International Trade

How New US M&A Restrictions On China Will Affect Tech Cos.

The Trump administration recently launched an unprecedented regulatory blitz designed to further protect domestic information and communications technology and services from what it considers Chinese threats. These steps will constrain transactions that could expand China’s access to the U.S. market and to U.S. technology — and some have an immediate effect, say attorneys at Kirkland.

DOJ's Citgo Case Highlights Reach, And Limits, Of FCPA

The bribes a Miami businessman recently admitted paying to executives of gasoline retailer Citgo violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, because Citgo is owned by the Venezuelan government. But there is scant case law for the U.S. Department of Justice to rely on in a case against Citgo itself, says Timothy Belevetz of Ice Miller.

5 Ways Law Firms Can Improve Their Job Interviews

When evaluating potential new hires, law firms should utilize structured interviews in order to create a consistent rating system that accurately and effectively assesses candidates' skills and competencies, says Jennifer Henderson of Major Lindsey.

Series

Why I Became A Lawyer: A Fateful Phone Call

When I was growing up, my mother was always the more mild-mannered parent. But during a trans-Atlantic phone call in 1991, when I told her I wanted to go to culinary school instead of law school, she started yelling — at a volume I had never heard from her, says Jason Brookner of Gray Reed.

Law Firms Can Do Better With Their Mentoring Programs

There are a few practical, proactive steps law firms can take to create a mentoring program that pays dividends — instead of creating a mediocre program that both parties see as an obligation, says Kate Sheikh of Major Lindsey & Africa.

The Latest Developments In Criminal Cases Against Execs

This spring, there was some noteworthy news in white collar government investigations impacting executives, including the first successful prosecution in the opioid bribery scheme and the first criminal charges for failure to report under the Consumer Product Safety Act, say attorneys at Miller & Chevalier.

'Rocket Docket' Justifies Its Name For 11th Straight Year

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia “rocket docket” is still the fastest federal civil trial court in the country despite some recent trends causing its median time to trial to grow to 13.2 months, says Robert Tata of Hunton.

Opinion

FARA Enforcement Is No Slam-Dunk For Prosecutors

What support is there for the government’s recent theories of criminal liability under the Foreign Agents Registration Act? There are two possibilities, neither of which stands up to scrutiny, says Jay Nanavati of Kostelanetz & Fink.

5 Key Issues In Acquiring Transportation Infrastructure Assets

There is a growing trend of governmental agencies contracting and leasing viable operating transportation infrastructure assets. Such opportunities for the private sector may exist in connection with any contemplated upgrade, extension or other modification of an asset that a governmental entity needs to finance, say José Morán and Juan Gonzalez of Baker McKenzie. 

China's Amended Investment Law Leaves Some Details Vague

China's recently amended Foreign Investment Law promises outside investors a more stable, transparent and predictable investment environment in China. But concerns remain that the law was rushed through to ease trade tensions, and that some of its provisions are not clearly defined, says Yuanyou Yang of Duane Morris.

Measuring The Value Of A Law Firm's Social Media Efforts

Most legal marketers struggle to show the return on investment of their social media efforts, but establishing and answering several key questions can help demonstrate exactly how social media programs contribute to a law firm's bottom line, say Guy Alvarez of Good2bSocial and communications consultant Tom Orewyler.

Reports On USMCA Offer Industry-Specific Guidance For Cos.

Recent reports from the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Trade Representative have assessed the likely impacts of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement on the U.S. economy. By reviewing the reports' predictions for their industries, companies can be better prepared in case the USMCA is ratified, say Francesca Guerrero and Kayla Toney of Winston & Strawn.

Despite Amarin, ITC May Be Right Prescription For Pharma

While the Federal Circuit recently concluded that Amarin Pharma’s Lanham Act claims at the U.S. International Trade Commission were precluded by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, this is a narrow exception to the ITC's broad jurisdiction, say Kecia Reynolds and Alton Hare of Pillsbury.

Dehumidifier Case Offers Guidance On CPSA Compliance

In a first-of-its-kind criminal prosecution under the Consumer Product Safety Act, the U.S. Department of Justice recently charged corporate executives for failure to report defective dehumidifiers to regulators. The possibility of criminal charges should ratchet up executives' vigilance regarding CPSA reporting requirements, say Holly Drumheller Butler and Dwight Stone of Miles & Stockbridge.

Japan's Whaling Plans Risk Int'l Trade Pushback

After a decade of international litigation, Japan recently announced it would withdraw from the International Whaling Commission and resume commercial whaling in its own waters. But the legal wrangling may not be over, and Japan's move could have consequences for international trade, says Timothy Nelson of Skadden.