In G.T., et al. v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., et al., No. 21-CV-4976, 2024 WL 3520026 (N.D. Ill. July 24, 2024), an Illinois federal judge dismissed claims brought under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”). The decision is significant because it narrows the scope of conduct and data that can expose a business to liability under the statute. The decision is particularly important for companies engaged in technology design, sales, or licensing, especially those that do not handle or store any ‘biometric’ data generated by customer use.

Lewis Brisbois is pleased to welcome Mark Cronenwett and Vivian Lopez to its Dallas office. Mr. Cronenwett joins the firm as a partner in the Appellate and Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practices, and Ms. Lopez joins as an associate in the Bankruptcy and Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practices. Both attorneys join Lewis Brisbois from a mid-size litigation firm in Dallas where Mr. Cronenwett practiced for 11 years and Ms. Lopez practiced for four years.

Miami Associate Spencer M. Mayer was selected to participate as a fellow in the Dade Legal Aid Leadership Academy for the 2024/2025 bar year. During the program, Mr. Mayer will attend educational sessions and engage in networking opportunities designed to allow participants to expand their leadership skills, establish connections, and gain insight into critical issues confronting their community.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed S.B. 2979, the “BIPA Amendment,” into law on Friday, August 2, 2024. The long-awaited BIPA Amendment is effective immediately, and should bring welcome relief to those doing business in the State of Illinois. 

A recent Delaware Court of Chancery decision is required reading for anyone who wants to know the requirements for validly transferring a member’s interest in an LLC, for example, upon death or bankruptcy of a member.

Los Angeles Partner Angela Zanin was recently named Founding Co-Chair of the Los Angeles County Unity Bar (LACUB), a human rights organization dedicated to promoting diversity in the judiciary.

Northwest Indiana Associate Candace C. Dickson will present at the Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) LPM Seminar, hosted at the ISBA Office at the Capital Center Building in Indianapolis on August 22 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

On July 31, 2024, in a long-awaited decision written by Justice Elizabeth Welch, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled by a 4-3 margin in Mothering Justice et al. v. Attorney General that a pair of citizen-initiated ballot proposals – the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (the “Wage Act”) and the Earned Sick Time Act (“ESTA”) – will go into effect on February 21, 2025, as they were initially proposed by the citizens of Michigan and adopted by the Legislature in 2018.

Although passed in the 2023 legislative session, the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act (JAFA) finally took effect on July 1, 2024. JAFA applies to private employers of all sizes (and their agents), as well as state or local government employers.

Lewis Brisbois is pleased to welcome Joseph R. Englander to its Fort Lauderdale office as a partner in the Intellectual Property & Technology Practice. Mr. Englander has been practicing law for over 20 years and has deep experience in the intellectual property (IP) space. He regularly prosecutes patents, handles trademark and copyright matters, negotiates IP transactions and licensing agreements, and manages name, image, and likeness issues. He also litigates IP cases in courts as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. In addition to his proficiency in IP law, Mr. Englander has significant experience with matters involving cannabis and agricultural regulation, as well as cryptocurrency, fintech, blockchain and aircraft issues.

Walnut Creek Partner Brooke E. Washburn recently secured a court order sustaining her client’s demurrer to a complaint, without leave to amend.  The case concerned allegations of liability for third party torts, wherein Plaintiffs’ argued that a special relationship exists between neighbors and married persons trigging an exception to the no duty to protect rule. The plaintiffs’ complaint alleged that Ms. Washburn’s client was liable for an alleged assault that her client’s late husband committed against a female neighbor.  The Court, having considered the recent Brown ruling by the state Supreme Court, ruled that none of the plaintiffs’ claims were legally viable.

Atlanta Partner Seth M. Friedman, Chicago Partner George J. Manos, Los Angeles Partner Michael R. Velladao, & New York Partner Cristina R. Yannucci will present a webinar titled “The Duty to Defend – What Every Claim Representative Needs to Know,” on August 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. PT.

Atlanta Partner and Co-Leader of Lewis Brisbois’ Intellectual Property & Technology and Entertainment, Media & Sports Practices Jonathan D. Goins has been named to Savoy Magazine’s 2024 Most Influential Lawyers list. As the publication describes, the list is a “powerhouse roster” that includes attorneys “whose legal prowess and commitment to excellence inspire the highest levels of corporate and legal leadership.”