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New dispute emerges around Subnautica 2’s early access release
Lawyers for the ousted—and now partially reinstated—leadership team of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2, are crying foul over news that the game will be released into early access in May. The release announcement earlier this week was made improperly, potentially “damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community,” the lawyers said in a letter sent on Tuesday to Vice Chancellor Lori Will of Delaware’s Court of Chancery. In their letter, the lawyers also floated the idea of asking Will to find Krafton in contempt of the court’s ruling. The letter was sent just one day after Will’s bombshell ruling that publisher Krafton had breached its contract with Unknown Worlds’ executive team, when it fired them last June. The new issue isn’t necessarily the May early access timeframe, but how the news was announced. The letter and Krafton’s response have not been previously reported. A quick recap of prior events: Subnautica 2 is an unreleased, underwater survival adventure and the most-wishlisted game on Steam. Last year, longtime Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, along with studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were fired by Krafton. They swiftly sued, saying the publisher had terminated them to avoid paying out up to $250 million in potential performance-based bonuses. The studio leaders had hoped to earn that with an early access release of the game, which Krafton had blocked. The publisher argued in court that Subnautica 2 wasn’t ready, which the ousted execs disputed. On Monday, Will ruled that Krafton had violated its contract, firing the execs to avoid the performance payouts, and that it had to reinstate Gill and give him full authority over any early access release for Subnautica 2. On Tuesday, IGN reported on a new memo issued that day to Unknown Worlds staff by Steve Papoutsis, the executive Krafton had put in charge of Unknown Worlds after the 2025 firings. In the note, Papoutsis said that Subnautica 2 had passed a key development milestone “last week” and that he and Krafton had determined the game “is ready for Early Access release in May.” This news appeared to catch the lawyers for Gill, Cleveland and McGuire by surprise. On Tuesday night, they sent a letter to Will expressing “serious concerns” about whether it would be possible to forge an agreement with Krafton consistent with the judge’s order. Papoutsis’ memo was a problem, they wrote. He didn’t have the authority to declare anything about Subnautica 2’s release. As of 9am ET on Monday, March 16, the effective date of Will’s order, Papoutsis wasn’t CEO of Unknown Worlds. Gill was. And, per Will’s order, only Gill could make Subnautica 2 release decisions. They continued: Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community—let alone this Court’s Opinion. Announcing the release of a game is momentous, and it is typically accompanied by significant marketing activity, fanfare, and community coordination. And most importantly, the announcement is carefully designed to maximize excitement for the game. That entire process was supposed to be driven by Mr. Gill. However, in defiance of the Court’s Opinion, Krafton has now taken that away, further damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community. The lawyers speculated that Krafton had “intentionally leaked” Papoutsis’ memo and then issued an official statement to confirm the leak. Game File is a reader-supported publication. My reporting is only possible through support from readers like you. To support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe On Wednesday, lawyers for Krafton defended their client in their own letter to vice chancellor Will, saying nothing they did violated her order nor showed contempt: Papoutsis’s message was simply celebrating the UW employees’ efforts toward a past event: Krafton’s pre-Opinion determination that Subnautica 2 was ready for Early Access release. There was nothing improper about conveying the results of the milestone review or thanking the development team for their dedication and talent. They added that Gill could still make his own call about Subnautica 2’s release: In his role as CEO, Gill will be able to assess independently his views on the state of Subnautica 2 and the appropriate release schedule; nothing in Papoutsis’s message alters Gill’s authority or discretion. Vice chancellor Will has not responded to the letters and doesn’t necessarily have to. Both parties were previously ordered by Will to confer this week and submit a proposed judgment consistent with her ruling. The letter from Gill’s attorney’s this week doesn’t indicate whether he would or would not support a May release for Subnautica 2. But it could limit his options. And, if Gill’s lawyers are right, the lack of marketing fanfare around the leak of the May date could dull the launch of the game. Any harm to Subnautica 2’s launch is an extra sensitive issue given the context of the legal dispute: millions of dollars of payouts are on the line, tethered to the scale of the game’s initial performance. In her ruling on Monday, Will noted that there was obvious “bad blood” between Gill’s side and Krafton but that the two would need to work together: “They can—and must—act in good faith to navigate their remaining contractual relationship.” Item 2: A new kind of couch co-op game A highlight of GDC each year is the Alt.Ctrl showcase that features games played with extremely experimental controllers. Perusing this year’s offerings last Friday, I found a game controlled with giant scissors, another with big toothbrushes and one that amounted to dumpster diving. My favorite was Pivot, a co-op game about collectively maneuvering a couch. It was developed by students at the University of Utah’s masters of arts and engineering games program. Players lift and tilt the physical couch in order to control the position of a virtual one. That virtual one is moving through an obstacle course on-screen, while being pursued by a giant skull. Developer Nishant Verma told me at GDC that the couch is made of styrofoam (this became more evident as I watched!) and that the name was a riff on an episode of the sitcom Friends. Item 3: In brief… 🚫 Ubisoft is laying off more than 100 workers at its Red Storm studio, as the North Carolina location known for decades for its Tom Clancy games, ceases in-house game development, VGC reports. 👀 On Monday, Nvidia’s revealed its DLSS 5 AI-driven graphics technology that purports to improve game graphics… and it has been roasted about it by the media and the online gaming public for the remainder of the week. The tech changed the faces of characters in footage from Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC, drawing accusations of giving carefully art-directed games the generic look of AI “slop.” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had said on Monday that “DLSS 5 is the GPT moment for graphics—blending handcrafted rendering with generative AI to deliver a dramatic leap in visual realism while preserving the control artists need for creative expression.” By mid-week, Huang was telling Tom’s Hardware that the new tech’s critics were “completely wrong” because game-makers could still “fine-tune the generative AI” to suit their game’s aesthetics.
