The CDC estimates that about 7.5% of the U.S. population may be dealing with  long COVID or what is also termed long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID or chronic COVID.   Because long COVID is not as well understood as COVID-19 in terms of causes, symptoms and treatment, it can be complicated for employers to deal with.   Lindsay Ditlow Of McDermott Will &amp; Emery discusses what employers and employees should consider if dealing with Long COVID.

The CDC estimates that about 7.5% of the U.S. population may be dealing with long COVID or what is also termed long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID or chronic COVID.  Because long COVID is not as well understood as COVID-19 in terms of causes, symptoms and treatment, it can be complicated for employers to deal with.  Lindsay Ditlow Of McDermott Will &amp; Emery discusses what employers and employees should consider if dealing with Long COVID.

Employers & Employees Dealing With Long COVID

Various states are exploring new models on who can practice law, new ownership models of law firms, and other paradigm shifts.  Arizona changed its alternative business structure to non-lawyer ownership and investment in law firms.  Scout Law is the first such entities to take advantage of the change.  Steve Germann discusses why he created the new firm, and his expectations for similar firms. 

Various states are exploring new models on who can practice law, new ownership models of law firms, and other paradigm shifts.  Arizona changed its alternative business structure to non-lawyer ownership and investment in law firms.  Scout Law is the first such entities to take advantage of the change.  Steve Germann discusses why he created the new firm, and his expectations for similar firms.

Rise of Investor-Backed Law Firms

A lot of attention has been paid lately to lateral hiring and associate compensation, but changes are also taking place in law firm staffing.  Thomson Reuters Institute recently completed its annual analysis on law firm staffing ratios.  Today, we’ll talk about what the new trends are with Isaac Brooks, senior industry data analyst and Natalie Runyon, director, ESG content and advisory services.

A lot of attention has been paid lately to lateral hiring and associate compensation, but changes are also taking place in law firm staffing.  Thomson Reuters Institute recently completed its annual analysis on law firm staffing ratios.  Today, we’ll talk about what the new trends are with Isaac Brooks, senior industry data analyst and Natalie Runyon, director, ESG content and advisory services.

How Law Firms Are Changing Their Support Staffing

Everything You to Know (Almost) About the Metaverse

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the hot craze. While the initial coin offering ("ICO") craze of 2017-2018 fizzled out in the face of government enforcement actions, a resurgence in the global market for bitcoin and the new category of NFTs is fueling a new boom in digital assets as mainstream interest increases. Recently, Christie's became the very first major auction house to offer a fully digital work.  Internet celebrity Logan Paul made over $5 million selling NFTs. Musician Post Malone invited fans to play beer pong with him if they bought an NFT. Thomson Reuters recently hosted a two-day conference discussing risks and rewards for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Louis Lehot of Foley &amp; Lardner discusses some common legal considerations when launching an NFT marketplace, including documentation you need, intellectual property and other legal considerations, as well as overarching legal implications of this new technology.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the hot craze. While the initial coin offering ("ICO") craze of 2017-2018 fizzled out in the face of government enforcement actions, a resurgence in the global market for bitcoin and the new category of NFTs is fueling a new boom in digital assets as mainstream interest increases. Recently, Christie's became the very first major auction house to offer a fully digital work.  Internet celebrity Logan Paul made over $5 million selling NFTs. Musician Post Malone invited fans to play beer pong with him if they bought an NFT. Thomson Reuters recently hosted a <a href="https://www.legalcurrent.com/cryptocurrencies-risk-opportunity-reward/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">two-day conference</a> discussing risks and rewards for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Louis Lehot of Foley &amp; Lardner discusses some common legal considerations when launching an NFT marketplace, including documentation you need, intellectual property and other legal considerations, as well as overarching legal implications of this new technology.

