Expert Analysis

• A Case For Sharing Mediation Statements With Counterparties

  

  In light of a potential growing mediation trend of only submitting statements to the mediator, litigants should think critically about the pros and cons of exchanging statements with opposing parties as it could boost the chances of reaching a settlement, says Arthur Eidelhoch at Eidelhoch Mediation.

• Preparing For Legal Scrutiny Of Data Retention Policies

  

  Two recent cases involving Google and Meta should serve as a call to action for companies to ensure their data retention policies are updated and properly implemented to the degree of being able to withstand judicial scrutiny, especially as more data is generated by emerging technologies, say Jack Kallus and Labeed Choudhry at Kaufman Dolowich.

• Opinion

  Attorneys Should Have An Ethical Duty To Advance DEI

  

  National and state bar associations are encouraging attorneys to apply diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the legal profession and beyond, and these associations should take it one step further by formally recognizing ethical duties for attorneys to promote DEI, which could better the legal profession and society, says Elena Mitchell at Moore & Van Allen.

• Data-Driven Insights Are Key To Attracting Today's Clients

  

  As law firm growth slows and competition for clients increases, modern firms must rely on robust data analytics to develop the sector-based expertise and industry insights that clients increasingly prioritize in relationships with counsel, says Lavinia Calvert at Intapp.

• In Arbitration, Consider The Influence Of State Laws

  

  A California appellate court's recent refusal, based in state law, to compel arbitration in Barraza v. Tesla illustrates the importance of understanding substantive and procedural differences between state arbitration law and the Federal Arbitration Act — and when those distinctions can alter case outcomes, says Richard Mason at MasonADR.

• Tips On Workplace DEI Efforts In A Changing Legal Landscape

  

  Amid years of political debates about diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts in the workplace, and increased state legislation in this area, employers can still explore ways to engage in DEIA training and initiatives without creating unnecessary legal risks, say attorneys at Husch Blackwell.

• Ghosting In BigLaw: Why Better Feedback Habits Are Needed

  

  Not giving assignments or constructive criticism to junior associates can significantly affect their performance and hours, potentially leading them to leave the firm, but partners can prevent this by asking the right questions and creating a culture of feedback, says Rachel Patterson at Orrick.

• 11th Circ. Ruling Widens Path To Arbitral Award Vacatur

  

  The Eleventh Circuit’s recent decision in Corporación AIC v. Hidroeléctrica — which held that the grounds for vacating an arbitral award are set in domestic law — brings the circuit in line with other courts of appeals and is an important decision for a number of reasons, says David Zaslowsky at Baker McKenzie.

• Rebuttal

  Law Needs A Balance Between Humanism And Formalism

  

  A recent Law360 guest article rightly questions the pretextual pseudo-originalism that permits ideology to masquerade as judicial philosophy, but the cure would kill the patient because directness, simplicity and humanness are achievable without renouncing form or sacrificing stare decisis, says Vanessa Kubota at the Arizona Court of Appeals.

• 9th Circ. Contractor Vax Ruling Widens Presidential Authority

  

  In reversing an injunction against President Joe Biden's federal contractor vaccine mandate, the Ninth Circuit creates a circuit split on presidential authority, and breathes new life into the administration's attempts to implement government contract policies that are unlikely to pass in Congress, says Richard Arnholt at Bass Berry.

• Short Message Data Challenges In E-Discovery

  

  As short message platforms increasingly dominate work environments, lawyers face multiple programs, different communication styles and emoji in e-discovery, so they must consider new strategies to adapt their processes, says Cristin Traylor at Relativity.

• Opinion

  Thomas Report Is Final Straw — High Court Needs Ethics Code

  

  As a recent report on Justice Clarence Thomas' ongoing conflicts of interest makes evident, Supreme Court justices should be subject to an enforceable and binding code of ethics — like all other federal judges — to maintain the credibility of the institution, says Erica Salmon Byrne at Ethisphere.

• The Power Of Product Warranties In TM Suits Over Resales

  

  In recent cases, trademark owners have successfully used product warranty coverage as a material difference exception to defeat unauthorized resellers who claim they are protected by the first sale doctrine — but the application of the exception may be less clear than courts assume, say Leigh Taggart and David Roulo at Honigman.

• Joint Representation Ethics Lessons From Ga. Electors Case

  

  The Fulton County district attorney's recent motion to disqualify an attorney from representing her elector clients, claiming a nonconsentable conflict of interest, raises key questions about representing multiple clients related to the same conduct and highlights potential pitfalls, say Hilary Gerzhoy and Grace Wynn at HWG.

• Lawyer Discernment Is Critical In The World Of AI

  

  In light of growing practical concerns about risks and challenges posed by artificial intelligence, lawyers' experience with the skill of discernment will position them to help address new ethical and moral dilemmas and ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that benefits society as a whole, says Jennifer Gibbs at Zelle.