Expert Analysis

• Mass. Ruling Raises Questions About Whistleblower Status

  

  In Galvin v. Roxbury Community College, Massachusetts' top appellate court held that an individual was protected from retaliation as a whistleblower, even though he engaged in illegal activity, raising questions about whether whistleblowers who commit illegal acts are protected and whether trusted employees are doing their job or whistleblowing, say attorneys at Littler.

• How Lenders Can Be Ready For Disparate Impact Variabilities

  

  Amid state attorneys general's and regulators' mixed messaging around disparate impact liability, financial institutions can take several steps to minimize risk, including ensuring compliance management aligns with current law and avoiding decisions that impede growth in business and service, says Elena Babinecz at Baker Donelson.

• Wage-Based H-1B Rule Amplifies Lottery Risks For Law Firms

  

  Under the wage-based H-1B lottery rule taking effect Feb. 27, law firms planning to hire noncitizen law graduates awaiting bar admission should consider their options, as the work performed by such candidates may sit at the intersection of multiple occupational classifications with differing chances of success, says Jun Li at Reid & Wise.

• Series

  Judges On AI: Practical Use Cases In Chambers

  

  U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard in the Southern District of California discusses how she uses generative artificial intelligence tools in chambers to make work more efficient and effective — from editing jury instructions for clarity to summarizing key documents.

• Opinion

  Corporations Should Think Twice About Mandatory Arbitration

  

  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's recent acceptance of mandatory arbitration provisions in corporate charters and bylaws does not make them wise, as the current system of class actions still offers critical advantages for corporations, says Mohsen Manesh at the University of Oregon School of Law.

• Assessing Compliance Risks Around TrumpRx Participation

  

  As there are novel compliance obligations and potential political opposition related to the new TrumpRx online drug platform, companies intending to participate on the site should consider the pressure points that are likely to draw enforcement scrutiny, say attorneys at Sheppard.

• A Closer Look At California Financial Regulator's 2026 Agenda

  

  California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Commissioner KC Mohseni in recent remarks demonstrated the regulator's growing importance amid the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's retreat by debuting expansive goals for 2026, including finalizing rulemaking for the state's digital asset law and expanding enforcement authority around consumer complaints, says John Kimble at Hinshaw.

• California's New Privacy Laws Demand Preparation From Cos.

  

  An increase in breach disclosures is coinciding with California's most comprehensive privacy and artificial intelligence legislation taking effect, illustrating the range of vulnerabilities organizations in the state face and highlighting that the key to successfully managing these requirements is investing in capabilities before they became urgent, says Camilo Artiga-Purcell at Kiteworks.

• Takeaways From 1st DOJ Antitrust Whistleblower Payout

  

  The U.S. Justice Department's recent $1 million antitrust whistleblower reward accelerates the race to report by signaling that the Antitrust Division's program can result in substantial financial awards and reinforcing the need for corporate compliance programs that reach beyond core components, say attorneys at Pillsbury.

• Series

  Trail Running Makes Me A Better Lawyer

  

  Navigating the muddy, root-filled path of trail marathons and ultramarathons provides fertile training ground for my high-stakes fractional general counsel work, teaching me to slow down my mind when the terrain shifts, sharpen my focus and trust my training, says Eric Proos at Next Era Legal.

• Navigating New Risks Amid Altered Foreign Issuer Landscape

  

  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's potential rulemaking to redefine who qualifies as a foreign private issuer will shape securities regulation and enforcement for decades, affecting not only FPIs and U.S. investors but also the U.S.' position in global capital markets, says Elisha Kobre at Sheppard.

• Open Questions After Defense Contractor Executive Order

  

  The scope and long-term effects of President Donald Trump’s executive order on the U.S. defense industrial base are uncertain, but the immediate impact is significant as it appears to direct the U.S. Department of Defense to take a more active role in contractor affairs, say attorneys at Morgan Lewis.

• Navigating The Void Left By Axed EEOC Harassment Guidance

  

  With the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently rescinding its 2024 enforcement guidance on harassment in the workplace, employers are left to guess how the agency may interpret an employer's obligations under Title VII and binding case law, areas that were previously clarified, say attorneys at Husch Blackwell.

• What NY's GHG Reporting Program Means For Oil, Gas Cos.

  

  New York's new Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program represents a significant compliance regime for the oil and gas industry, so any business touching the state's fuel market should determine its obligations, and be prepared to gather data, create a monitoring plan and institute controls for accurate reporting, say attorneys at White & Case.

• What Rescheduling Means For Cannabis Labels, Marketing

  

  The proposed reclassification of cannabis is expected to bring heightened scrutiny of labeling, advertising and marketing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, but the brands that tighten evidence, standardize operations and professionalize marketing controls now will see fewer surprises and better outcomes, say attorneys at Wilson Elser.