What to Know When Starting an NFT Marketplace

Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, Ethereum and dogecoin saw a record $9.3 billion inflow in 2021.  Governments and regulatory bodies are racing to keep up with explosion of cryptocurrencies, associated marketplaces and exchanges, and other digital assets such as NFTs.  Thomson Reuters is hosting a two-day exploration of risk and reward for the global crypto community.  Will anticipated oversight bolster or derail palpable momentum heading into 2023? The conference, which will be conducted both in-person and online, features expert from across corporate, legal, tax, and regulatory realms who will offer comprehensive guidance for both casual observers and industry veterans alike. The event will take place April 14 &amp; 15, and registration is free at:  https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/events/manifest-destiny-risk-opportunity-reward-around-digital-currencies/ Co-chair of the conference, Bradford Newmann, partner at Baker McKenzie, and Chair of the AI &amp; Blockchain Subcommittee of the ABA, discusses some of the topics that the conference will address.

Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, Ethereum and dogecoin saw a record $9.3 billion inflow in 2021.  Governments and regulatory bodies are racing to keep up with explosion of cryptocurrencies, associated marketplaces and exchanges, and other digital assets such as NFTs.  Thomson Reuters is hosting a two-day exploration of risk and reward for the global crypto community.  Will anticipated oversight bolster or derail palpable momentum heading into 2023? The conference, which will be conducted both in-person and online, features expert from across corporate, legal, tax, and regulatory realms who will offer comprehensive guidance for both casual observers and industry veterans alike. The event will take place April 14 &amp; 15, and registration is free at: <a href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/events/manifest-destiny-risk-opportunity-reward-around-digital-currencies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/events/manifest-destiny-risk-opportunity-reward-around-digital-currencies/</a> Co-chair of the conference, Bradford Newmann, partner at Baker McKenzie, and Chair of the AI &amp; Blockchain Subcommittee of the ABA, discusses some of the topics that the conference will address.

Digital Currencies - Risk, Reward & Opportunity

Get your brackets out!  For the first time in three years, March Madness, as we’re accustomed to seeing it, is back.  NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the Olympics all navigated their way through the pandemic through a combination of delays, bubbles, cancelled games, and various COVID protocols.  Will any of this have lasting effects on players’ rights, collective bargaining agreements, etc.? Glen Rothstein, a partner in the Litigation practice group at Greenspoon Marder, primarily in entertainment, sports &amp; interactive gaming, weighs in.

Get your brackets out!  For the first time in three years, March Madness, as we’re accustomed to seeing it, is back.  NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the Olympics all navigated their way through the pandemic through a combination of delays, bubbles, cancelled games, and various COVID protocols.  Will any of this have lasting effects on players’ rights, collective bargaining agreements, etc.? Glen Rothstein, a partner in the Litigation practice group at Greenspoon Marder, primarily in entertainment, sports &amp; interactive gaming, weighs in.

The Impact of COVID on Sports

The events last summer following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police shook the city of Minneapolis to its core.  Days of riots and unrest destroyed scores of business, particularly in the Lake Street area, where rebuilding is still taking place.  Many parts of the community have pulled together to assist with the rebuilding as well as tackle the broader community issues that also in the wake of the George Floyd killing even more than one year later. Sharon Sayles-Belton, vice president of alliances and partnerships at Thomson Reuters and former mayor of Minneapolis, and Rick Anderson, senior principal at Fish &amp; Richardson discuss where things stand – more than one year later – in that most affected area of Minneapolis that was really Ground Zero for the events of last year, as well as in the broader community, and on the broader issues of racism and policing that are still being grappled with in Minneapolis and beyond.

The events last summer following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police shook the city of Minneapolis to its core.  Days of riots and unrest destroyed scores of business, particularly in the Lake Street area, where rebuilding is still taking place.  Many parts of the community have pulled together to assist with the rebuilding as well as tackle the broader community issues that also in the wake of the George Floyd killing even more than one year later. Sharon Sayles-Belton, vice president of alliances and partnerships at Thomson Reuters and former mayor of Minneapolis, and Rick Anderson, senior principal at Fish &amp; Richardson discuss where things stand – more than one year later – in that most affected area of Minneapolis that was really Ground Zero for the events of last year, as well as in the broader community, and on the broader issues of racism and policing that are still being grappled with in Minneapolis and beyond.