Jeffrey Epstein's personal lawyer explains large cash withdrawals
Darren Indyke says Jeffrey Epstein needed a lot of cash for his lavish lifestyle, including a jet, a private island, and homes around the world.
How lawyers got their hands on thousands of private patient records
The nation’s largest health records company, Epic Systems, has sued multiple firms including GuardDog Telehealth, alleging they had improperly accessed personal medical records.
Judge upholds Apple delisting of free Musi app that streams songs from YouTube
Judge tosses Musi case against Apple, sanctions lawyers for "mak[ing] up facts."
Ruling on RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Policy Changes Leaves Health Groups Scrambling
Lawyers for both sides in the federal lawsuit, brought by six medical organizations, are trying to understand the ramifications of the judge’s decision.
Manatt Recruits Nixon Peabody Entertainment Group Chief Heisler
Entertainment lawyers Ellie Heisler, Jessica Boardman, and Mike Lawhead joined Manatt, Phelps & Phillips as partners in Los Angeles, the firm announced Tuesday.
CEO Asks ChatGPT How to Void $250 Million Contract, Ignores His Lawyers, Loses Terribly in Court
The CEO of Krafton used ChatGPT to push out the head of the studio developing Subnautica 2 against the advice of his own legal team and failed miserably.
Reed Smith Hires Entertainment, Media Lawyer Malphettes in Paris
Agathe Malphettes joined Reed Smith as a partner in its entertainment and media industry group in Paris, the firm announced Monday.
They didn’t want to have C-sections. A judge would decide how they gave birth
On the afternoon of Sept. 9, 2024, Cherise Doyley was in her 12th hour of contractions at University of Florida Health in downtown Jacksonville when a nurse came in with a bedsheet and told her to cover up. A supervisor brought a tablet to Doyley’s bedside. Gathered on the screen were a judge in a black robe and several lawyers, doctors and hospital staff.
Successful Business Development Is All About Authenticity
Cravath and Debevoise’s former chief marketing officer, Deborah Farone, shares insights into business development from top women lawyers.
Northwestern alumni turn passion into full-time antique jewelry business
When Kasia Bogdanowicz (Weinberg ’89) retired from her career as a corporate lawyer, she turned to her passion for antique jewelry by founding Blu Dog World, a business specializing in vintage fine jewelry. Now, her company, which sells jewelry at booths and online and competes in international antique and trunk shows, is opening an independent...
Ed Martin, outspoken Justice Department lawyer, is formally accused of ethical violations
Ed Martin, an outspoken Trump administration official, is facing attorney discipline proceedings in Washington, DC, for a letter he sent to Georgetown Law about its diversity programs, the district’s professional conduct investigator announced on Tuesday.
Shocked: Senators play politics with judicial appointment
A Knoxville lawyer has walked away from an appointment by Gov. Bill Lee to serve on the state Court of Appeals. Rachel Park Hurt said conversations with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee led her to believe that her nomination would not be confirmed. Writing in the March 2026 edition of DICTA, a publication of […]
Apple Adds Three Executives to Leadership Page
Apple on Friday added three new executive profiles to its leadership page for Jennifer Newstead, Molly Anderson, and Steve Lemay. Jennifer Newstead, Senior Vice President and General Counsel: Newstead is Apple's top lawyer, overseeing all legal matters. She assumed the position on March 1, succeeding Katherine Adams, who had held the position since 2017. Prior to joining Apple, Newstead served as Meta's chief legal officer for six years.
Jeremy Larner, Who Wrote ‘The Candidate,’ a Political Film Classic, Dies at 88
His Oscar-winning 1972 screenplay starred Robert Redford as an idealistic public interest lawyer making a run for the Senate.
3L Kevin Afiesh Learns to Translate Legal Risk Into Business Strategy as FinTech Extern - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
3L Kevin Afiesh strengthened his corporate and fintech skillset through an externship at Plaid, gaining real-world experience at the intersection of technology and financial services. 3L student Kevin Afiesh shares how UC Law San Francisco’s Corporate Counsel Externship provided immersive, practice-ready training inside Plaid’s in-house legal department. Reviewed and analyzed technology-focused agreements, including emerging AI provisions and liability terms Explored financial services regulation and data governance within a growth-stage company Learned how internal legal teams shape product, partnership, and compliance planning 3L student Kevin Afiesh: During my externship at Plaid, I worked with the in-house legal team supporting a rapidly growing company at the intersection of technology and financial services. My work focused primarily on corporate, commercial, and intellectual property matters. I helped review and analyze vendor and partnership agreements, paying close attention to emerging artificial intelligence-related provisions and risk allocation terms. I also investigated regulatory and compliance issues involving financial services and data governance, and I researched intellectual property litigation relevant to fintech companies. This work supported legal risk assessment to guide strategic decision making. I learned firsthand how an in-house legal team operates in a highly regulated, innovation-driven environment, where legal analysis is closely integrated with business decision making. I saw how attorneys balance legal risk with commercial priorities and how their advice shapes contracting, compliance, and intellectual property strategy. It reinforced that effective in-house lawyers need to understand both the law and the operational realities of the business. The experience also strengthened my ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers and to provide advice that is precise, practical, and commercially aware. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve worked with technology companies at different stages. Plaid added a distinct perspective within the tech ecosystem, showing me how a growth-stage fintech company approaches regulatory complexity, innovation, and risk tolerance. This sharpened my ability to adapt to clients with different structures, priorities, and compliance needs. As I prepare to practice corporate law in the technology industry, this exposure has strengthened my ability to align legal advice with a company’s stage of growth, strategic objectives, and internal dynamics. I would absolutely recommend the Corporate Counsel Externship Program. Working directly with an in-house legal team provided a meaningful sense of day-to-day practice inside a technology company, and the attorneys at Plaid were generous with their time and mentorship. The classroom component was equally valuable. Professors Nira Geevargis and Scott Darling created a thoughtful environment where we reflected on our experiences, discussed real-world challenges, and developed practical skills that complemented our fieldwork. More broadly, UC Law San Francisco’s location offers a clear advantage for students interested in technology, corporate practice, and public-interest work. Proximity to courts, law firms, and innovative companies — combined with programs like the Corporate Counsel Externship and an extensive Bay Area alumni network — make it a strong option for students who want to build their careers in the region. The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.
