Expert Analysis

• Getting The Most Out Of Learning And Development Programs

  Excerpt from Practical Guidance

  

  Junior associates can better develop the legal, business and interpersonal skills they need for long-term success by approaching their firms’ learning and development programs armed with five tips for getting the most out of these resources, says Lauren Hakala at Reed Smith.

• Opinion

  AI Presents A Make-Or-Break Moment For Outside Counsel

  

  The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by corporate legal departments is forcing a long-overdue reset of the relationship between inside and outside counsel, and introducing a significant opportunity to shed frustrating inefficiencies and strengthen collaboration for firms willing to embrace the shift, says Intel Chief Legal Officer April Miller Boise.

• Navigating Life Sciences Deals Amid Heightened Scrutiny

  

  With pricing reform initiatives, national security legislation and evolving trade policy currently contributing to meaningful uncertainty for life sciences companies, it is important to proactively structure deals to avoid downstream complications, say attorneys at Cooley.

• Series

  Watching Hallmark Movies Makes Me A Better Lawyer

  

  I realize you may be judging me for watching, and actually enjoying, Hallmark Channel movies, but the escapism and storylines actually demonstrate qualities and actions that lead to an efficient, productive and positive legal practice, says Karen Ross at Tucker Ellis.

• Nippon Case Illustrates Challenges Of Proving Antitrust Injury

  

  A recent California federal court decision dismissing challenges to Nippon Steel's purchase of U.S. Steel underscores the longtime antitrust precedent that while the limitations of injury are critical for defendants sued under U.S. antitrust laws, showing that the harm is real is the key, says Cameron Regnery at Freeman Mathis.

• How Iran War Might Reshape Proxy Contests This Year

  

  The Iran war may function as a short-term poison pill for proxy contests, not because it strengthens corporate defenses, but because it increases the risks associated with activist commitments, say attorneys at Sidley.

• When Trade Secret Litigation And Criminal Law Collide

  

  An increasing convergence of trade secret litigation and white collar defense, especially with several recent criminal prosecutions from the Justice Department, should prompt businesses and counsel to adapt within the overlapping landscapes, says Kenneth Notter at MoloLamken.

• What To Watch At The 2026 ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting

  

  Attorneys at Freshfields consider the future of antitrust law and competition among developments likely to dominate discussion at the American Bar Association's Antitrust Spring Meeting this week.

• EU Ruling Signals More Intrusion Into Commercial Arbitration

  

  Three things stand out from the recent opinion of the advocate general of the European Court of Justice in Reibel v. Stankoimport, which is the next step in a long line of measures chipping away at the viability of international arbitration in the European Union, say attorneys at BakerHostetler.

• Navigating Venezuelan Oil And Gas Sanctions Rollbacks

  

  The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a series of general licenses representing the broadest easing of Venezuela-related sanctions in years, and creating significant new opportunities — but only for entities prepared to meet the rigorous conditions attached to OFAC's phased sanctions relief, say attorneys at Winston & Strawn.

• 3 Policy Lines To Revisit After Justices Nix Emergency Tariffs

  

  The U.S. Supreme Court's invalidation of President Donald Trump's emergency-based tariffs could expose businesses to allegations of misrepresenting tariff effects and raise the prospect of consumer actions seeking refunds — underscoring the need for policyholders to potentially reposition their insurance portfolios, say attorneys at Reed Smith.

• 5 Tips For Navigating Your Firm's All-Attorney Summit

  Excerpt from Practical Guidance

  

  Law firm retreats should be approached strategically, as they present valuable opportunities to advance both the firm's objectives and attorneys' professional development through meaningful participation, building and strengthening internal relationships, and proactive follow-up, says James Argionis at Cozen O’Connor.

• How Bankrupt Cos. Can Seek Refunds For Illegal Tariffs

  

  In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision striking down President Donald Trump's International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs as illegal, some companies may have strong prospects for recovering refunds from the government, and trustees in bankruptcy may have a significant role to play in seeking such recovery, say attorneys at Stinson.

• Legal And Industry Impacts Of America's Maritime Action Plan

  

  America's Maritime Action Plan, unveiled by the White House last month, introduces changes to trade investigations, a new maritime trust fund and more — adding regulatory and compliance obligations for companies and counsel, but also new avenues for client engagement in project finance, contract negotiation and dispute resolution, say attorneys at Holland & Knight.

• Duke Energy Settlement Raises Key Antitrust Questions

  

  The recent federal court settlement in Duke Energy v. NTE Carolinas II comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's failure to address a Fourth Circuit decision in the matter, calling into question the core purpose and effect of antitrust laws, say attorneys at Clifford Chance.