One Year After the George Floyd Killing - Community Rebuilding & Police Reform

Remote

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected in-person court hearings, but has similarly affected the arbitration world as well.  In-person arbitration hearings are now difficult to hold, owing to travel restrictions and the difficulty in safely conducting face-to-face hearings.   The arbitration world is rapidly adapting to remote arbitration hearings.  The Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, one of the leading institutions for international arbitration, is leading the charge to adapt arbitration processes and technologies to remote hearings. Lise Alm, head of business development, discusses how her organization is helping to transform arbitration heariings not only for the current situation but to prepare for the future as well.   Sebastiaan Bos, director of solutions for Europe, the Middle East and Asia at Thomson Reuters, joins the discussion to discuss how advanced workflow technologies such as  HighQ can help enable this transformation. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected in-person court hearings, but has similarly affected the arbitration world as well.  In-person arbitration hearings are now difficult to hold, owing to travel restrictions and the difficulty in safely conducting face-to-face hearings. The arbitration world is rapidly adapting to remote arbitration hearings.  The <a href="https://sccinstitute.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arbitration Institute</a> of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, one of the leading institutions for international arbitration, is leading the charge to adapt arbitration processes and technologies to remote hearings. Lise Alm, head of business development, discusses how her organization is helping to transform arbitration heariings not only for the current situation but to prepare for the future as well.   Sebastiaan Bos, director of solutions for Europe, the Middle East and Asia at Thomson Reuters, joins the discussion to discuss how advanced workflow technologies such as <a href="https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/en/c/highq-intelligent-legal-solution" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> HighQ</a> can help enable this transformation.

Adapting International Arbitration Through Remote Technology

Global Lawyer Hackathon Addresses Climate Change Hundreds of lawyers around the world are participating in a unique global “hackathon” to create new contracts and model laws to help fight climate change.  The Chancery Lane Project aims to create legal frameworks to enable and encourage businesses and communities to have a positive impact on the environment, and envisions a world where every contract and law enables solutions to climate change. Becky Clissmann, environmental law editor at Practical Law, discusses the project and how it engages legal professionals to empower businesses and communities to help meet goals of net zero emissions.  

Global Lawyer Hackathon Addresses Climate Change Hundreds of lawyers around the world are participating in a unique global “hackathon” to create new contracts and model laws to help fight climate change.  The Chancery Lane Project aims to create legal frameworks to enable and encourage businesses and communities to have a positive impact on the environment, and envisions a world where every contract and law enables solutions to climate change. Becky Clissmann, environmental law editor at Practical Law, discusses the project and how it engages legal professionals to empower businesses and communities to help meet goals of net zero emissions.

Global Lawyer Hackathon Addresses Climate Change

Legal Current is a podcast from Thomson Reuters, Legal, that features information and commentary on the business and practice of law.

Cool podcast, it&#39;s a break from my regular podcasts....Matt is my favorite!!!

Interesting

Legal Current

Diana White

Earlier this spring, the Trump Administration released its full 2018 budget proposal, which outlined deep cuts, and even outright eliminations, of some agencies. Among the 19 agencies on the chopping block is the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit established by Congress to support low-income Americans with civil legal aid. While the budget for 2017 kept funding in place for LSC to the tune of $385 million, the expected budget showdown for 2018 has many legal aid organizations concerned for the future, including Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF) in Chicago. In the latest installment of our podcast series, For Public Consumption, host Sharon Sayles Belton, vice president, Government Affairs and Community Relations at Thomson Reuters, speaks with Diana White, former executive director of LAF, about the organization’s mission, funding challenges and what’s next should federal funds disappear.

Earlier this spring, the Trump Administration released its full 2018 budget proposal, which outlined deep cuts, and even outright eliminations, of some agencies. Among the 19 agencies on the chopping block is the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), an independent nonprofit established by Congress to support low-income Americans with civil legal aid. While the budget for 2017 kept funding in place for LSC to the tune of $385 million, the expected budget showdown for 2018 has many legal aid organizations concerned for the future, including Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF) in Chicago. In the latest installment of our podcast series, For Public Consumption, host Sharon Sayles Belton, vice president, Government Affairs and Community Relations at Thomson Reuters, speaks with Diana White, former executive director of LAF, about the organization’s mission, funding challenges and what’s next should federal funds disappear.

For Public Consumption Episode 2: An Interview with Diana White on the Future of the Legal Services Corporation

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a case this term that could have provided some clarity to the bewildering array on jurisdictions and taxes involved with online sales. Will the move lead to action by the states or Congress, or the potential for even greater confusion? Matthew Hunsaker of Baker Botts discusses.