MAGA’s top lawyer just gave a sitting GOP senator the biggest scare of his career
No lawyer has done more in the last decade to advance a distinctly MAGA approach to the Constitution than Ken Paxton.
US Speeds Up Signing Of Bilateral Health Agreements, DRC Lawyers Challenge Minerals Deal
The United States has moved at speed to secure several new bilateral health Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in the past week, including, for the first time,
Waitlists, gaps in care and escalating crises: Advocates say CT lacking adequate child mental health care
The need for more mental health providers is a systemic problem and therefore the legislature and DCF must find a way to increase meaningful supports for children, advocates and lawyers say.
Entertainment lawyer Allen Grubman has big stars on his roster
While BigLaw certainly has appeal for lawyers, it lacks the lure of big stars, at least the kind attorey Allen Grubman represents. Mariah Carey, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Robert De Niro and Bob Iger have all retained the entertainment lawyer from Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in New York City.
Business Development is Not Magic! How Successful Lawyers Build Thriving Practices
Sustainable practice growth requires intentional strategy, authentic engagement, disciplined follow-up, and a long-term relationship mindset.
These small business owners are owed tariff refunds. Will they ever get them?
Anyone who paid the taxes should get reimbursed, but the high court did not address how. Business owners wonder if they'll need lawyers, brokers, money — or luck.
Winston Lawyers Featured on the 2026 Lawdragon Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers List
Winston & Strawn lawyers were named on the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers list. This directory highlights the individuals and organizations at the heart of the…
3L Ediz Kalkan Builds Practice-Ready Skills through UC Law SF’s Business Law Concentration - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
3L student Ediz Kalkan combined rigorous coursework, mentorship, and hands-on client experience to emerge ready for corporate practice. 3L student Ediz Kalkan shares how UC Law SF’s Business Law Concentration helped him gain the practical skills, doctrinal knowledge, and professional confidence to pursue a career advising corporate clients. It’s one of 12 concentrations that allow JD students to gain specialized expertise in a focused area of legal practice. 3L Ediz Kalkan built a strong foundation in corporate law through specialized coursework and mentorship from faculty and industry leaders. He gained hands-on client experience advising startups through the Startup Legal Garage and through roles in-house and at a law firm. He emerged prepared to handle sophisticated legal matters and interact confidently with clients. 3L Ediz Kalkan: I always gravitated toward business law courses at UC Law SF, so it made sense to memorialize that interest by completing the concentration — especially since I already planned to take most of the required coursework. I have taken many practical- and doctrinal-focused courses, including practical-oriented courses such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Venture Capital and Start Ups, Startup Business Lawyering, Private Equity and Hedge Funds, Corporate Governance, Corporate Finance and a few others. On the doctrinal side, I have taken Business Associations and am currently enrolled in Bankruptcy and Securities Regulation. These courses and professors equipped me with a strong foundation in universal corporate legal principals, fluency in the jargon, and insight into how corporate law intersects with markets, public and private companies, and government agencies. I also gained invaluable mentorship and lessons from industry leaders — both from the faculty and the dozens of guest speakers invited to the classroom. At UC Law SF, I participated in the Corporate Module of the Startup Legal Garage, where I observed practicing attorneys and helped real clients with real startup-related legal needs. I learned substantive law, business strategy — and most importantly — was socialized to the practice of law and the etiquette and expectations of being a junior attorney. I spent my 1L summer at AXOS Bank, a commercial bank in San Diego, where I gained experience with securities regulation, enterprise banking, and in-house work at a public company. From January of my 2L year to now, I have worked as a law clerk at Bartko Pavia LLP, gaining experience in a traditional law firm setting. I have had the privilege of working with startups all the way to public companies, as well as international clients. The experience has strengthened my confidence in tackling complex legal issues and interacting with clients. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that effectively advising clients takes more than subject-matter expertise. This work, and my time in the UC Law SF business concentration, have inspired me to pursue an MBA after law school to become a more well-rounded professional. My career plans remain focused on corporate practice and enhancing my value as a business advisor. I would happily recommend UC Law SF and this concentration because of its robust course catalog, highly successful professors and adjuncts, and extensive resources. Not to mention, UC Law SF is uniquely situated just minutes away from many of the world’s most innovative companies, all of which have legal needs — creating meaningful opportunities for students. My peers and I have been incredibly fortunate to have access to this network of industry leaders and legal professionals. Ultimately, business lawyers can take many paths, but all require the strong foundation that the business law concentration and the incredible people at UC Law SF provide. The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.
