Expert Analysis

• Counterfactual Models: A Key Tool In Energy Price Disputes

  

  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's recent review of penalties assessed by PJM Interconnection during Winter Storm Elliott is just one example of how estimating the behavior of energy markets in counterfactual scenarios is an essential tool for settling contractual and regulatory disputes, say Kivanç Kirgiz and Manuel Vasconcelos at Cornerstone Research, and independent consultant Roy Shanker.

• 5 Ways To Improve Commercial Arbitration Clauses

  

  Arbitration clauses have become ubiquitous as parties hope to streamline disputes, but with boilerplate language leading to the same downsides as conventional litigation, commercial contract drafters should opt for custom-written terms, say Lauren Zimmerman and Jeff Zalesin at Selendy Gay.

• Mitigating Risk In US Liquefied Natural Gas Contracts

  

  Recent increases in demand for liquefied natural gas in both European and Asian markets will present logistical, economic and legal challenges for suppliers, which will need to mitigate risks posed by both short-term and long-term contracts, says C. Thomas Kruse at Arnold & Porter.

• Caregiver Flexibility Is Crucial For Atty Engagement, Retention

  

  As the battle for top talent continues post-pandemic, many firms are attempting to attract employees with progressive hybrid working environments — and supporting caregivers before, during and after an extended leave is a critically important way to retain top talent, says Manar Morales at The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance.

• 3 Ideas To Guide In-House Counsel On Creating AI Policies

  

  When drafting guidelines on generative artificial intelligence use for organizations that have a heightened need to safeguard their intellectual property, in-house counsel will need to address some gray areas that have become difficult to navigate in order to set their company up for success, say Enrique Abarca and Tanner Jarrell at Nabors Corporate.

• Serta Simmons Ch. 11 Expands Split On Credit Agreements

  

  The recent confirmation of Serta Simmons' Chapter 11 plan by a Texas bankruptcy court judge furthers a split in case law between narrow interpretation of credit agreement provisions and a more holistic approach focused on the practical effect of the uptiering transaction on minority lender rights, say attorneys at Schulte Roth.

• Ruling Affirms Drillers' Right To Choose Methods In Colo.

  

  In the wake of the Tenth Circuit's decision in Bay v. Anadarko E&P Onshore, a bellwether trespass case, oil and gas operators can breathe easy knowing that Colorado landowners cannot dictate their method of drilling — even in the face of more reasonable alternatives, say Lauren Varnado and Jessica Pharis at Michelman & Robinson.

• In-Office Engagement Is Essential To Associate Development

  

  As law firms develop return-to-office policies that allow hybrid work arrangements, they should incorporate the specific types of in-person engagement likely to help associates develop attributes common among successful firm leaders, says Liisa Thomas at Sheppard Mullin.

• Perspectives

  A Judge's Pitch To Revive The Jury Trial

  

  Ohio state Judge Pierre Bergeron explains how the decline of the jury trial threatens public confidence in the judiciary and even democracy as a whole, and he offers ideas to restore this sacred right.

• Negotiating AI-Life Sciences Partnerships To Minimize IP Risk

  

  When life sciences companies and AI companies form partnerships to foster innovation, the parties should align interests as well as mitigate intellectual property risks by strategically identifying and addressing the unique AI-related legal issues, such as training data, AI model and output, say attorneys at Finnegan.

• How To Recognize And Recover From Lawyer Loneliness

  

  Law can be one of the loneliest professions, but there are practical steps that attorneys and their managers can take to help themselves and their peers improve their emotional health, strengthen their social bonds and protect their performance, says psychologist and attorney Traci Cipriano.

• Opinion

  Litigation Funding Disclosure Should Be Mandatory

  

  Despite the Appellate Rules Committee's recent deferral of the issue of requiring third-party litigation funding disclosure, such a mandate is necessary to ensure the even-handed administration of justice across all cases, says David Levitt at Hinshaw.

• Recalling USWNT's Legal PR Playbook Amid World Cup Bid

  

  As the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team strives to take home another World Cup trophy, their 2022 pay equity settlement with the U.S. Soccer Federation serves as a good reminder that winning in the court of public opinion can be more powerful than a victory inside the courtroom, says Hector Valle at Vianovo.

• How Calif. Privacy Law Changes Affect Asset Managers

  

  Asset managers need to understand the important ways in which the California Consumer Privacy Act applies to their work, despite a recent update to the law that exempts information subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, say Kevin Angle and Catherine Skulan at Ropes & Gray.

• Contract Disputes Recap: Timeliness, Evidence, Fact-Finding

  

  Edward Arnold and Bret Marfut at Seyfarth Shaw look at three recent opinions from three stages of government contract claims litigation about avoiding untimeliness by ticking procedural boxes, supporting factual positions at the summary judgment stage and how the appellate boards review default terminations.