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a case this term that could have provided some clarity to the bewildering array on jurisdictions and taxes involved with online sales. Will the move lead to action by the states or Congress, or the potential for even greater confusion? Matthew Hunsaker of Baker Botts discusses.

Geoffrey the Giraffe, Supreme Court & Online Sales Taxes

Just as businesses around the world are still trying to come to grips with complying with GDPR or General Data Protection Regulation – the sweeping new data privacy regulations that recently took effect in the European Union, California has passed legislation that will lead to similar regulations taking effect in 2020 that will impact any company conducting business with customers in California. Tyler Newby of Fenwick and West discusses what the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 means for California residents – and the companies that do business with them.

Just as businesses around the world are still trying to come to grips with complying with GDPR or General Data Protection Regulation – the sweeping new data privacy regulations that recently took effect in the European Union, California has passed legislation that will lead to similar regulations taking effect in 2020 that will impact any company conducting business with customers in California. Tyler Newby of Fenwick and West discusses what the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 means for California residents – and the companies that do business with them.

What California's new GDPR-like Data Privacy Law Means for Businesses

David Lat

Karl Florida, managing director of the small law firm business of Thomson Reuters, talks with David Lat, founder of the Above the Law blog about his experience as a pre-eminent blogger on the legal industry

Karl Florida, managing director of the small law firm business of Thomson Reuters, talks with David Lat, founder of the Above the Law blog about his experience as a pre-eminent blogger on the legal industry

David Lat - Above the Law founder

 Marijuana use is now legal in dozens of states.  But laws vary considerably.  Is it medicinal use?  Recreational?  Do federal laws still take precedence?  What are employers’ rights to screen to marijuana use?  What are employees’ rights in jurisdictions where marijuana use is legal?   Elizabeth Levine with Ghoulston &amp; Storrs’ labor &amp; employment practice provides some guidance through the hazy legal landscape for employers.       

Marijuana use is now legal in dozens of states.  But laws vary considerably.  Is it medicinal use?  Recreational?  Do federal laws still take precedence?  What are employers’ rights to screen to marijuana use?  What are employees’ rights in jurisdictions where marijuana use is legal? Elizabeth Levine with Ghoulston &amp; Storrs’ labor &amp; employment practice provides some guidance through the hazy legal landscape for employers.

Are You High?  Marijuana Laws & the Employer Drug Testing Haze

NAMWOLF CEO Joel Stern discusses how unconscious bias impacts diversity and inclusion in the legal profession

<a href="http://www.namwolf.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NAMWOLF</a> CEO Joel Stern discusses how unconscious bias impacts diversity and inclusion in the legal profession

Unconscious Bias in the Legal Profession

The law and the courts have undergone many changes over the years.  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg discusses what she believes is “the most heartening change” in the legal profession. Episode 4 of our special podcast series marking the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Wright &amp; Miller’s  Federal Practice &amp; Procedure is a discussion between Prof. Arthur Miller, founding author of the treatise, and Justice Ginsburg. In this first of a two-part discussion, Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg discuss their overlapping journeys in the law, first as classmates at Harvard Law School, as attorneys arguing before the Supreme Court, and in their current roles, respectively, as law school professor and supreme court justice. Federal Practice &amp; Procedure is one of the most respected and enduring legal treatises.  The treatise has been cited by federal courts an astounding 90,000 times, according to Westlaw estimates, and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court every year since 1973. Thomson Reuters is presenting this special podcast series throughout 2019 featuring Professor Miller with leading legal scholars and thought leaders as they explore the issues and challenges facing attorneys practicing before the federal judiciary. The upcoming final episode of the series will feature a continuation of the discussion between Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg including the Justice’s views on what makes for an effective argument before the Court, and how she feels about the recent RBG documentary on her life.