The 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Entertainment, Sports & Media Lawyers
Honorees this year include Chad Fitzgerald of Kinsella Holley, Irwin Kishner of Herrick and Nina Shaw of Del Shaw Moonves.
Venezuela approves amnesty that may release of hundreds detained for political reasons
Venezuela's acting president has signed into law an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of politicians, activists, lawyers and many others. The approval marks a stark turn for the nation.
Venezuela approves amnesty bill, paving way for release of hundreds of political detainees
Venezuela’s legislature on Thursday approved an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of politicians, activists, lawyers and many others, effectively acknowledging that the government has held hundreds of people in prison for political motivations.
Rep. Tony Gonzales had affair with aide who lit herself on fire, lawyer alleges
The congressman from Texas, who is facing a tough primary battle, has denied having an affair.
Mark Zuckerberg testifies in landmark social media trial over teen mental health
Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue that Meta intentionally designed its social media platforms to be addictive
This Entertainment Lawyer to the Stars Shares His Best Negotiating Secret
Allen Grubman on why you should always overtip and why the media business is always seeking fresh blood.
Business Restructuring Review
In This Issue: The Year in Bankruptcy: 2025 A brief chronicle of the year's notable developments in corporate bankruptcy and restructuring, including business bankruptcy filings, significant court rulings, and legislative developments. [read more …] U.S. Bankruptcy Court Denies Chapter 15 Recognition of Maltese Liquidation Absent Evidence of Meaningful Activities Supporting Finding of COMI or Establishment in Malta In In re Geden Holdings, Ltd., No. 25-90138, 2025 WL 2484883 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. Aug. 28, 2025), stay pending appeal denied, No. 25-90138, 2026 WL 97993 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. Jan. 13, 2026), the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that, for purposes of recognition under chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code, although a foreign debtor may have had its center of main interests ("COMI") or an establishment in Malta when a liquidation proceeding was commenced for it in a Maltese court in 2017, the absence of any meaningful activity by the debtor's liquidator from that time until the liquidator filed a chapter 15 petition in the United States more than five years later meant that the debtor had neither a COMI nor an establishment in Malta on the chapter 15 petition date. The court accordingly denied the petition for recognition. [read more …] The Ninth Circuit's Expansive Reading of "Financial Accommodations" that Cannot Be Assumed or Assigned in Bankruptcy It is generally well understood that agreements to extend credit or provide financing to a debtor cannot be assumed or assigned in bankruptcy. Even so, the provision of the Bankruptcy Code that precludes assumption or assignment—section 365(c)(2)—also extends to "financial accommodations," a term that is not defined in the Bankruptcy Code and has been the subject of relatively few bankruptcy and appellate court rulings. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit examined the meaning of the term in In re Svenhard's Swedish Bakery, 154 F.4th 1100 (9th Cir. 2025). The court of appeals ruled that a deeply discounted settlement of pension plan withdrawal liability is a "financial accommodation" that cannot be assumed or assigned, thereby extending the reach of section 365(c)(2) well beyond conventional lending arrangements. [read more …] Pennsylvania District Court Applies "Hypothetical Test" in Determining that Patent License Agreement Is Assignable in Bankruptcy In Crivella Holdings Ltd. v. Mesearch Media Technologies Ltd., No. 2:25-cv-333, 2025 WL 2443400 (W.D. Pa. Aug. 25, 2025), the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania affirmed a bankruptcy court ruling denying a software licensor's motion for relief from the automatic stay to terminate the license agreement. The court found the license was assumable in bankruptcy under the Third Circuit's hypothetical test as a result of language in the agreement stating that it could be assigned to a "successor in interest" of the debtor without the licensor's further consent, thereby overriding federal patent law's general prohibition against the assignment of patents. [read more …] New York Bankruptcy Court Denies Motion to Terminate Chapter 15 Recognition and Dismiss Chapter 15 Case In In re Oi S.A., No. 23-10193 (LGB), 2025 WL 2806591 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Oct. 1, 2025), the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York considered whether chapter 15 recognition of a debtor's Brazilian restructuring proceeding should be terminated and the case dismissed due to the debtors' financial deterioration and inability to satisfy its restructuring plan obligations after entry of the recognition order. The court denied the motion, concluding that recognition of the Brazilian proceeding and a court-approved restructuring plan for the debtors should not be terminated under section 1519(d) of the Bankruptcy Code—according to the court, the sole authority for revocation of chapter 15 recognition—because, among other things, the restructuring proceeding was still pending, the debtors might still need relief authorized under chapter 15, and the debtors' prospects for reorganizing under a hypothetical chapter 11 case were uncertain at best. It also found that no provision of the Bankruptcy Code authorizes the dismissal of a chapter 15 case. [read more …] Newsworthy Effective January 1, 2026, Jones Day welcomed Isel M. Perez (Miami), Andrew M. Butler (New York), Sid Pepels (Amsterdam), and Anna C. Bretting (Munich) to the partnership in the Business