Prominent attorneys agree it's too early to predict what's next, and it wil take time to discern a clearer picture. But there are some early signals.

       

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta said President Donald Trump's broad tariffs need congressional approval, invoking a legal theory that has gained resonance with the U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority.

       

At least seven law firms that received EEOC letters have made changes to their webpages on DEI commitments, apparently reducing their risks of an extensive investigation.

       

The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency referred James to the DOJ for prosecution on claims that she lied on bank documents and property records to “acquire government backed assistance and loans on more favorable loan terms.

       

“We live in an era in which technology or AI has poured kerosene into traditional fraud schemes, said Seth Goertz, a partner at Dorsey & Whitney and former Justice Department attorney.

       

"The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders—especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it," Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg of the District of Columbia wrote in an opinion finding the Trump administration in criminal contempt for hastily deporting suspected Venezuelan gang members in defiance of a temporary restraining order.

       

“It was not an ordinary year where we were doing the ordinary business of the firm we were also doing a significant combination, said Tom Cole, who previously chaired Troutman Pepper and now holds the same role in the combined firm.

       

A federal judge revoked a $100,000 compensatory damages award in favor of an employee for emotional damages. However, the plaintiff may be entitled to lost pay and benefits. Given the length of time between his 2013 termination and the jury's verdict in January, "the award could be substantial," U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer said.

       

"He knows what he's doing is unconstitutional. He does not care," said Kim Zarkin, a communications professor at Westminster University.

       

Vice Chancellor Nathan A. Cook wrote that the Court of Chancery can only subject an as-applied bylaw challenge to equitable review if an actual dispute exists, not just the potential for one.

       

Just last week, a pair of attorneys left Willkie for IP boutique Gemini Law. "My rate at Willkie was $2,400 an hour," one said. "That's really difficult to sell, particularly to [IP clients]."

       

The status quo is no longer an option, but litigators have had a mixed reaction to a working group's proposals to update Ontario's practice rules.

       

In this Legal Speak episode, co-hosts Cedra Mayfield and Patrick Smith interview Christian Geyer, Founder and CEO of Actfore, live from the Legalweek 2025 Conference in New York.

       

In this Legal Speak episode, co-hosts Cedra Mayfield and Patrick Smith interview Ken Gary and Erin Harrison, Founding Partners at Limelight, live from the Legalweek 2025 Conference in New York.

       

While it is not law, Senate custom for vetting U.S. attorneys and district court nominees has long required the approval of home-state senators, which is given though the return of a document known as a blue slip. Schumer says he will not return blue slips for nominees Jay Clayton and Joseph Nocella.

       

Five law firms, including Latham & Watkins and Kirkland & Ellis, have reached agreements with the Trump administration in recent days.

       

Judges Lawrence VanDyke, Daniel Collins and Salvador Mendoza said the U.S. district court judge lacked jurisdiction to confirm the award under the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision Badgerow v. Walters and ordered the case dismissed.        

"I believe it all comes down to mastering the art of connection. If you can be someone who others find approachable and easy to talk to, you'll naturally find yourself in line for leadership roles. In my view, these 'softer' skills are key to inspiring others and unlocking doors to new opportunities."

       

Catch up on data and insights from across the Law.com Newsroom, including a timeline of President Donald Trump's battle against Big Law.