The law and the courts have undergone many changes over the years.  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg discusses what she believes is “the most heartening change” in the legal profession. Episode 4 of our special podcast series marking the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Wright &amp; Miller’s <a href="https://store.legal.thomsonreuters.com/law-products/Legal-Encyclopedias/Federal-Practice-and-Procedure-Wright--Miller/p/100028918" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Federal Practice &amp; Procedure</a> is a discussion between Prof. Arthur Miller, founding author of the treatise, and Justice Ginsburg. In this first of a two-part discussion, Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg discuss their overlapping journeys in the law, first as classmates at Harvard Law School, as attorneys arguing before the Supreme Court, and in their current roles, respectively, as law school professor and supreme court justice. Federal Practice &amp; Procedure is one of the most respected and enduring legal treatises.  The treatise has been cited by federal courts an astounding 90,000 times, according to Westlaw estimates, and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court every year since 1973. Thomson Reuters is presenting this special podcast series throughout 2019 featuring Professor Miller with leading legal scholars and thought leaders as they explore the issues and challenges facing attorneys practicing before the federal judiciary. The upcoming final episode of the series will feature a continuation of the discussion between Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg including the Justice’s views on what makes for an effective argument before the Court, and how she feels about the recent RBG documentary on her life.

Special Podcast Series: Wright & Miller’s Federal Practice & Procedure Marks 50 Years of Publication – episode 4: A Discussion with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, part 1

Free wi-fi is widely available and tempting to use, especially when traveling.  Hotels, airports, coffee shops, even NYC subway stations provide it.  But the dangers of public wi-fi are many-fold.  Not only are they hunting grounds for hackers, but a new report from security firm FireEye claims a Russian hacker group known as APT28, or Fancy Bear, used hotel Wi-Fi networks to spy on high-value guests. While use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can safeguard against unsafe wi-fi networks, recent bans of VPNs by Russia and China further complicate matters.  Bob Braun with Jeffer Mangels, Butler &amp; Mitchell, says when using any public wi-fi, you are inherently at risk.

Free wi-fi is widely available and tempting to use, especially when traveling.  Hotels, airports, coffee shops, even NYC subway stations provide it.  But the dangers of public wi-fi are many-fold.  Not only are they hunting grounds for hackers, but a new report from security firm FireEye claims a Russian hacker group known as APT28, or Fancy Bear, used hotel Wi-Fi networks to spy on high-value guests. While use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can safeguard against unsafe wi-fi networks, recent bans of VPNs by Russia and China further complicate matters.  Bob Braun with Jeffer Mangels, Butler &amp; Mitchell, says when using any public wi-fi, you are inherently at risk.

Dangers of Public Wi-Fi

Morgan Lewis

Silvia A. LeBlanc of Morgan Lewis in Philadelphia discusses how the firm uses knowledge management and practice innovation, to collaborate with team members across Morgan Lewis’s global network and ensure they take full advantage of resources. She maps legal processes, creates productivity tools, and conducts training sessions that promote a culture of quality and consistency across matters.

Silvia A. LeBlanc of Morgan Lewis in Philadelphia discusses how the firm uses knowledge management and practice innovation, to collaborate with team members across Morgan Lewis’s global network and ensure they take full advantage of resources. She maps legal processes, creates productivity tools, and conducts training sessions that promote a culture of quality and consistency across matters.

A Day in the Life of a KM Attorney - Morgan Lewis

Episode 5 of our special podcast series marking the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Wright &amp; Miller’s  Federal Practice &amp; Procedure continues the discussion between Prof. Arthur Miller, founding author of the treatise, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, including her thoughts on what it’s like to argue a case before the High Court with her perspectives and experience on both sides of the bench. Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg discuss the Justice’s views on what makes for an effective argument before the Court, how lawyers can write more effective briefs, and how Justice Ginsburg feels about the recent RBG documentary on her life. In the previous episode –the first of the two-part discussion -- Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg discussed their overlapping journeys in the law, first as classmates at Harvard Law School, as attorneys arguing before the Supreme Court, and in their current roles, respectively, as law school professor and supreme court justice. Federal Practice &amp; Procedure is one of the most respected and enduring legal treatises. The treatise has been cited by federal courts an astounding 90,000 times, according to Westlaw estimates, and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court every year since 1973. Thomson Reuters is presenting this special podcast series throughout 2019 featuring Professor Miller with leading legal scholars and thought leaders as they explore the issues and challenges facing attorneys practicing before the federal judiciary.

