lawyers, succeeding Veta Richardson, who is stepping down after 14 years. Brown was previously general counsel at GE Appliances. Cristina Gonzalez, ACC global board chair, said: “[Brown’s] proven record, global experience and prior dedicated service to ACC make him exceptionally well-suited to meet the needs of the in-house community.” Brown aims to enhance ACC’s support for in-house counsel globally, saying: “My vision is to build on ACC’s strong foundation by fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.”
U.S. Treasury warns banks on China-Mexico money laundering risks
The U.S. Treasury Department has advised financial institutions to monitor potential Chinese money laundering networks linked to Mexican drug cartels. The advisory targets individuals such as Chinese students and retirees with unexplained wealth, arguing that these individuals may unknowingly assist cartels in evading currency controls. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen) has reported a rise in suspicious activity, including human trafficking and money laundering through senior care centres. From 2020 to 2024, over 137,000 suspicious activity reports were filed, revealing $312bn in questionable transactions.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
GE Aerospace workers strike over contract
Members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union at GE Aerospace's Evendale, Ohio, plant are on strike after contract negotiations failed. UAW President Shawn Fain announced the decision in a video. The strike also affects a GE distribution facility in Erlanger, Kentucky. The action reflects ongoing labor unrest in the aerospace sector, where unions are advocating for better pay and job protections. The local chapter represents over 600 workers, who voted for a strike if no agreement was reached by August 27. GE Aerospace has not commented on the situation.
Microsoft fires employees over Gaza protest
Two Microsoft employees were dismissed after participating in a sit-in at the office of President Brad Smith to protest the company's ties to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The employees, Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli, were informed of their termination due to "serious breaches of company policies." Hattle had said: "We are here because Microsoft continues to provide Israel with the tools it needs to commit genocide." The protest group No Azure for Apartheid demands that Microsoft sever its ties with Israel and pay reparations to Palestinians.
LAWSUITS
Musk fights back against SEC lawsuit
Elon Musk has filed a motion to dismiss a Securities and Exchange Commission civil lawsuit that accused him of waiting too long in 2022 to reveal his large stake in Twitter. The billionaire later renamed the social media platform X after buying it.
TECHNOLOGY
Legal teams embrace AI transformation
Artificial intelligence is reshaping legal departments, moving them from reactive roles to proactive, strategic partners, writes Eric Dodson Greenberg, executive vice president and general counsel at Cox Media Group. General counsels (GCs) are now seen as architects of AI-enabled legal functions, enhancing insight and impact. Companies adopting AI strategies can achieve significant cost reductions and improved decision-making; however, only 20% of organizations currently have a defined AI strategy, which spotlights a competitive opportunity for early adopters.
TAX
IRS CI seeks new hires
The IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) division, led by Guy Ficco, is actively hiring as it anticipates losing up to 20% of its special agents in the next two years. Despite facing a reduction of about 300 employees, or 10% of its workforce, this division has largely escaped the extensive cuts affecting other IRS sectors. According to the National Taxpayer Advocate's analysis of IRS data, the agency is taking proactive measures to maintain its investigative capabilities in criminal tax cases and financial crimes. Mr. Ficco noted: "We expect to lose up to 20% of the division's special agents over the next two years." The IRS-CI says it is committed to strengthening its team during these challenging times.
FIRMS
Brazil hires firm to defend it against U.S. tariffs
Brazil's attorney general's office has engaged Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer to defend the nation against tariffs imposed by the United States. The contract encompasses challenges to punitive measures affecting Brazil, its companies, and public officials, including tariffs, visa denials, asset freezes, and financial restrictions.
APPOINTMENTS
Baker Botts adds New York partners
On Wednesday, Baker Botts announced the hiring of Ron Aizen and Fritz Lark as partners in its New York office. Aizen, previously with Paul Weiss, brings extensive expertise in executive compensation and transactional tax strategy, advising various companies and boards. Lark, who joins from McDermott Will & Schulte, specializes in mergers and acquisitions for public companies and private equity, handling complex deal structures.
Babichenko returns to McGuireWoods
Igor Babichenko has rejoined McGuireWoods as a partner in its labor and employment practice in Richmond, Virginia. After nearly three years at Smithfield Foods, where he served as assistant general counsel overseeing labor, employment, and immigration compliance, Babichenko is set to bring his expertise back to the firm.
INTERNATIONAL
ICC chief prosecutor faces new sexual misconduct allegations
A second woman has accused Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), of sexual misconduct. She claims he subjected her to unwanted advances while she was an intern in 2009. Khan, who denies all allegations, has temporarily stepped down from his role as the inquiry continues. The inquiry, launched by a U.N. watchdog, has received multiple testimonies, including from a staff member who alleges similar misconduct. The woman described Khan's behavior as a "constant onslaught" of advances.
OTHER
ANZ staff accidentally learn of job cuts
Australian bank ANZ is offering psychological counselling to senior bankers who received an email sent in error instructing them to return their computers, ahead of news of their firing. The bank, one of Australia's largest lenders, has apologized to staff after mistakenly sending the automated emails about redundancies before informing employees. The bank's acting head of retail, Bruce Rush, acknowledged the error during a call with senior managers. The emails prompted confusion among employees, with many seeking clarification from Ganesh Chandrasekkar, ANZ's general manager for talent and culture. Chandrasekkar confirmed that those who received the emails would be let go. Rush expressed his regret, saying: "It was not our intention to share such sensitive news with you in this way." ANZ is undergoing a major restructure under new CEO Nuno Matos.

 

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