Restructuring & Reorganization Practice. Sid Pepels (Amsterdam) has been nominated for the Future Leader Award by the Global Restructuring Review, an organization that acknowledges and honors excellence within the global restructuring and insolvency sector. This award is designed to recognize exceptional contributions made by both individuals and firms in the field. The 2026 edition of Chambers UK recognized Ben Larkin (London) in the practice area Restructuring/Insolvency and Adam R. Brown (London) in the practice area Restructuring/Insolvency: Litigation. The 2026 edition of Chambers Asia-Pacific ranked Roger Dobson (Sydney) in the practice area Restructuring/Insolvency. An article written by Corinne Ball (New York) titled "Backstop Fees for Lenders in Chapter 11 Plans: Absent Market Test, Equality of Treatment Now Required in Fifth Circuit After 'ConvergeOne'" was published on November 12, 2025, in the New York Law Journal. An article written by Oliver S. Zeltner (Houston) titled "Delaware Bankruptcy Court: No Legal Authority for Chapter 11 Plan Gatekeeping Provision" was published on November 20, 2025, by Lexis Practical Guidance. An article written by Daniel J. Merrett (Atlanta) titled "First Impressions: Eleventh Circuit Rules that Annulment of Automatic Stay Does Not Violate U.S. Supreme Court's Prohibition of Nunc Pro Tunc Orders" was published on November 21, 2025, by Lexis Practical Guidance. An article written by Genna Ghaul (New York) titled "Iowa District Court: Avoidance Claims Cannot Be Encumbered by Pre-Bankruptcy Liens" was published on November 20, 2025, by Lexis Practical Guidance. An article written by Dan T. Moss (Washington/New York), Corinne Ball (New York), David S. Torborg (Washington), and Ben Rosenblum (New York) titled "New York Bankruptcy Court Rejects Challenge to Barnet Rule Permitting Foreign Debtors to Obtain Chapter 15 Recognition With Only Minimal U.S. Assets" was published on November 21, 2025, by Lexis Practical Guidance. The M&A Advisor has recognized the Silvergate Capital Corporation Bankruptcy case as the Chapter 11 Reorganization of the Year (over $5 billion) during its 20th Annual Turnaround Awards. Jones Day is listed among the professionals for the representation of Exploration Capital, which was led by Joshua M. Mester (Los Angeles). Lawyer Spotlight: Sid Pepels Sid Pepels, a partner in Jones Day's Amsterdam Office, litigates and advises clients on commercial and international insolvency matters, with a focus on complex restructurings and insolvencies. He has advised and litigated high-profile cases, including: the cross-border WHOA (Wet Homologatie Onderhands Akkoord) proceedings concerning Vroon Group and Diebold Nixdorf; proceedings on behalf of expropriated SNS Reaal bond holders against the Dutch State; the bankruptcy of Intertoys, the leading Dutch toys retailer; the restructuring of Oi, the Dutch finance vehicle of the Brazilian telecom giant; and Blokker, the leading Dutch home appliances retailer. Sid holds a Ph.D. in European insolvency law and regularly publishes in academic journals on topics of cross-border insolvency. He has been recognized in The Legal 500 Netherlands and was noted by his peers for being client-minded and a creative thinker with a "strong grasp of the law and strong interpersonal skills." Sid was also nominated for the "Future Leader" award at the Global Restructuring Review Awards 2025. He is a board member for the Netherlands Association for Comparative and International Insolvency Law and a NextGen member of the International Insolvency Institute.
Trump lawyer sent cease and desist to Republican congressional candidate
A lawyer representing Trump sent Brandon Herrera a cease-and-desist letter for using a photoshopped image of both in a campaign flyer.
Ty Cobb rips Trump admin over political attacks: ‘All those people should be impeached’
Former White House lawyer Ty Cobb warned Friday that the Trump administration’s attacks on its perceived political enemies could lead to impeachment proceedings against top Cabinet officials …
States ready to seize Supreme Court redistricting decision amid countdown to midterm elections
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill arrived at the Supreme Court shortly before 10 a.m. on January 9 and took a seat in the spectator section of the columned courtroom. When US Solicitor General John Sauer, the Trump administration’s top courtroom lawyer, entered a few minutes later, he cut across the room to warmly greet her.
Kathy Ruemmler is leaving Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs' top lawyer is leaving the firm, saying her prior work with Epstein was "becoming a distraction."
Susan Grode, Art and Entertainment Lawyer for ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Creators, Dies at 86
Susan Grode, an art and entertainment lawyer for ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ creators, has died in Los Angeles.
Knoxville attorney withdraws from Appeals Court quest amid partisan politics
Knoxville lawyer Rachel Hurt dropped a bid for the Court of Appeals after Republican senators questioned her past support for Democrats.
Kathy Ruemmler and Epstein: Inside the Goldman Sachs lawyer’s ties to the convicted sex offender
On Jeffrey Epstein’s 62nd birthday in 2015, Kathy Ruemmler, a former Obama White House counsel, emailed to wish him well, writing, “I hope you enjoy the day with your one true love. :-)”
Who is Ken Kern? The Lincoln Lawyer shares touching season 4 tribute
During episode 6 of the latest instalment of the hit Netflix show, a tribute card reads 'In Memory of Ken Kern' - but who was he?
A rift between Trump’s favorite lawyers exposes a broader MAGA divide in the administration
A rift between two of President Donald Trump’s favorite prosecutors came to a head at the start of the year, when Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the president’s former personal lawyer, removed MAGA firebrand Ed Martin from a key post investigating the president’s political enemies.