Episode 5 of our special podcast series marking the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Wright &amp; Miller’s <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__track.smtpsendemail.com_441236_c-3Fp-3DEcgn8qKiwPVds00yUgCi9mp-2DMxsJBSJXNeLO7iudSed-2DBwiRhqd6Ao0Zm4RyEqjnLfP9-2D3i2gklRhagKc58mLEtvAe4zIN3bPjWSuS2b1O2fwUxiWo2Dl8Fo2pIUfKl0NxoWJr7RiRbNkpdvn6YTLG1nzqEmPveK1vpJe1490Zf6gZvbkAgvkCUVB-2DBZN3ff028kUAQeJ4zTXsCeTflvOw-3D-3D&amp;d=DwMGaQ&amp;c=4ZIZThykDLcoWk-GVjSLmy8-1Cr1I4FWIvbLFebwKgY&amp;r=npZDr_gDgR_w5I8gZmtdu452UNh4kEOhH_KXsdIbIEQ&amp;m=XWcofoFqSvu6jjqEQXyv2iCFSXYHkmAzCAhezx8Dob0&amp;s=_jSevSYw4SS_h9ns3OjPYVT1KeQkz6uxq5iotOjxxZA&amp;e=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Federal Practice &amp; Procedure</a> continues the discussion between Prof. Arthur Miller, founding author of the treatise, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, including her thoughts on what it’s like to argue a case before the High Court with her perspectives and experience on both sides of the bench. Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg discuss the Justice’s views on what makes for an effective argument before the Court, how lawyers can write more effective briefs, and how Justice Ginsburg feels about the recent RBG documentary on her life. In the previous episode –the first of the two-part discussion -- Professor Miller and Justice Ginsburg discussed their overlapping journeys in the law, first as classmates at Harvard Law School, as attorneys arguing before the Supreme Court, and in their current roles, respectively, as law school professor and supreme court justice. Federal Practice &amp; Procedure is one of the most respected and enduring legal treatises. The treatise has been cited by federal courts an astounding 90,000 times, according to Westlaw estimates, and has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court every year since 1973. Thomson Reuters is presenting this special podcast series throughout 2019 featuring Professor Miller with leading legal scholars and thought leaders as they explore the issues and challenges facing attorneys practicing before the federal judiciary.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Interview, part 2 - Special Podcast Series: Wright & Miller’s Federal Practice & Procedure Marks 50 Years of Publication – episode 5

On Jan. 26, 1997, many homes across America were tuned-in to Super Bowl XXXI. While much of the game itself may be a blur, most people who watched that night likely remember one image from that night: Hollywood legend Fred Astaire, who had died nearly a decade before, dancing with an electric broom in a vacuum commercial. While many people were fixated on how the ad was created, some – including members of Astaire’s family – took issue with bringing the legendary performer “back from the dead.” Now 20 years later, a new film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, puts a new spin on the debate in part because, unlike the brief appearance of Astaire in the vacuum ad, the new Star Wars film demonstrates that actors, can quite literally, return to the screen forever. But what are legal ramifications to these posthumous performances, and how are today’s actors prepping for this future? Join us for the latest Legal Current podcast, where we are joined by Brad Cohen, partner with Jeffer Mangels Butler &amp; Mitchell in Los Angeles, where we break this down. And be warned… there will be spoilers.

On Jan. 26, 1997, many homes across America were tuned-in to Super Bowl XXXI. While much of the game itself may be a blur, most people who watched that night likely remember one image from that night: Hollywood legend Fred Astaire, who had died nearly a decade before, dancing with an electric broom in a vacuum commercial. While many people were fixated on how the ad was created, some – including members of Astaire’s family – took issue with bringing the legendary performer “back from the dead.” Now 20 years later, a new film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, puts a new spin on the debate in part because, unlike the brief appearance of Astaire in the vacuum ad, the new Star Wars film demonstrates that actors, can quite literally, return to the screen forever. But what are legal ramifications to these posthumous performances, and how are today’s actors prepping for this future? Join us for the latest Legal Current podcast, where we are joined by <a href="http://www.jmbm.com/bradford-s-cohen.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brad Cohen</a>, partner with Jeffer Mangels Butler &amp; Mitchell in Los Angeles, where we break this down. And be warned… there will be spoilers.

