International Legal News

Biting the bullet

Dom/sub relationships have strong patterns that are worth noting

Ireland's an influencer but FTC an EPIC fail

Ireland can be critical influencer' in regulating social media, but FTC should not be regulating privacy in US, says EPIC chief in Dublin speech.

Times they are a changing for law graduates

In US and UK, changes at organisations and law firms to support graduate entrants reflect new dynamics in the legal profession.

Judge complains about 'rambling, waffling and warbling' in court

No need to call me 'learned' says English court appeal judge in call for clear communication in appeals.

Executives settle $2.7m crypto scam charges

SEC settles with AriseBank executives who lied to investors, saying ico offering was 'first-of-its-kind,' lifetime ban issued.

Prosecutors raid South Korea's largest law firm

Offices of two lawyers working for Kim & Chang, South Korea's largest firm, over delay of court ruling in Japanese forced labour case.

Singapore and Malaysia in sovereignty spat

In maritime dispute, firm action will be taken to protect territory and sovereignty if Malaysian vessels continue to intrude, says Singapore.

Tackling mental health in law firms

Recent news that the head of global law firm Baker McKenzie, Paul Rawlinson, is taking temporary leave due to exhaustion raises the question of whether law firms are doing enough to support the wellbeing of their employees, says Averil Leimon.

In-house counsel need better insurance law knowledge

Lack of knowledge is leaving in-house counsel and their companies dangerously exposed and risking negligence, warns insurance chief.

In-house counsel face increasing pressure on resources

Legal departments recognise increasing need for collaboration and integration within the organisation, says report.

Ex-Ford executives on torture and kidnapping charges

Argentina court sentences two executives to prison, but victims' lawyer suggests Ford company had direct control and criminal culpability.

Around the house

Among the new appointments this week, a law practice chairman takes an unexpected journey with Tesla.

Kidnap for ransom a more common problem than realised

New partnership between Brit and Schillings Critical Risk to offer comprehensive kidnap for ransom offering.

Litigation to grow, but skills shortage worries US firms

Survey says almost half of law firms plan to expand their legal rteams in the next 6 months, with litigation topping priorities.

Americans want law firms to drop fees and the mystique

Survey reveals Americans are looking for alternatives to legal proceedings due to high fees and being mystified by law providers.

EU's Vestager casts her eye over Apple, Google and Amazon

The EU may investigate Apple Pay if there are formal complaints, while Google and Amazon are very much on the radar.

China's IP crackdown moves forward

Compensation for victims to be raised and fines increased, as China set to amend legislation to protect IP and punish offenders.

Weaponising divorce? no, not another Brexit story!

ECJ may say Britain need not divorce but Brexit could learn from speedy divorce pilot, while law society worries about weaponization potential.

Kirkland & Ellis latest to drop Arbitration for non-attorney staff

Firm previously eliminated mandatory arbitration for associates, former associates, as a student-led group continues pushing for changes.

Microsoft president calls for facial recognition regulation

Microsoft chief calls for new regulation to govern the widespread roll-out of facial recognition technology to avoid bias and discrimination.

Shakira in unique legal paradise

Singer, who was named in the so-called paradise papers, reportedly faces criminal tax fraud charges, but says her case is 'unique.'

Ireland to shake up property conveyancing

New conveyancing system takes effect in Ireland from new year's day 2019, offering streamlined and transparent process.

'Mixed emotions' as Scots legal profession gets the memo

Scots legal profession seems to be getting the memo on work/life balance and gender equality, but survey reveals some mixed results.

Huawei finance chief lands into legal wrangle

Arrested while changing flights in Canada to be extradited to the US, Huawei's cfo will face bail hearing today, charge not yet specified.

Tesco, the SFO and Lady Justice - the rational choice

Images are especially potent when they are familiar to us. Images of 'good' and 'bad' pack a punch because they form the bedrock of what we expect to happen

Swiss finance minister wary over blockchain laws

After much mulling over new Swiss blockchain legislation, finance minister says current laws can be adapted.

Celebrity couple turn their attention to global trial abuses

Clooney foundation launches TrailWatch, a global effort to monitor court trials and shine light on abuses.

Not just another brick in the wall

New generation law firm WALLESS plans to break convention with focus on openness and trust.

From chief of legal to head of business strategy

Consistent with trends of law towards business, HP taps top lawyer to develop business and strategy.

