Keep your finger on the legal world's pulse

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked Missouri from using a Republican-drawn congressional map in the November 3 midterm elections, dealing a setback to efforts backed by President Donald Trump to strengthen the party’s House prospects. The justices suspended a federal judge’s ruling that had allowed the 2025 map, which dismantled Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver’s Kansas City-based district. The decision means Missouri is expected to use its 2022 boundaries while litigation continues. The state Supreme Court had previously ruled unanimously that the new map cannot take effect until voters consider it in a referendum. Richard von Glahn of People Not Politicians said: “The law is the law, the Missouri constitution is clear.” Republicans currently hold a narrow 219-214 House majority.

 

The Hill

CNBC

U.S. News

Todd Blanche, the newly appointed Attorney General, made history by addressing the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, marking the first time a sitting AG has spoken at a political party convention. Eric Holder criticized this unprecedented move, stating, “Attorneys general don't talk about political things,” deeming it “disgraceful.” The Department of Justice defended Blanche's appearance, asserting it was legal and ethics-approved, despite concerns over the ethics office's integrity following the termination of its top official last year. Critics argue that Blanche's actions reflect a troubling alignment with political interests, as he has been perceived as closely tied to Trump's agenda. This event raises significant questions about the role of the AG in political discourse.

 

Above the Law

The Trump administration has made a third appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding mail-in ballots under the USPS “Ballot Mail for Federal Elections” rule. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the USPS should not send mail-in ballots to states lacking a list of eligible voters based on citizenship data, asserting that the administration is likely to succeed in its appeal. He stated: “State election officials will…retain full control over who is permitted to vote in federal elections in their state by US mail.” This appeal follows President Trump's Executive Order 14399, which aims to ensure citizenship verification in federal elections. The League of Women Voters and several states, led by California, have challenged the legality of this executive order and the USPS rule. A preliminary injunction issued by US District Judge Indira Talwani has barred USPS from enforcing parts of the rule, stating that it intrudes on Congress's Elections Clause powers.

 

Jurist

The largest U.S. law firms hired fewer law graduates last year for the first time since 2011, raising concerns that entry-level recruitment could fall further as firms assess artificial intelligence’s impact on staffing. Firms with more than 500 lawyers hired 6,588 graduates, down 7.5% from the 2024 peak. Historical patterns suggest hiring can continue declining for several years after a peak, although today’s circumstances differ because firms remain busy and there has been no recession. A Citi survey found two-thirds of large firms expect fewer first-year associates in 2028 than in 2025, while nearly 60% anticipate fewer second-years. Gretta Rusanow said: “The further out I look, the greater the level of uncertainty about what their needs are going to be.” Summer associate classes have also fallen, strengthening expectations of further graduate hiring declines.

 

Bloomberg Law

Milbank's recent announcement of a new associate salary scale has left many of the largest law firms in the U.S. silent on their pay intentions. Traditionally, firms quickly match pay increases to avoid losing talent, but this year, the response has been notably slow. Milbank raised base salaries by $10,000 for first through fourth-year associates and $20,000 for fifth through eighth-years, effective July 1, 2026. Despite this, many firms, including Cravath and Davis Polk, have yet to announce their plans. As noted, "BigLaw has just had one of its strongest demand halves on record and has responded by not paying the market rate." This situation raises questions about the future of associate compensation and the stability of the traditional associate pyramid.

 

LawFuel

Above the Law looks at how the evolving landscape of legal services is shifting power towards clients, as they gain access to advanced AI capabilities that enhance their decision-making and reduce reliance on outside counsel. Ken Crutchfield notes: "The future law department won't do everything itself," emphasizing that while firms will still provide essential expertise, clients will increasingly control the systems and context in which legal work is performed. This transformation could lead to a more efficient legal process, where clients leverage their institutional knowledge and AI to handle basic legal tasks, reserving specialized work for law firms. As clients rethink their legal departments, Crutchfield contends that the traditional dynamics of the client-law firm relationship are poised for significant change.

