News
Legal and legal technology news, distilled daily.
California's Hidden Fee Law Triggers Lawsuit and DOJ Enforcement Push
California's SB 478, the new hidden fees law, goes into effect July 2024, triggering legal action and strong DOJ enforcement signals—raising compliance stakes for businesses and legal advisors.
Rebecca Grossman Faces Civil Trial After Prison Sentence in Fatal Hit-and-Run
Rebecca Grossman, already serving time for a deadly hit-and-run, now faces a wrongful death civil trial alongside her husband and Scott Erickson. The trial highlights dual legal accountability in h...
Federal Judge Backs Discovery in $20M Hawaii Crime Boss Forfeiture Case
A federal judge signals approval for civil discovery as prosecutors pursue $20M from Michael Miske’s estate after his death, testing novel forfeiture strategies.
CFTC Sues New York Over Authority on Prediction Markets
The CFTC sues New York, asserting exclusive federal jurisdiction over prediction markets, setting a key precedent for legal and compliance professionals nationwide.
Ninth Circuit Blocks Use of Issue Preclusion to Invalidate Arbitration Deals
The Ninth Circuit barred non-mutual issue preclusion as a strategy to sidestep arbitration agreements, reinforcing the Federal Arbitration Act’s focus on party consent.
EFF Targets Secrecy in Key Texas Patent Case with Legal Challenge
EFF and NYU law students are contesting sealed court records in a major Eastern District of Texas patent case, spotlighting ongoing transparency concerns in IP litigation.
DOJ OIG: Stark Law, FMV Compliance Not Enough to Dodge Anti-Kickback Risk
DOJ OIG warns that meeting Stark Law and Fair Market Value standards alone does not shield healthcare providers from Anti-Kickback Statute liability. Full compliance review urged.
Maritime AI Triggers New Liability Questions for Shipping Firms
Legal analyses spotlight challenges in assigning blame for incidents involving AI in maritime navigation, impacting risk and responsibility for shipping firms globally.
Court Lets Ex-Joe Gibbs Racing Exec Work for Rival Despite Noncompete
A federal judge allows former Joe Gibbs Racing director Chris Gabehart to stay at Spire Motorsports, setting a precedent for noncompete enforcement in sports and automotive sectors.
SEC Launches Major Review of Consolidated Audit Trail Systems
The SEC is seeking public input on a sweeping review of the Consolidated Audit Trail's cost, governance, scope, and privacy—potentially reshaping U.S. market surveillance.
Lex Blog Briefing: AI Raises New Privilege Risks in Internal Investigations
Lex Blog publishes a briefing on how generative AI use complicates legal privilege in internal investigations for professional and financial services firms.
Federal Court Blocks Five Permitting Limits on Clean Energy Projects
A Massachusetts court issued a preliminary injunction halting five federal policies that restricted wind and solar project permitting, protecting 57 GW of clean energy.
45 State AGs Back DOL Rule for PBM Fee Transparency
A bipartisan coalition of 45 state attorneys general supports a DOL rule to mandate greater pharmacy benefit manager fee disclosure, signaling stronger oversight for employer health plans.
FCA Shares 2025 Cyber Coordination Group Insights, Flags New Compliance Rules
The FCA published a 2025 summary from its Cyber Coordination Group, highlighting cyber risks and the need for compliance with upcoming incident-reporting rules for UK financial firms.
Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Illegally Monopolized Ticketing
A federal jury ruled Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for monopolizing the ticketing market, raising antitrust stakes in the live events industry.
Maine Court Expands Forced Nexus Doctrine in Tito’s Vodka Tax Case
Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court clarifies state tax nexus, holding Fifth Generation, Inc. liable for $750,000 in income taxes. Key implications for regional business taxation.
Massachusetts Court Permits Late Chapter 93A Counterclaim After New Discovery
A Massachusetts federal court allowed a late Chapter 93A counterclaim after new emails emerged in a contract case, highlighting the flexibility courts grant in amending pleadings.
Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Leadership Heads to Trial April 27
Elon Musk’s lawsuit accusing OpenAI and its leaders of abandoning its nonprofit mission goes to trial April 27, raising big legal governance questions for AI companies.
SECURE Data Act Draws Fire for Preempting State Privacy Laws
A new GOP-backed federal privacy bill, the SECURE Data Act, could override stronger state protections, raising risks for privacy compliance teams.
DOJ Ends Criminal Probe Into Fed Chair Powell’s Renovations Testimony
The DOJ has closed its criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell over building renovations, shifting oversight to the Fed’s Inspector General and clearing the path for successor nomination.