Chicago Associate Alexa Bradley will co-host an upcoming webinar presentation on Human Rights Issues in the New Administration on January 10, 2025 at 12:15 PM CT. This presentation is hosted by the Chicago Bar Association’s (CBA) Human Rights Committee.

New York Partner Nathan Sheffield is serving as production counsel for the upcoming off-Broadway revival of Lia Romeo’s play “Still,” which features veteran television actors Melissa Gilbert and Mark Moses in the lead roles. 

Chicago Partner Scott C. Bentivenga has been named membership chair of the Illinois Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Mr. Bentivenga will serve in his new leadership role for the 2025-2026 term.

Fort Lauderdale Partner Sean P. Shecter recently spoke with Law360 for an article detailing white collar enforcement issues that are expected to be at the forefront in 2025 as the White House changes hands. 

The article, titled "5 Big Questions for White Collar Enforcement in 2025," details five areas where the federal government's white collar enforcement practices could shift after President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House in late January.

On December 30, 2024, Charlotte Partner Jeremy Stephenson obtained summary judgment victory and dismissal with prejudice of all claims against client in suit brought under Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

As 2025 begins, we highlight the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s litigation focus in fiscal year 2024. Despite the upcoming change in presidential administrations, we do not anticipate immediate changes within the EEOC. The EEOC Commission members are presidential appointees serving five-year staggered terms. There is currently one vacancy, and the first expiration of a term will be in July 2025.

During fiscal year 2024, the EEOC filed 110 employment discrimination lawsuits. These lawsuits demonstrated a trend of what the EEOC characterizes as an effort to protect vulnerable employees, address emerging issues, and challenge systemic harassment, all in accordance with the EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) released for fiscal years 2024 to 2028.

Dallas Partner Mark Cronenwett secured a decision from the Amarillo Court of Appeals affirming a summary judgment that Lewis Brisbois obtained for a mortgage servicing client. 

The dispute concerned whether a mortgage borrower presented a fact issue on whether its servicer, which allegedly orally promised not to foreclose for 60 days, was estopped to deny the agreement when it nevertheless conducted a non-judicial foreclosure sale. 

Recent legal developments have profoundly affected the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). In light of these changes, we provide this focused update on compliance expectations resulting from the latest court rulings. This alert provides a concise overview of the current status of the CTA, including recent court decisions, FinCEN’ response, and compliance considerations for businesses.

Days after obtaining an Appellate Division victory affirming a “no cause” jury verdict, Newark Partner Afsha Noran and Managing Partner Colin Hackett obtained a second appellate court victory affirming a trial court's dismissal of a complaint against another firm client, a general contractor.

The team had previously obtained summary judgment at the trial level on the grounds plaintiff could not establish a prima facie case against the client. The plaintiff appealed the grant of summary judgment and dismissal of her claim to the Appellate Division.

On December 21, 2024, Governor Hochul vetoed the proposed "Grieving Families Act" legislation for the third year in a row.

The proposed law would have substantially amended New York's Estates, Powers and Trusts Law 5-4.1 and related statutes. Among other things, it would have expanded the types of damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death action to include grief or anguish caused by the death of another person. The Act would also have expanded the classes of claimants who could recover, to include anyone who had an "in loco parentis" relationship with the deceased. The Act would also have extended the statute of limitations from two to three years.

Newark Partner Afsha Noran and Managing Partner Colin Hackett recently obtained a ruling by a New Jersey Appellate Division panel affirming a unanimous "no cause" defense verdict obtained on behalf of a nationwide housing developer and manager.

In this case, the plaintiff and her two minor children brought suit against the firm's client. They appealed a unanimous no-cause jury verdict rendered in May 2023 that found the defendants not liable for mold exposure in their apartment. The plaintiffs argued that several trial errors, including improper jury instructions, a confusing verdict sheet, and prejudicial remarks by defense counsel led to an unjust result. However, the appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, concluding that there was no miscarriage of justice and that the trial court properly exercised its discretion in handling the case.

Chicago Associate Alexa Bradley will present at an upcoming webinar on Illinois’ Genetic Information and Privacy Act (GIPA), hosted by the Chicago Bar Association’s (CBA) Biometric Information and Privacy Law Committee on January 2 at 12:15 p.m. CT.

Recent legal developments have significantly impacted the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), with a nationwide preliminary injunction issued, affecting all reporting companies. Here’s what you need to know about the current legal landscape and how it may affect your compliance obligations.