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Legal and legal technology news, distilled daily.
Majority of Corporations Unready for AI Audits, 2024 Survey Finds
Most companies risk failing AI governance audits, with only 7% fully prepared. Legal teams face urgent compliance and data risks as AI outpaces internal controls.
Federal Judge Lets OpenAI Face Suit Over ChatGPT-Linked Murder-Suicide
A federal judge allows a lawsuit against OpenAI over ChatGPT's alleged role in a Connecticut murder-suicide to advance, setting up a test case for AI developer liability.
California Sanctions Lawyers for Fake AI-Generated Case Citations
Three California attorneys face disciplinary action for submitting AI-generated fake case citations, marking a new chapter in legal ethics and AI governance.
Court: Spirit Must Pay TSA Fees on Canceled, Unused Tickets
The 11th Circuit ruled Spirit Airlines must remit TSA security fees even on tickets for flights that passengers canceled and did not fly, impacting airline fee practices.
California Judge Blocks ChatGPT User Over Stalking Allegations
A California court ordered OpenAI to suspend a user’s ChatGPT access after stalking claims, raising new legal questions for AI companies about user misuse and moderation.
BigLaw Survey: Record Salaries, But Associates Log 13-Hour Days
Above the Law data reveals first-years make $225K, while associates at major firms like Milbank average over 13-hour days despite high pay.
BigLaw Cools Hiring Amid Deal Slump and Leans Into Tech Upskilling
BigLaw firms slow hiring as M&A and private equity deals decline, pivoting to litigation, compliance, and tech-driven associate training.
Hollywood Unites Against Paramount-Warner $111B Merger in Open Letter
More than 1,000 Hollywood professionals, including A-list stars and directors, have signed an open letter opposing the $111B Paramount-Warner merger, citing antitrust concerns.
AI Sanctions, ABA Recusal Rules Mark New Era in Legal Ethics
A roundup of 2026's key legal ethics updates: record-breaking AI sanctions, judges embracing AI, and ABA clarifying lawyer duties on judicial recusal.
D.C. Circuit Scrutinizes FTC’s Probe of Media Matters Nonprofit
D.C. Circuit judges challenge FTC’s authority in investigating Media Matters over X advertiser boycotts. The case may clarify limits on FTC actions and First Amendment protections.
Feds Challenge Minnesota's Lawsuit Over Trump Transgender Sports Policy
The federal government says Minnesota lacks standing in its suit against the 2025 Trump executive order restricting transgender athletes in school sports.
K&L Gates Sued for Firing Manager Soon After Disability Leave
A former K&L Gates IT manager alleges wrongful termination and a hostile work environment linked to her disability leave, raising compliance questions for BigLaw HR leaders.
IBM Pays $17M to Settle DOJ Claims Over 'Illegal' DEI Practices
IBM will pay $17 million to resolve DOJ allegations its DEI programs violated anti-discrimination laws. The settlement is the first under DOJ's new Civil Rights Fraud Initiative.
FTC Sets Enforcement Priorities in 2026–2030 Strategic Plan
The FTC released its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, outlining enforcement and operational goals with new focus on children's online safety and fair competition.
House Moves Toward Expulsion Votes After Twin Misconduct Scandals
Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales face calls for expulsion following detailed misconduct allegations. Congress faces bipartisan pressure for stronger ethics oversight and accountability.
DC Court Denies Anonymity in Case Against Iranian Guard Corps
A DC federal court denied a plaintiff's request for anonymized litigation against Iran's Revolutionary Guard, stressing public interest in open proceedings. Opinion issued April 13, 2026.
PFAS Litigation Expands: New Crowell & Moring Analysis Charts 2026 Trends
Crowell & Moring releases new PFAS litigation data and analysis, revealing continued growth, shifting claims, and rising risks for corporations and litigators in 2026.
DOJ Clarifies FOIA Exemptions for Contractor Confidential Data
The DOJ has clarified FOIA Exemption 4 rules, outlining steps agencies and contractors must take to protect confidential commercial information from public disclosure.
Court Considers Blocking ChatGPT User After Harassment Lawsuit Targets OpenAI
A California court may force OpenAI to restrict ChatGPT use after harassment claims, spotlighting legal obligations around AI safety and company liability.
Supreme Court Hears Just 1% of Petitions Each Term
SCOTUS reviews 7,000–10,000 petitions annually but grants only 80–100 cases. We break down the 'Rule of Four' and what drives Supreme Court case selection for legal pros.