Ethics Opinion 1291: Participation in an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) - New York State Bar Association
Opinion 1291 (01/30/2026) Topic: Participation in an Alternative Business Structure (ABS) Digest: A New York lawyer may hold a financial interest in an ABS which renders legal services in a jurisdiction where such provision of legal services is permitted. A New York lawyer may have a contractual relationship with such an entity pursuant to which
Judge to Trump lawyers trying to move hush money appeal to federal court: ‘You sought two bites at the apple’
A federal judge was skeptical of President Donald Trump’s argument to try to move the appeal of his hush money conviction to federal court — after lawyers already took their shot in two other courts.
Whistleblower complaint centers on sharing of classified intelligence and reporting of a potential crime, watchdog says
A complaint filed last year by a US intelligence community whistleblower that is now being scrutinized by lawmakers includes claims that the distribution of a highly classified intelligence report had been “restricted for political purposes” and that an intelligence agency lawyer had failed to report a potential crime to the Justice Department, a government watchdog told lawmakers earlier this week.
Firefighter, lawyer advance in pivotal Michigan Senate race
The field of candidates for a special election to decide whether Michigan Democrats keep their majority in the state Senate is set.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of late Libyan leader, has been killed, sources say
The most prominent son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, has been killed, sources close to the family, his lawyer Khaled el-Zaydi and Libyan media said on Tuesday.
Norton Rose Fulbright expands business practice with five partners in two cities
New arrivals advance firm’s transactional and healthcare capabilities in key US marketsChicago, IL, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announced a powerful expansion of its business practice with the addition of an impressive group of corporate, private equity, healthcare, finance and tax lawyers who further enhance the firm’s robust transactional capabilities. Andrew Smolik and Michael Flood join Norton Rose Fulbright’s St. Louis office, as Seth Aigner
Florida Supreme Court, Florida Bar discipline 11 lawyers for misconduct
Four of the lawyers were suspended for more egregious cases of behavior.
After Affirmative Action Win, Conservatives Sue to Push Change Everywhere
Lawyers have filed lawsuits against corporations, law firms, health care companies, art groups and nonprofits. And they are mostly winning.
Is Trump’s ICE dream over?
Jonathan Freedland speaks to George Conway, a conservative lawyer and the ex-husband of Trump’s adviser Kellyanne Conway, about what happens next for Trump’s ‘ICE patriots’
From Clawdbot to Moltbot: How This AI Agent Went Viral, and Changed Identities, in 72 Hours
An AI tool that can text you and use your apps? It blew up online. What came next involved crypto scammers, IP lawyers and more.
Entertainment lawyer Dina LaPolt on fame, sobriety and her new memoir
New Paltz native Dina LaPolt reflects on growing up gay in a small town, conquering addiction and building a top-tier firm in a new memoir.
Chris Madel Ends Run for Minnesota Governor, Citing Immigration Crackdown
Chris Madel, a defense lawyer, called the operation “simply a disaster.” His decision comes two days after a second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis.
GOP lawyer Chris Madel ends bid for Minnesota governor, calls ICE effort a 'disaster'
Chris Madel — a Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota — has dropped out of the state's gubernatorial race, saying he no longer supports the immigration crackdown taking place in Minneapolis.
Chris Madel, a Republican running for Minnesota governor, ends his bid and criticizes ICE
Chris Madel, a Minneapolis lawyer who represented the immigration agent who fatally shot Renee Good, said Monday that he was ending his Republican campaign for governor of Minnesota after a second protester was killed by federal authorities.
TABOR and the Colorado Constitution’s fiscal Gordian Knot
A corporate president advised me once there are two kinds of lawyers: “those who tell you why you can’t do things and those who figure out how to get things done anyway.” He only hired the latter. Since the adoption of the TABOR amendment in 1992, the Colorado legislature has opted for counsel from the […]
Venezuela frees 104 political prisoners, rights group says
A human rights lawyer and a communications student are among those freed, Caracas-based Foro Penal says.
Commentary: This is not normal: Why a fake arrest photo from the White House matters
The White House altered a photo of Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer arrested in Minneapolis for protesting inside a church.
Trump lawyers urge Supreme Court to block California's new election map while upholding Texas'
Texas hopes to elect five more Republicans to Congress, while California would like five more Democrats.
Takeaways: Supreme Court signals it will defy Trump to keep Lisa Cook on Federal Reserve
The Supreme Court signaled deep skepticism Wednesday that President Donald Trump had the authority to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve, with several conservative justices joining their liberal colleagues in posing pointed questions of the lawyer defending the president.
‘Adventures In Legal Tech’: Efficiency, AI, And Business Planning For The Solo Practitioner
We explore the most transformative AI applications for lawyers in this episode of the ‘Adventures in Legal Tech’ podcast.
New court doc asserts former Obama WH counsel advised Jeffrey Epstein during critical reputational and legal battles
Kathy Ruemmler, now the top lawyer at Goldman Sachs, acted as a key legal adviser to Jeffrey Epstein, new court filings suggest.
As the Mental-Health Crisis Deepens, Florida Lawyer Mark Astor Helps Families Find a Legal Path Forward
Attorney Mark Astor in South Florida has developed legal practice for families going through this period with litigate, structured intervention.
Prince Harry says Daily Mail scoops made him 'paranoid beyond belief'
Prince Harry's legal battle against British tabloids has entered its final round. His lawyer on Monday alleged that the Daily Mail engaged in unlawful information gathering for two decades. Harry
Prince Harry says Daily Mail scoops made him 'paranoid beyond belief'
Prince Harry's legal battle against British tabloids has entered its final round. His lawyer on Monday alleged that the Daily Mail engaged in unlawful information gathering for two decades. Harry
Nick Reiner’s Mental Health Conservatorship Could Complicate Prosecution
Considering Reiner's extensive history of mental health disorders, his lawyers could look to a not guilty by reason of insanity defense or argue that he's guilty of a lesser crime.
