Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
14th October 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Judges in New England states rule overwhelmingly against Trump
Federal judges in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine have become key players in the legal battles over President Donald Trump's policies since he returned to office in January. Analysis by Reuters has found that at least 72 lawsuits challenging Trump's policies have been filed in federal courts in these four states by plaintiffs, including Democratic state attorneys general, advocacy groups and institutions targeted by the administration. Trial court judges have made at least an initial decision in 51 of those cases, ruling against Trump in 46 of them, according to the Reuters analysis. The New England federal trial courts are thus increasingly seen as attractive litigation venues that offer the "best shot" for challengers to White House policies.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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LAWSUITS
U.S. government faces lawsuit from Delta and Aeromexico
Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, contesting a decision mandating the dissolution of their joint venture which allows them to coordinate operations for U.S.-Mexico flights. The carriers argue that the partnership creates jobs and enhances flight options, and they seek a court stay to delay the enforcement of the dissolution order while the case is reviewed. The U.S. Transportation Department has cited competition concerns as the reason for the order, claiming that the joint venture produces anticompetitive effects in the market.
American Dream defies 'blue laws' on Sunday trading
American Dream mall is facing legal challenges for remaining open on Sundays, defying Bergen County's blue laws that restrict nonessential retail operations. Mayor Chris DiPiazza criticized the mall's advertisement promoting Sunday shopping, commenting: “The retail Sunday shopping ad is just another example how American Dream arrogantly ignores laws that other Bergen County stores have followed for decades.” The $5bn megamall argues it is exempt from these laws due to its location on state-owned land. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has chosen not to intervene, leaving the matter to the courts. American Dream has labeled the lawsuit as a “meritless political stunt.”
Texas jury orders Samsung to pay $445.5m for patent infringement
A federal jury in Texas has ruled that Samsung Electronics must pay approximately $445.5m in damages to Collision Communications for infringing on patents associated with 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi technologies. The lawsuit, initiated by Collision in 2023, claims that Samsung's various wireless devices violate four specific patents intended to enhance wireless network efficiency. Despite Samsung's denial of the allegations and claims that the patents are invalid, this verdict adds to a series of significant patent infringement rulings against the company in that jurisdiction.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
White House starts mass layoff of government workers
The White House has begun mass layoffs of federal employees amid the government shutdown. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed reductions in force, targeting employees in programs lacking funding or misaligned with the administration’s priorities. Departments impacted include Treasury, Education, Commerce, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, HUD, and EPA. Unions have filed for restraining orders, calling the layoffs illegal.
REGULATION
Warning of potential for financial market crash
The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the G20's risk watchdog, says surging global share prices and other assets have left markets susceptible to a crash amid the current uncertain economic and geopolitical backdrop. "While most jurisdictions have seen a rebound in financial markets in recent months, valuations could now be at odds with the uncertain economic and geopolitical outlook, leaving markets susceptible to a disorderly adjustment," said a letter from FSB Chair Andrew Bailey dated October 8 and published ahead of G20 meetings in Washington this week. "The need for global standards and cooperation therefore remains abundantly clear," the letter said.
LEGAL TECH
EvenUp secures $150m funding boost
EvenUp, a personal injury legaltech start-up, has raised $150m in a series E funding round, bringing its total funding to $385m since inception. The latest round, led by Bessemer Venture Partners, values the company at over $2bn. Other notable investors include REV, B Capital, and Bain Capital. EvenUp has also introduced Mirror Mode, a drafting tool aimed at enhancing user productivity.
TECHNOLOGY
Most companies suffer some risk-related financial loss deploying AI
Nearly every large company to have introduced artificial intelligence has incurred some initial financial loss, according to an EY survey, due to such factors as compliance failures, flawed outputs, bias, or disruptions to sustainability goals. The survey was based on responses from 975 executives overseeing AI at companies with annual sales exceeding $1bn from around the world in July and August 2025. It was focused on what it terms "Responsible AI" adoption, a series of metrics assessing whether companies have established internal governance policies for AI, communicated clear usage guidelines, and monitored compliance. Companies with more fully developed "Responsible AI" policies reported stronger performance on sales, cost savings, and employee satisfaction metrics, EY said.
CORPORATE
First Brands CEO resigns
Patrick James, the founder of First Brands Group, has resigned as CEO following the company's high-profile bankruptcy filing, which revealed liabilities of over $10bn. Mr James, who had led the auto parts maker for 30 years, will be replaced by Alvarez & Marsal executive Charles Moore on an interim basis. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the collapse, which has raised concerns about risky lending in private debt markets.
APPOINTMENTS
Labor Department veteran moves to Squire Patton Boggs
John Rainwater has been appointed as a principal in the labor and employment practice at Squire Patton Boggs. With over 25 years of experience at the U.S. Labor Department, Rainwater most recently served as regional solicitor, where he managed litigation and legal advice for all DOL agencies across an 11-state region.
INTERNATIONAL
Legal service award for Philippines' Duterte sparks outrage
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao chapter awarded former president Rodrigo Duterte the title of “Golden Pillar of Law” on September 15 in recognition of his 50 years of legal service. Critics, including human rights activist Carlos Conde, condemned the award as “tone-deaf and deeply offensive,” given Duterte's alleged human rights violations during his drug war. Jojo Lacanilao, convenor of the Concerned Lawyers for Liberties, labelled the recognition an “embarrassment to the legal profession.”

 

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