The United States has seen a dramatic change in tariff policy under the second administration of President Donald J. Trump. The tariffs are part of a larger effort to reduce trade deficits and bring manufacturing back to the United States. But the implementation of the tariffs has been fast and extreme, with tariffs imposed, modified, and suspended frequently, in some cases daily. The most stringent of the tariffs imposed to date have been tariffs on goods from China, one of the largest U.S. trade partners.

The Trump administration’s 2025 energy policy reflects a new direction focused on advancing traditional energy development by reducing regulatory oversight. The policy emphasizes the rollback of certain environmental and sustainability initiatives, including revisions to greenhouse gas regulations, suspension of climate-related program funding, and withdrawal from select international climate agreements. 

Fort Lauderdale Partner Sean Shecter recently spoke with Law360 for an article titled, “Did DOJ Bless A Crypto Free-For-All? Think Again, Attys Say,” which addresses the potential impacts of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) dissolution of its crypto fraud investigations unit.

On April 2, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order entitled “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficit” (the “Order”). The Order set sweeping, across-the-board tariffs on virtually all countries with varying tariff rates. The basis of the Order was the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trade Act of 1974, the National Emergencies Act, and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232).

Chicago Partners Robert Good, Tim Young, Jordan LaClair, and Lynn Geerdes obtained a ruling from an Illinois federal judge granting summary judgment to their client, uniform manufacturer Twin Hill Acquisitions, in a lawsuit alleging pilots, flight attendants, and other “above the wing” employees of American Airlines suffered injuries due to harmful chemicals contained in Twin Hill-supplied uniforms.

Lewis Brisbois is pleased to announce that Thomas (“Tom”) J. Cortazzo has been named managing partner of the firm’s New Orleans office. A native of New Orleans, Mr. Cortazzo is a member of the Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practice. For more than 35 years, he has helped clients succeed in state, federal, and appellate courts throughout Louisiana in matters involving commercial disputes, toxic tort and asbestos issues, as well as personal injury and insurance defense. In addition, Mr. Cortazzo assists clients in resolving matters through arbitration and mediation. He is also an American Arbitration Association-certified mediator.

There were a few key developments for labor and employment law in the state of Michigan for the year 2024. Such developments include changes to Michigan’s paid sick leave requirements and increases to the minimum wage. Here is a summary of these key changes.

Fort Lauderdale Partner Joseph Englander will speak at a webinar, titled “Intellectual Property for the Non-IP Practitioner - Part II - Copyrights and Trademarks,” hosted by The Florida Bar on April 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Philadelphia Partner Jason Berger was profiled recently in The Hype Magazine for an article regarding his successful career as an entertainment lawyer. The article, titled, “Jason Berger: The Entertainment Attorney Empowering Creators and Innovators,” details Mr. Berger’s path to entertainment law, his current practice, factors that have led him to success, and his leadership roles outside of his practice.

St. Louis Partner Alejandro P. Frank and Ft. Lauderdale Partner Katina Hardee, with assistance from St. Louis Associate Aidan Hayward, recently secured summary judgment in the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, Florida on behalf of two clients in a construction loan fraud case. The Court accurately determined that neither of the LBBS clients owed a duty to the plaintiffs to prevent the alleged fraud from occurring.

Chicago Associate Rachel S. Mahoney and Partner Mary A. Smigielski will provide updates on Illinois labor and employment law at the upcoming Chicago Bar Association (CBA) webinar on April 22 at 2:00 p.m. CT.

Nebraska's labor and employment landscape is undergoing significant changes. From new paid sick leave requirements to enhanced protections for workers, these changes are reshaping the relationship between employers and employees across the state.

New York Partner Steven Beer recently spoke with Digital Journal for an article titled, “Attorney Steven Beer on Athletes As Rock Stars and Navigating the Unknown,” which describes the changing landscape for athletes as they expand their brands. The article also discusses Mr. Beer’s upcoming book on how parents can help their children to navigate commercial opportunities while participating as an amateur athlete.