I was a White House lawyer — now I charge $2,000 to write resumes
A former White House attorney earns about $70,000 a year writing resumes, charging $2,000 per client while working a federal job.
Kirk Nahra Authors an Article on "Privacy and Security Law for Business Lawyers"
WilmerHale Partner Kirk Nahra examines the expanding and increasingly complex patchwork of U.S. privacy and security regulations in his recently published article, “Privacy and Security Law for Business Lawyers.”
‘Never seen anything like this’: ICE delving deep into Minnesota workplaces
Immigration lawyers say ICE is focusing on smaller employers in workplace enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term.
‘Flawed,’ ‘inaccurate,’ ‘biased’: Influential Oregonians say state’s lawyers wrote shoddy explanations for proposed ballot measure
The biggest flaw, they say, is that the draft explanations completely omit the proposed measures' biggest impact: 1.1 million more Oregonians would be able to take part in government funded primary elections for the most important offices.
Prof. Dorit Reiss Wins National Award for Distinguished Service in Health Law - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)
Professor Dorit Reiss, who brings legal expertise to public health debates, has received a national award for her lasting contributions to the field as a scholar, policy adviser, and mentor. Faculty Who Lead: Dorit Reiss Professor Dorit Reiss receives the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. She is a leading expert on vaccine law, advising policymakers and providing expert analysis to journalists. Reiss mentors future health law scholars and combats misinformation online through evidence-based public education. Professor Dorit Reiss, a leading voice on vaccine law and policy, has won a national award recognizing her contributions to health law. She received the 2026 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care. Presented at the AALS Annual Meeting in January, the award honors sustained service to public health and the health law academy through advocacy, public education, and mentorship. In presenting the award, Professor Doron Dorfman of Seton Hall Law School, chair-elect of the AALS Section on Law, Medicine and Health Care, described Reiss as “a committed public health advocate who has used her expertise to influence vaccine policy, research, and practice at both the state and federal levels for nearly two decades.” Reiss leads a widely read vaccine law listserv that provides real-time updates on litigation, regulatory developments, advisory committee proceedings, and public comment opportunities. The resource has become an important tool for lawyers, scholars, journalists, and public health professionals tracking fast-moving developments in vaccine policy. Her service extends to policymaking as well. She has supported vaccine-related legislation in California, testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on vaccine mandates and non-medical exemptions, and serves on the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines, a parent-led organization focused on reducing vaccine-preventable disease. Dorfman also highlighted Reiss’ active role in robust debates over vaccine safety and related laws and policies. “She directly engages misinformation by responding to anti-vaccination claims on social media with careful, evidence-based rebuttals,” Dorfman said. As federal vaccine policy undergoes significant change, Reiss has become a trusted source for major national news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, which regularly seek her expert analysis on new policies and decisions. Dorfman noted that Reiss is widely respected for her mentorship of health law faculty and scholars. “She is consistently generous with her time—approachable, willing to provide feedback, and a mentor to many in the field, including myself,” he said. At UC Law SF, Reiss brings the spirit of public service into the classroom, helping students understand how legal frameworks translate into real-world public health outcomes. She holds the James Edgar Hervey ’50 Chair of Litigation, a position that recognizes faculty excellence in the field of litigation. The Distinguished Service Award highlights her sustained commitment to evidence-based vaccine policy, public education, and mentorship during a pivotal time for public health law.
2026 Best of Business
WBJ’s Best of Business awards are centered around one concept: referrals. Businesses will attract and retain new customers in all sorts of ways, but most will tell you the best way is to get your existing clients to do it for you. A recommendation from a trusted source goes a long way whenever a company leader is looking for a lawyer, an accountant, a place for lunch, a venue for a large event, or a fun place to take employees as a reward for all their hard work. Now in its 13th year, WBJ’s Best of Business awards are essentially recommendations from trusted sources for the organizations to best help your companies succeed. As we do every year, WBJ compiled this list of winners by asking our readers to vote in the various categories. From Nov. 1-28, more than 2,160 votes were cast. The top votegetters are the winners of this year’s 54 categories. To celebrate these winners and to meet the best of the best, I invite you to attend WBJ’s Best of Business awards event at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. Part celebration and part hyperactive networking event, the Best of Business awards is a unique experience in the local economic scene. Always a good time, the room is full of potential contacts, who can all help your business achieve that next level of excellence. You can register here. – Brad Kane, editor
US Supreme Court's next transgender rights battle could affect more than sports
When the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to ban transgender youth from seeking certain medical treatments, advocates and lawyers took some comfort that the narrowly written ruling did not appear to jeopardize transgender rights more broadly.
France, Germany and Israel: Prostitution as a Touchstone for Gender Politics
--Eden Farber, Human Rights Lawyer, Task Force against Human Trafficking & Prostitution, Israel Feminism is often measured by manifestations of gende
Report: John Guard no longer being considered for federal judgeship
The longtime state lawyer could be the next Florida Supreme Court Justice.
Leaders of Louisiana legal powerhouse McGlinchey Stafford vote to dissolve firm
The New Orleans-based firm, better known as McGlinchey Stafford, was built more than 50 years ago and grew to be one of the most prestigious and respected in the region with 160 lawyers in 18 states.