The Estate Strikes Back - Deceased Stars, Star Wars & Posthumous Rights

  The Supreme Court, in deciding  Christie v. NCAA, could open the door for legalized sports gambling across the U.S.  What are the odds?  What would be the impact on professional sports?  Glen Rothstein of Rothstein Law tackles the issue

The Supreme Court, in deciding <a href="http://blogs.findlaw.com/supreme_court/2017/12/will-the-supreme-court-legalize-sports-gambling-nationwide.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Christie v. NCAA</a>, could open the door for legalized sports gambling across the U.S.  What are the odds?  What would be the impact on professional sports? Glen Rothstein of <a href="http://grothsteinlaw.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rothstein Law</a> tackles the issue

Will the Supreme Court Legalize Sports Gambling?

Emojis are cute, fun...and can get you in a whole lot of legal trouble.  “Emoji law” is increasingly a factor in e-discovery, particularly in labor and employment cases such as sexual harassment and discrimination. Jay Holand, chair of labor and employment at Joseph Greenwald, says it has gotten to the point where e mployment attorneys should start thinking about setting up emoji-awareness seminars for companies on how emoji and applications like Slack are creating new questions, and perhaps conflicts, in workplaces like, “Is that winky-face emoji friendly, flirtatious or sexual harassment?”

Emojis are cute, fun...and can get you in a whole lot of legal trouble.  “Emoji law” is increasingly a factor in e-discovery, particularly in labor and employment cases such as sexual harassment and discrimination. Jay Holand, chair of labor and employment at Joseph Greenwald, says it has gotten to the point where e mployment attorneys should start thinking about setting up emoji-awareness seminars for companies on how emoji and applications like Slack are creating new questions, and perhaps conflicts, in workplaces like, “Is that winky-face emoji friendly, flirtatious or sexual harassment?”

Emoji Law & the Evils of Emojis

Geoff Goldberg, Manager of Contract Express Service and Support for Thomson Reuters, recently moderated a panel about document automation hosted by the Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute at Legalweek 2018 in New York. Titled “Document Automation – Workflow Strategies for Competitive firms”, Goldberg and panelists discussed how firms can use document automation to meet client expectations for more innovative practices and greater efficiency; all with the end goals to provide higher-quality service at a lower cost and in less time. In this podcast conversation with Legal Current, Goldberg provides a big-picture overview of why document drafting is so critical to the value proposition of all law firms and how the automation of that process is becoming a bigger competitive advantage in the changing legal landscape

Geoff Goldberg, Manager of Contract Express Service and Support for Thomson Reuters, recently moderated a panel about document automation hosted by the <a href="http://legalexecutiveinstitute.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thomson Reuters Legal Executive Institute</a> at Legalweek 2018 in New York. Titled “Document Automation – Workflow Strategies for Competitive firms”, Goldberg and panelists discussed how firms can use document automation to meet client expectations for more innovative practices and greater efficiency; all with the end goals to provide higher-quality service at a lower cost and in less time. In this podcast conversation with Legal Current, Goldberg provides a big-picture overview of why document drafting is so critical to the value proposition of all law firms and how the automation of that process is becoming a bigger competitive advantage in the changing legal landscape

Document Automation – Workflow Strategies for Competitive Firms

In November, Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in State Farm Fire &amp; Casualty Co., United States ex rel. Rigsby, a case involving the False Claims Act and misclassified claims after Hurricane Katrina.  This case is important as litigation under the False Claims Act has grown remarkably in recent years. It also is relevant that the False Claims Act, which dates back to the Civil War, and provides for treble damages, mandatory minimum penalties, and recovery of costs, including attorney¹s fees, making successful litigation quite lucrative. Government Contractors have complained bitterly about what they regard as unduly lax applications of the statute by the lower courts. Brian Markovitz of Joseph Greenwald &amp; Laake discusses the intersection of Hurricane Katrina, Abraham Lincoln and the so-called “Lincoln Law”.