General counsel put in spotlight of the opioid crisis

State gc could be earning up to ten times her $130k salary in private sector, but says she is happy helping people in midst of opioid epidemic.

NLRB general counsel comments may spark arbitration changes

Companies may have to look out for significant changes to employee arbitration agreements after general counsel comments, says attorney.

Around the house

Among the new positions being parcleled out this week is bubbled wrap company Sealed Air's new general counsel appointment.

Wine case was corked

Wine merchants in Singapore suing buyers of wine stolen by ex-employee sentenced to jail but without restitution element.

Canada's online court hits the road

Canada's online court prepares next step by taking over majority of road traffic accident claims next April, as other jurisdictions watch on.

Dutch court rejects age-fluid case

A Dutch man who requested to change his age, because he feels younger, has his application denied.

Danish Lawyer wins international maritime prize

Birgit Sølling Olsen, formerly of the Danish Maritime Authority, to receive the annual International Maritime Prize in London on Thursday.

PrivatBank's 'Byzantine' claim against Kolomoisky thrown out

Case against Ihor Kolomoisky and Gennadiy Bogolyubov thrown out, but leaves fraud claims for another court 'somehere, someday.'

Law firms hail merger as a boost to growth and innovation

Boyes Turner and Ashfords intend to merge on 1 May 2019, merged entity will be called 'Ashfords'.

New research and leading barrister warn profession over 'silence'

In separate initiatives, study reports over third of female lawyers harassed at work, leading barrister warns over silence by profession.

First-ever charges brought by SEC over promotion of coin offerings

Professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr and music producer Khaled Khaled, known as DJ Khaled, settle with SEC over ICO payments.

Boom times for Ireland's legal profession

...but it's not all about brexit

Over there, over here, prepaid concept to hit UK

UK firm Slater & Gordon teams up with US company to pilot app offering consumer legal advice for 'a pony' a month.

Major raid on German bank linked to Panama papers

Deutsche Bank spirals into trouble as headquarters raided related to a Panama Papers probe, meanwhile shares fall and leaders leave.

Spain calls for more stable regulation, rejects sandboxes

Spanish congress issues long-awaited 107-page report of the financial crisis investigation commission, and rejects regulatory sandboxes.

Francis Lefebvre firms launch French e-compliance solution

Francis Lefebvre e-compliance launched as first global on-line solution to help companies comply with French compliance issues.

Scotland's solicitor general hails groundbreaking domestic abuse approach

Prosecutors in Scotland begin training for domestic abuse cases ahead groundbreaking and innovative new legislation next year.

Employees still incentivised to bypass ABC

Survey reports companies are making progress on anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) strategies, but there is still much more work to do.

Management skills trumps traditional legal prowess says report

New report reveals average salaries, confirms gender differences and highlights management skills trump legal prowess.

Around the house

The new cat's whiskers at Petco jumps on board, while some other gcs seek pastures new.

Blockchain needs legal and multi-stakeholder dialogue

New WTO publication analyses Blockchain, sees IP benefits but flags legal issues needing addressed through stakeholder dialogue.

Law departments increasing spending but reducing cost

New report suggests law departments increasing spending but still pursuing reduced costs and enhanced operational efficiency.

Malaysia looks set to introduce crypto legislation in Q1

Rules for cryptocurrency exchanges and ICOs will be in force by Q1 of 2019, says Malaysia's finance minister.

Humanists call on Scottish government to abolish blasphemy law

With proposed hate crime legislation in the pipeline, a humanist group has asked for blasphemy law to be included in the changes.

New 24/7 response app helps to handle cyberattacks

Mobile app providing clients with fast practical legal support to mitigate risk following cyber attack launched by Clifford Chance.

Ashurst introduces global domestic and family violence policy

International law firm Ashurst has introduced a new domestic and family violence policy.

Human rights group wants to use Argentina's constitution to accuse MbS

In call to investigate crown prince Mohammed bin Salman over death of Saudi journalist, Human Rights Watch turns to Argentine constitution.

A fond farewell present to Brazilian judges

Judges benefit from political spat as Brazil's outgoing president gives significant pay rise to judges in snub to successor.

Agribusiness bales law firms in Canadian prairies

Agribusiness remains a stable source of work for law firms across the Prairies, but the profession is also adapting for the future.