Man allegedly broke windows at JD Vance home due to mental health issues, not politics, lawyer says
William D. DeFoor, 26, faces federal and local charges stemming from the alleged vandalism in Cincinnati. Vance and his wife were in Washington, D.C., when the incident unfolded.
The many ways lawyers for Maduro could try to derail the case against him
The case against ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro hasn’t been able to move forward in the past six years.
Meet the Elon Musk lawyer who's also literally a clown
Jaymie Parkkinen is a high-powered intellectual property lawyer facing off against Sam Altman by day — and a clown by night.
Trump administration retreats in Newsom lawsuit over National Guard deployment
In a brief filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Tuesday, Justice Department lawyers said they no longer oppose lifting a partial administrative stay and formally withdrew their request to keep California National Guard under federal control while the appeal proceeds.
Mamdani Nominates Top City Lawyer and Deputy Mayor of Health
The mayor-elect said the selections indicate his administration’s commitment to help New York City’s vulnerable residents.
Mamdani names top lawyers, health deputy mayor
Mamdani's chief counsel pick has been a lawyer for Mahmoud Khalil.
Mamdani names top lawyers, health deputy mayor
Mamdani's chief counsel pick has been a lawyer for Mahmoud Khalil.
New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs charged with assault, strangulation
Diggs' lawyer said Tuesday that the receiver has reached an agreement on a financial settlement with the alleged victim
Starmer v Starmer: why is the former human rights lawyer so cautious about defending human rights? – from The Audio Long Read
Many of his supporters hoped the prime minister would restore the UK’s commitment to international law. Yet Labour’s record over the past year has been curiously mixedBy Daniel Trilling. Read by Simon Darwen
UCLA Law receives largest gift in school history to expand entertainment and media law programs
UCLA School of Law has received the largest gift in its 76-year history, a planned gift from alumnus Ken Ziffren ’65 that will expand student training and career opportunities in media, entertainment, technology and sports law. Ziffren, a leading entertainment lawyer and co-founder of Ziffren Brittenham, previously helped establish the Ziffren Institute for Media, Entertainment, […]
Immigration lawyers say the H-1B chaos is forcing tough business calls
H-1B visa policy shifts in 2025 cause firms to reconsider staffing, use alternative visas, and update HR travel guidance.
Rozier lawyers move to dismiss betting charges
Terry Rozier attorneys say the government overstepped when it accused his client of wire fraud stemming from his alleged involvement in a sports betting scheme and is asking a federal judge to dismiss the charges.
TKL advises Onza Entertainment on its sale to Culture Cap7
The law firm TKL Abogados has advised Onza Entertainment, a leading independent production and distribution company in the Spanish audiovisual sector, on its sale to the private equity fund Culture Cap7 Fund I. Onza is responsible for some of the most renowned titles in the national audiovisual industry, such as the series El Ministerio del […]
Young Democrat launches primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson in Mississippi
A 33-year-old antitrust lawyer with ties to major Democratic politicians is challenging U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson to represent Mississippi's 2nd congressional district.
Trump administration admits to targeting blue states for energy grant cuts
Justice Department lawyers argue in court documents that it is legal for the administration to withhold funding based on partisan politics.
State-County Mental Health Talks Blow Past Deadlines
“Let’s be real. If all we are doing is restoring somebody—which, to be blunt, is forced medication and flash cards on basic court procedures like ‘Who is a judge?’ ‘What does your lawyer do?’—it is not treatment.”
O’Neill Institute’s Center for Health and Human Rights and Ríos host High Court Justices for Second Annual Judicial Dialogues on Health and the Law in Latin America and the Caribbean
The O’Neill Institute’s Center for Health and Human Rights at Georgetown Law and Ríos Strategic Lawyering for Social Justice held the second annual Judicial Dialogues on Health and the Law in Latin America and the Caribbean event.
Bill and Hillary Clinton’s Stance on Epstein Testimony Dec. 10
Bill and Hillary Clinton’s lawyer writes a letter on Dec. 10 to the House Oversight Committee opposing their live testimony regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Ben Gibson reappointed General Counsel of Republican National Lawyers Association
Gibson was one of Florida’s electors in the presidential election for 2024 in the Electoral Collage.
Trump's former Wisconsin lawyer seeks removal of judge in fake elector case
A former Wisconsin judge who faces charges over his role in Donald Trump's scheme to overturn the 2020 election is calling on a judge to be sidelined.
Rozier pleads not guilty to sports betting charges
Making an appearance in court Monday in New York, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty to charges he helped gamblers placing bets on his performance in NBA games, and he and his lawyer, Jim Trusty, declined to comment after the brief hearing.
Who killed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’s 'Restored Content DLC' for Switch? Disney lawyers.
EXCLUSIVE: How a studio's multi-year effort to give Switch (and mobile) gamers official access to KOTOR II’s infamously cut content collapsed. The emails. The timeline. Plans B and C. The inside story
Woman with family ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released from ICE custody
A woman with family ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is being released on bond from ICE custody after being arrested earlier this month near Boston, according to her lawyer.
Former Trump personal lawyer Alina Habba resigns as acting US attorney for New Jersey
Alina Habba, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, has resigned as the acting US attorney for the district of New Jersey, following an appeals court ruling finding that she was serving in her position unlawfully.
Lawsuit accuses Ohio Department of Health of withholding public records on abortion licensure
Lawyers with a reproductive rights initiative in Ohio are asking the Ohio Supreme Court to intervene in a dispute against the Ohio Department of Health, in which they say the agency is withholding records related to the licensure of a clinic providing abortions.