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21st November 2025
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THE HOT STORY
SEC drops SolarWinds cyberattack lawsuit
The Securities and Exchange Commission has dismissed its high-profile lawsuit against SolarWinds and its Chief Information Security Officer, Timothy Brown, over the 2020 Russia-linked Sunburst cyberattack. The case, filed in 2023, accused the firm of hiding security flaws but faced judicial pushback and industry criticism. A joint motion to dismiss with prejudice was filed Thursday. SolarWinds welcomed the move, saying: “We hope this resolution eases the concerns many CISOs have voiced.” The cybersecurity sector had feared the case could discourage transparency among security leaders.
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LAWSUITS
TD sued by former U.S. employees
A group of Chinese and Chinese-American employees who previously worked in TD Bank's New York branches say their roles were terminated as the lender sought to address its money-laundering breaches after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering involving criminal organizations. “TD Bank has aggressively and disparately enforced AML policies against its Chinese and Chinese-American employees and at its NYC Chinatown Branches because they are Chinese and unjustly and insincerely linked to the Chinese money brokers that used TD Bank, N.A. to launder millions of dollars gained from criminal activity,” according to the complaint.
Starbucks faces shareholder lawsuit over revenue decline
Starbucks is facing a shareholder lawsuit alleging it concealed falling sales in the U.S. and China, contributing to a 16% share price drop and $16bn loss in market value. A U.S. judge ruled shareholders can pursue claims that the company misled investors about its "reinvention plan" and risk disclosures in early 2024. This included statements that upgrades in equipment, staffing and scheduling would create a "better experience" for employees, and lead to increased customer spending and loyalty.
Green groups sue to block Trump’s first oil lease auction in U.S. Gulf
A lawsuit filed in Washington federal court by environmental group Earthjustice sets up a legal challenge to government plans to expand drilling in U.S. coastal waters.
LAW
Court halts California climate law
A federal appeals court has temporarily halted a California law requiring companies with annual revenues exceeding $500m to disclose how climate change may impact their finances. The law, set to take effect in January, aims to enhance transparency and encourage companies to evaluate their emissions reduction strategies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued that the law infringes on First Amendment rights. Chamber of Commerce lawyer Daryl Joseffer said: “One state should not have the ability to impose this kind of burden on the entire country.” Meanwhile, another law mandating annual carbon emissions reporting for companies earning over $1bn can stay in place for now, the court ruled.
Judge blocks Texas Ten Commandments law
A federal judge has ordered 12 Texas school districts to remove Ten Commandments displays from classrooms by December, ruling that a state law mandating them violates the U.S. Constitution’s Establishment Clause. Judge Orlando L. Garcia called the law unconstitutional, marking a legal victory for parents who challenged it. The decision follows similar legal actions in Louisiana and Oklahoma over religious content in schools. While some Texas districts said they would comply, others have not responded. The ACLU praised the ruling as a “victory for religious liberty,” while Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to sue districts resisting the law.
REGULATION
Trump weighs executive order to preempt state AI laws
A draft of an executive order seen by Reuters indicates U.S. President Donald Trump may be seeking to preempt state laws on artificial intelligence through lawsuits and by withholding federal funding. AI companies say a patchwork of state laws stifles innovation. According to the order, Attorney General Pam Bondi would be tasked with setting up an "AI Litigation Task Force whose sole responsibility shall be to challenge state AI laws, including on grounds that such laws unconstitutionally regulate interstate commerce, are preempted by existing federal regulations, or are otherwise unlawful."
Australia's internet regulator called on to testify in U.S.
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has called on Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant to testify regarding her role in enforcing internet laws that it said may infringe on free speech. In a letter dated November 18, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, a Republican, described Grant as a "noted zealot for global takedowns" and accused her of collaborating with pro-censorship groups. He expressed concern over what he said was her "expansive interpretation" of Australia's Online Safety Act (OSA), which he claimed threatens American speech.
FIRMS
Clifford Chance cites AI as it axes 10 per cent of back-office staff
Clifford Chance is cutting about 10% of its business services staff in London. The firm has pointed to increased use of artificial intelligence as one reason for the job losses.
APPOINTMENTS
McGuireWoods recruits former North Carolina, Virginia prosecutor
Daniel Bubar has joined McGuireWoods as a partner in its government investigations and white collar litigation practice. Previously, Bubar served at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and has experience as a federal prosecutor in Virginia. His work has included directing investigations related to national security, healthcare fraud, and white collar crimes, along with managing initiatives that significantly improved public safety.
INTERNATIONAL
Korea wins full annulment in 13-year Lone Star dispute
South Korea has won its 13-year legal battle with U.S. private equity firm Lone Star after an international arbitration panel under the World Bank Group annulled a 2022 ruling that had ordered Seoul to pay the firm $216.5m in damages. "The annulment committee of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington . . .  has annulled all obligations outlined in the Aug. 31, 2022 arbitration ruling, including the order to pay Lone Star $216.5m in principal and interest," Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said. Lone Star Funds had claimed that it suffered $4.68bn in damages due to what it alleged was unfair interference by the Korean government in its sale of Korea Exchange Bank.
PE-backed Spanish firms give glimpse of model's prospects
Law.com reports on how private equity is playing a pivotal role in the transformation of Spanish law firms and alternative legal service providers (ALSPs), particularly following significant deals at ECIJA and Auren. The trend is enabling these firms to expand internationally, invest in digital transformation, and enhance their LawTech capabilities. Despite the continued focus on U.K. and U.S. markets, Spain's legal sector is increasingly attracting attention.

 
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