Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse
30th October 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Law firm deals with government 'have ethical implications'
Law firms entering agreements with the government must carefully consider the ethical implications, according to an October ethics opinion by the District of Columbia Bar. Any lawyer or law firm that contemplates making a deal with a government that includes conditions that may limit or shape their practices, the opinion said, “must examine whether the arrangement would prevent the firm from providing conflict-free representation to clients - existing and new - who are adverse to the relevant government.”
LAWSUITS
Judge orders Concordia to reinstate women's teams
A federal judge has ordered Concordia University to reinstate its women's swimming and tennis programs while a Title IX lawsuit is ongoing. The university claimed financial constraints led to the cuts, despite investing $25.5m in athletic facility upgrades. The lawsuit, filed by female athletes, alleges sex discrimination, observing that women make up 59% of the student body but only receive 51.2% of varsity sports roster spots. Judge Fred W. Slaughter emphasized that Concordia must provide “funding, staffing, and all other benefits commensurate with their status as varsity intercollegiate teams.” Arthur Bryant, the attorney for the plaintiffs, said: “The court's thorough, compelling decision confirms what we said from the start: CUI's decision to eliminate the women's swimming and diving and tennis teams was a flagrant violation of Title IX.”
Ex-advisers sue Labor Department
Three former Morgan Stanley advisers have sued the U.S. Department of Labor, alleging it issued an illegal advisory opinion favoring the bank. The opinion claimed Morgan Stanley’s deferred compensation plan wasn’t covered by ERISA, contradicting prior court rulings. The plaintiffs argue the opinion, issued on Sept. 9, was “arbitrary and capricious” and could block hundreds of arbitration claims over unpaid deferred pay. “This case seeks to stop an illegal agency overreach,” said attorney Doug Needham.
UMG, Udio settle, plan AI launch
Universal Music Group has settled its copyright lawsuit with AI music company Udio and will partner on a new generative AI platform launching next year. The agreement centers on developing AI tools trained exclusively on licensed music. “These agreements demonstrate our commitment to do what’s right by our artists and songwriters,” said UMG Chairman Sir Lucian Grainge. Udio CEO Andrew Sanchez said the collaboration aims to expand music creation possibilities. UMG had sued Udio for copyright infringement in 2024. Related lawsuits from Sony and Warner against Udio and Suno remain unresolved.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Iowa panel approves $4m in sexual harassment payouts
The Iowa State Appeal Board has approved a $4.15m settlement for two women, Beth Mahaffey and Ashley Jared, who accused former Iowa Finance Authority director David Jamison of sexual harassment. Mahaffey will receive $2.35m, while Jared will get $1.8m. State Auditor Rob Sand expressed concerns about taxpayers covering the costs and the potential for the settlement to be challenged if the state seeks reimbursement from Jamison. The settlements mark the first public acknowledgment of the women's identities. Jared said: "Coming forward to the Governor about the sexual assault and harassment I was enduring... took every ounce of strength and courage I had." This settlement adds to nearly $6m paid out by the board over the past 15 months for similar allegations against state employees.
REGULATION
CFPB's 'open banking' rules blocked for now
U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves in Lexington, Kentucky, has been convinced by a coalition of banking groups to temporarily block enforcement of a U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulation - the so-called “open banking” rule - aimed at making it easier for consumers to switch financial service providers. The Bank Policy Institute, Kentucky Bankers Association and Forcht Bank said they welcomed the judge's order. The decision "ensures banks won’t be forced to invest time and resources preparing for a rule that is currently being rewritten," they said.
LEGAL TECH
U.K. lawtech business seeks buyer
London-based lawtech start-up Robin AI has reportedly been put up for sale after failing to close a $50m (£38m) funding round. Founded in 2019 by former Clifford Chance disputes lawyer Richard Robinson, the firm, which was once hailed as one of the U.K.’s brightest legal tech unicorns, has apparently listed itself on an insolvency marketplace as it explores “options for its future.”
APPOINTMENTS
Hogan Lovells recruits Morgan Lewis life sciences M&A partner
Hogan Lovells has appointed Conor Larkin as a partner in its mergers & acquisitions practice, operating from both Philadelphia and Houston. Larkin specializes in representing public and private companies, as well as private equity firms, with a strong emphasis on life sciences and energy sectors. His expertise includes structuring and negotiating royalty monetization transactions for various stakeholders. Previously, Larkin was with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius.
INTERNATIONAL
Clearview AI faces lawsuit over illegal facial-recognition data collection
Clearview AI is facing a criminal complaint in Austria from the privacy group noyb, alleging the company has illegally collected images and videos of EU residents to develop its facial-recognition database, potentially breaching the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The complaint could subject Clearview and its executives to personal liability, including prison time, amid previous violations of GDPR laws in several EU countries and ongoing controversies about their data practices.
Dentons launches in Ethiopia
International law firm Dentons has opened its first office in Ethiopia, combining with local full-service firm Tamrat Assefa Liban Law Office in Addis Ababa. Dentons global CEO Kate Barton said: “Our expansion into Ethiopia marks a powerful step forward in our Africa strategy. Together with our new colleagues, we are uniquely positioned to help clients seize opportunities in one of the continent’s most promising markets.”
OTHER
Federal shutdown could cost U.S. economy up to $14bn
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has said between $7bn and $14bn in U.S. gross domestic product will not be recovered after the government shutdown. According to the federal agency's report, the shutdown will also reduce U.S. GDP by one to two percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2025. CBO director Phillip Swagel said: “In CBO’s assessment, the shutdown will delay federal spending and have a negative effect on the economy that will mostly, but not entirely, reverse once the shutdown ends.”

 

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