 

Above the Law

The ABA and Krill Strategies released a significant study on lawyer mental health, revealing alarming levels of distress and burnout. The study, titled analyzed responses from around 37,000 lawyers across the U.S. Key findings indicate that 21.7% of lawyers experience depression, 20.4% face anxiety, and 47.4% report high burnout levels. Risky alcohol use remains a concern, with 41.8% screening positive for hazardous drinking. ABA President Barbara J. Howard emphasized the importance of addressing these issues, stating: “This study confirms that issues surrounding lawyer well-being continue to be a concern.” The report highlights the need for systemic changes to improve mental health support within the legal profession.

 

ABA Journal

The rise of AI search engines is significantly impacting law firm website traffic, with a reported 19% decline in overall traffic and a staggering 58% drop in clicks to top organic results. However, a study by Great Jakes reveals that traffic for their law firm clients remained steady, with AI referrals accounting for only 0.47% of sessions. LawFuel emphasizes that while legal queries trigger AI overviews at a high rate, they do not dominate all industries. "The more dramatic predictions about answer engines draining law firm traffic have not materialized, at least not yet," the report states. The article advises law firms to measure their own site performance and adapt their strategies accordingly, rather than succumbing to panic or complacency.

 

LawFuel

Seyfarth Shaw has secured the No. 9 position on the Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list, thanks to its commitment to innovation and the development of the SEYscraper, an AI-powered settlement research engine. This tool, born from the firm's SEYence Fair, automates the collection and analysis of public settlement documents, significantly reducing research time from hours to minutes. Byong Kim, chief data and AI officer at Seyfarth Shaw, stated: “Ultimately, our goal is to make responsible experimentation easier, more relevant, and worth the time.” The firm continues to expand its AI capabilities, offering training and resources to enhance the use of technology in legal practices.

 

Fast Company

Weil, Gotshal & Manges is set to lose corporate practice leader Michael Aiello and five other partners to Cravath, extending a recent run of high-profile departures. Aiello led Weil’s more than 600-lawyer corporate practice and had become an influential figure within the firm. The departures come as Weil prepares for a leadership transition and as elite law firms compete aggressively for rainmakers and private-equity business. Weil said Aiello and his team were leaving for “a smaller platform” and that the firm intends to accelerate its growth strategy.

 

Wall Street Journal

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan recently faced significant challenges, including a data breach and subsequent disqualification from representing Techtronic Industries in a defamation suit against Muddy Waters. The breach, which occurred on August 14, involved unauthorized access to files, including sensitive documents related to Muddy Waters. A federal court found that Quinn Emanuel had obtained confidential information during prior representation, leading to its disqualification. The firm contends that the breach and disqualification are unrelated, stating: "The breach was a criminal act by an outside party." However, the incidents highlight the need for improved governance and conflict management within large law firms, as security failures can impact client relationships and firm reputation.

 

LawFuel

Richard G. Mason is leaving Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz after over 30 years to join M3 Partners LP as a senior adviser. He will co-lead the fiduciary services practice with former judge Robert D. Drain, who previously oversaw Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy.

 

Bloomberg Law

Former White & Case partner Waad Alkurini has launched a Saudi AI company, reflecting a growing trend in the U.S. The firm has made its first AI technology investment in the Middle East by backing Clauze.AI, a legal AI platform founded by Alkurini, who dedicated over a decade to the firm. 

 

Law

Concorda, a litigation technology startup, has successfully completed a $3.8m seed funding round, led by Sazze Partners and supported by several investors including Amino Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz's a16z speedrun startup accelerator. The company plans to utilize these funds for new hiring to expand its litigation platform, which integrates legal research, matter management, and drafting features. The platform employs generative AI alongside traditional software automation to enhance the legal process.

 

Law

Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, readings of victims’ names and volunteer projects. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in 2001, while the attacks reshaped U.S. security, foreign policy and public life for decades. Schools are also using the anniversary to educate students, many of whom were born long after 9/11. New York’s ceremony will additionally honor people who later died from illnesses linked to toxic dust exposure. Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, said: “One appropriate way to remember is by serving.”

 

Local10

U.S. News