In November, Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in State Farm Fire &amp; Casualty Co., United States ex rel. Rigsby, a case involving the False Claims Act and misclassified claims after Hurricane Katrina.  This case is important as litigation under the False Claims Act has grown remarkably in recent years. It also is relevant that the False Claims Act, which dates back to the Civil War, and provides for treble damages, mandatory minimum penalties, and recovery of costs, including attorney¹s fees, making successful litigation quite lucrative. Government Contractors have complained bitterly about what they regard as unduly lax applications of the statute by the lower courts. <a href="http://www.jgllaw.com/attorneys/brian-j-markovitz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brian Markovitz</a> of Joseph Greenwald &amp; Laake discusses the intersection of Hurricane Katrina, Abraham Lincoln and the so-called “Lincoln Law”.

Abraham Lincoln, Hurricane Katrina & the False Claims Act

Social media is skyrocketing, as people connect with friends and family as shelter-in-place and work-from-home continue.  But as we take advantage as these apps, it’s still important to be careful – others may be seeing the personal &amp; professional information that you’re posting. Robert Braun - co-chair of the Jeffer Mangels Butler &amp; Mitchell Cybersecurity and Privacy Group  -- says it’s important to make “Social Media Hygiene” part of your routine, and to think before you post.

Social media is skyrocketing, as people connect with friends and family as shelter-in-place and work-from-home continue.  But as we take advantage as these apps, it’s still important to be careful – others may be seeing the personal &amp; professional information that you’re posting. Robert Braun - co-chair of the Jeffer Mangels Butler &amp; Mitchell Cybersecurity and Privacy Group  -- says it’s important to make “Social Media Hygiene” part of your routine, and to think before you post.

Are You Practicing Safe "Social Media Hygiene"?

 Developments this week in two mega-mergers are raising questions about what the Trump administration’s approach to corporate mergers.  T-Mobile and Sprint announced plans to merge after similar plans were benched in 2014 over concerns the Obama administration would oppose the merger.  And closing arguments were held in the Justice Department’s antitrust trial seeking to block the proposed AT&amp;T-Time Warner merger.   Mark Ostrau, head of the antitrust group with Fenwick &amp; West discusses what may lie ahead for anti-trust in the Trump administration.

Developments this week in two mega-mergers are raising questions about what the Trump administration’s approach to corporate mergers.  T-Mobile and Sprint announced plans to merge after similar plans were benched in 2014 over concerns the Obama administration would oppose the merger.  And closing arguments were held in the Justice Department’s antitrust trial seeking to block the proposed AT&amp;T-Time Warner merger. Mark Ostrau, head of the antitrust group with Fenwick &amp; West discusses what may lie ahead for anti-trust in the Trump administration.

Antitrust Under Trump

Employee Performance Reviews run the gamut from helpful to the subject of Dilbert-esque scron and ridicule.  Leigh Goodard, co-chair of the employment law practice at McDonald Carano, warns that fail to make sure their performance reviews are conducted properly, employers may be exposed to potential legal problems. 

Employee Performance Reviews run the gamut from helpful to the subject of Dilbert-esque scron and ridicule.  Leigh Goodard, co-chair of the employment law practice at McDonald Carano, warns that fail to make sure their performance reviews are conducted properly, employers may be exposed to potential legal problems.

Are You Making Mistakes With Your Employee Performance Reviews

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could have far-reaching implications on law enforcement’s ability to access digital records. In US v.  Microsoft, the tech giant is challenging a US search warrant involving data stored in servers located in Ireland.  The case poses major questions over data access in the Internet age.   The case hinges on the Stored Communications Act, which was passed in 1986, long before the explosion  of emails and the Internet.   The government argues that access to records stored by US companies overseas is vital as evidence for criminal cases such as terrorism, child pornography and fraud.   Michael Whitener  of VLP Law Group discusses the implications of the case. 

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could have far-reaching implications on law enforcement’s ability to access digital records. In US v.  Microsoft, the tech giant is challenging a US search warrant involving data stored in servers located in Ireland.  The case poses major questions over data access in the Internet age.  The case hinges on the Stored Communications Act, which was passed in 1986, long before the explosion  of emails and the Internet.  The government argues that access to records stored by US companies overseas is vital as evidence for criminal cases such as terrorism, child pornography and fraud. <a href="https://www.vlplawgroup.com/attorneys/michael-whitener/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Michael Whitener</a> of VLP Law Group discusses the implications of the case.

Can the US Government Seize Overseas Data?

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