Expert Analysis

• 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.

• AG Watch: New York's Heightened Enforcement In Real Estate

  

  Over the past several months, New York Attorney General Letitia James has brought a rapid succession of enforcement actions targeting rent stabilization abuse, unsafe housing conditions and fraudulent securities practices, signaling that the office views these problems as systemic issues warranting aggressive intervention, say attorneys at Quinn Emanuel.

• Acquiring Co-Insurer Coverage Aid In Fla. Builder Defect Suits

  

  With the recent influx of Florida construction defect lawsuits putting builder’s insurance carriers in the crosshairs, parties must actively seek new methods tailored to the state to compel as many subcontractors, carriers and co-insurers as possible to share the expense and risk of their defense, says Nick Richardson at Segal McCambridge.

• Managing New Fair Housing Risks Of AI Leasing Agents

  

  Trusting AI-driven chatbots to manage early communications with potential tenants can expose housing providers to Fair Housing Act violations on a vast scale, but prioritizing supervision of automated interactions, implementing strong vendor governance and tracking emerging testing trends can catch problems early, says Yana Rusovski at Spencer Fane.

• 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.

• AI Is Changing The Game For Lenders' Vendor Governance

  

  Recent guidance from Freddie Mac and the Treasury Department reinforces that expectations surrounding AI oversight are beginning to shape how mortgage lenders operationalize vendor governance, which is emerging as a critical compliance challenge for the decade ahead, says Alexandra Temple at Mitchell Sandler.

• Series

  Coaching Soccer Makes Me A Better Lawyer

  

  Coaching youth soccer for my 7-year-old son's team has sharpened how I communicate with clients, prepare witnesses, work within teams and think about leadership, making me a more thoughtful and effective lawyer in many ways, says Joshua Holt at Smith Currie.

• Series

  Law School's Missed Lessons: The Human Element

  

  Law school teaches you to quickly apply intellect and logic when handling a legal issue, but every fact pattern also involves a person, making the ability to balance expertise with empathy critical to the growth of relationships with clients, colleagues and adversaries, says Rachel Adcox at Adcox Strategies.

• Human Diligence Crucial As AI Raises Real Estate Fraud Risks

  

  A recent title fraud warning from Florida officials demonstrates that artificial intelligence has lowered the barrier to committing complex property scams, forcing real estate industry stakeholders and attorneys to prioritize contextual review in transactions, says Neil Cohen at Barsh and Cohen.

• Opinion

  Ga. HOA Reform Bills Risk Undermining Local Governance

  

  Lawmakers considering several bills in Georgia that would centralize regulation of homeowners associations should acknowledge that effective reform needs to protect homeowners’ rights while preserving the financial and governance structures that allow communities to function, says Julie Howard at NowackHoward.

• How Cos. Should Prepare For NY RAISE Act Compliance

  

  With the New York Responsible AI Safety and Education Act taking effect March 19, state regulators will expect subject artificial intelligence governance policies to understand whether appropriate safeguards and protocols are in place to prevent or mitigate discriminatory or adverse outcomes by frontier models, says Michael Paulino at Gordon Rees.

• The Benefits Of Choosing A Niche Practice In The AI Age

  

  As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly accessible, lawyers with a niche practice may stand out as clients seek specialized judgment that automation cannot replicate, but it is important to choose a niche that is durable, engaging and a good personal fit, says Daniel Borneman at Lowenstein Sandler.

• Series

  Podcasting Makes Me A Better Lawyer

  

  Podcasting has changed how I ask questions and connect with people, sharpening my ability to listen without interrupting or prejudging, and bringing me closer to what law is meant to be: a human profession grounded in understanding, judgment and trust, says Donna DiMaggio Berger at Becker.

• Strategies For Retailers, Landlords In M&A Portfolio Reduction

  

  With more retailers likely to merge or be acquired in 2026, both landlords and companies looking to renegotiate their real estate footprints can strike successful deals through advance planning, understanding rights allocations and maintaining realistic leverage assessment, say attorneys at Jenner & Block.

• 4th Circ. Navy Federal Decision Illustrates Nuances Of Rule 23

  

  The Fourth Circuit's recent decision in Oliver v. Navy Federal Credit Union helpfully clarified how class action defendants can use Rule 23(c)(1)(A) to eliminate exposure early, along with the limitations of such an approach, say attorneys at Duane Morris.