Circuit-By-Circuit Guide To The US Supreme Court's Term

Jeff Overley

Federal appeals courts had wide-ranging successes and struggles during the U.S. Supreme Court's recently completed term: One had its best showing in years following its worst showing in years; one felt déjà vu after recently starting to find favor with the justices; and one saw its reputation for independence occupy a rare role in the Supreme Court spotlight.

New Tactics In The Data Center Wars: Incentives, Moratoriums

Charlie Innis

A rising tide of public opposition and scrutiny of artificial intelligence has culminated in several states repealing tax incentives for data centers and one state enacting the nation's first moratorium, prompting developers to look for friendlier pastures.

Wash. Chief Justice Draws 3 Challengers In Bid For 4th Term

Rachel Riley

A former public defender, a naval officer-turned-tax attorney and a family law practitioner are each vying this election season to unseat a veteran Washington State Supreme Court justice who's penned some of the high court's most significant opinions of the last two decades.

Being A Magician Makes Me A Better Lawyer

The skills I've developed as a lifelong magician have translated directly into tangible benefits in the courtroom because performing magic and trying cases both live at the intersection of psychology, storytelling, timing and disciplined rehearsal, says Mark Dombroff at Fox Rothschild.

Mich. Banking Brief: All The Notable Legal Updates In Q2

The second quarter brought several notable financial services law developments to Michigan, including a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on state tax foreclosures, progress on a money transmission modernization bill package, and continued legislative momentum on cryptocurrency and mortgage lending, say attorneys at Dykema.

A Tax Regulation With A Hole In The Middle: SALT In Review

From Dunkin' Donuts' successful challenge of a New Jersey sales tax regulation to a proposed income tax cut that won't appear on the Massachusetts ballot, RSM's David Brunori offers his thoughts on noteworthy state and local tax news.

Choral Singing Makes Me A Better Lawyer

Singing in the New York City Bar Chorus — a hobby partly inspired by the late U.S. District Judge Richard Owen, who infused my clerkship year with opera music — has improved my legal career by refining my abilities to listen, exude confidence and develop emotional intelligence, says Bonnie Baker at Friedman Kaplan.

Power To The Paralegals: Burnout As A Structural Problem

Law firm leadership can best retain their paralegals not by encouraging self-care, but by seeking top-down structural solutions for the quiet proliferation of responsibilities and the vicarious exposure to client trauma that particularly drive burnout in this vital role, says Erika Sneeringer at Brockstedt Mandalas.

A Tax Costly To Everyone, Sooner Or Later: SALT In Review

From Pennsylvania's move toward a gross receipts tax on digital advertisers to news of yet another Fortune 500 company leaving New Jersey, RSM's David Brunori offers his thoughts on noteworthy state and local tax news.

Economic Questions To Ask Amid Tariff Refund Class Actions

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent holding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn't authorize the president to impose tariffs has sparked class actions, but determining whether a retailer received a windfall is complex, even if it passed tariff costs into consumer prices before receiving a refund, say economists at Ankura Consulting Group.

Crazy Little Thing Called Unsound Tax Policy: SALT In Review

From Kentucky's taxing of prediction markets to Iowa's new exemption for bees, RSM's David Brunori offers his thoughts on noteworthy state and local tax news.

If Upheld, Wash. Millionaire Tax Could Upend State Law

The Washington Supreme Court could open the door to broader income, rental and corporate taxes if it defies precedent and the historically established desires of voters by redefining the state constitution's concepts of “income” and “property” to uphold a new tax on wages over $1 million, says Richard Birmingham at Davis Wright.

Cow Horse Makes Me A Better Lawyer

Moving an unwilling 800-pound cow while riding a horse at high speed is exhilarating, a little unhinged and, at least for me, a surprisingly effective training ground for litigation — both demand focus, preparation over rigid planning and the willingness to act despite fear, says Ashley Zitrin at Glenn Agre.

Checking For AI Errors Is Now A Two-Way Street

A handful of recent federal and state cases demonstrate the importance of checking for errors generated by artificial intelligence not only in your own court submissions, but also your opponent's, as well as when catching opposing counsel's AI mistakes could result in an award for attorney fees, says Tamara Barago at Hollingsworth.

5 Things Associates Must Ask About Their Firm's Merger Plan

The associates who navigate law firm mergers best ask the right questions early, such as inquiring about partners' plans, to assess how the merger could affect their workflow and career path, says Jackie Bokser-LeFebvre at Major Lindsey.

2 'Rocket Dockets' And The Rules That Propel Them

The fastest civil trial courts in the country are currently in the Eastern District of Virginia and the Southern District of Florida, and their chief judges provide insights into the court rules that keep them ahead, says Robert Tata at Hunton.