Lawyer attacks Reuters for 'trial by media' in rape case

Lawyer representing JD.com founder Richard Liu accuses Reuters of being 'one-sided,' and states he is innocent but staying silent.

Employment lawyers at the heart of colliding forces in the workplace

With Ireland at the tipping point of both Brexit and the digital economy, employment lawyers needed to tackle raft of transformational issues.

Roll out the barrel as beer firm wins $14m attorney fees appeal

Dismissal of appeal states 8th Circuit court won't consider attorneys' fees denial in case involving SeaWorld worker pensions.

UK government scheme for court entrance extended to five new courts

Bar Council of England and Wales scheme and new app to be accepted at five additional courts as part of professional court user entry scheme.

New Partners unsure of career path and compensation after promotion

Survey of new partners shows that despite law firms increasing training, they remain non-plussed about advances in career and compensation.

ULaw's first international foray will be in Hong Kong

The University of Law, one of the UK's longest established specialist providers of legal education, to open in Hong Kong by spring 2019.

UK's last ECJ judge bats back 'unpatriotic' criticism

UK judges will be open to accusations of being 'unpatriotic' when they follow European law post-Brexit, according to UK's ECJ judge.

Poland to reinstate supreme court judges

Following ECJ ruling, Poland is taking steps to reinstate the 27 Supreme Court judges forced to retire under controversial judicial reforms.

Judicial review Deliveroos ruling on gig economy

Gig workers face human rights legal challenge over workers' rights.

Arbitration can be both hit and myth

General counsel should maybe be wary, as AAA publishes white paper to flag myths surrounding a growing trend.

Around the house

Chinese insurance firm appoints general counsel to build international profile.

Whistleblower cases end rather badly?for the whistleblower

81% of whistleblowers find negative impacts as a result of whistleblowing faccording to new Australian research.

Law Society of Ireland launches vision for future training

Peart Commission Report gives 30 recommendations to improve access, innovation and streamline solicitor education.

Linklaters launches programme to support BAME talent

Linklaters is piloting a new development programme to support talented black, asian and minority ethnic staff.

No cigar for Societe General

The US Federal Reserve has fined French bank Societe Generale USD $81.3 million for violating US sanctions against Cuba.

Deloitte Legal latest of Big 4 in forging Singapore tie-ups

Deloitte Legal joins competitors PwC and EY in boosting Asia presence with latest local addition to its network Singapore's Sabara Law.

Russia moves forward on procedural law reform

State Duma has adopted the third and final reading of a bill reforming procedural legislation.

WTO IP battle escalates between gulf states

Qatar escalates its WTO dispute over alleged Saudi Arabia IP violation and refusal to cooperate over piracy and otehr issues.

Lawyers are Top of The Pops

UK top lawyers and accountants in music industry revealed in first ever legal and accountancy 50 list.

Fish & Richardson to capitalise on China's innovation

IP specialists to open office in Shenzhen renowned as the innovation capital of China's Silicon Valley,

Law firms fear Big Four and Brexit

The Crowe's Law Firm Benchmarking Survey 2018 reveals that almost 70 per cent of law firms have increased headcount whilst two thirds saw an increase in profit per equity partner (PEP)

Law students in India demand new environmental measures

Law Students from Maharashtra in India stage protest outside NGT Delhi against growing number of vacancies.

In-house counsel report less lawsuits but more regulatory proceedings

Study also finds rise in conflicts from differing discovery and data protection laws across jurisdictions.

Elevate Acquires LexPredict to expanding AI data science offering

Global law company Elevate has announced the acquisition of enterprise legal AI technology and consulting firm LexPredict.

There's no accounting for taste

EU court rules taste cannot be copyrighted in setback for food industry in Dutch witches' cheese case.

NetDocuments has the room

Secure cloud-based content services platform for law firms,in-house and compliance departments, announces acquisition of Closing Room.

Seeking an injunction has the power to blitz a 'Brand'

Beyonce has feelings and feelings do matter. Feelings about what a brand denotes matter greatly.

Around the house

Headlining a trio of the changes this week is Tesla, which loses a legal leader to a start-up just as the action with SEC heats up.

Newspaper finds veteran legal counsel at heart of Google scandal

A scandal that engulfed Google had a veteran Silicon Valley corporate counsel at the heart of it all, says New York Times.

BCLP launches division to support In-house counsel

New combined legal operations consultancy division brings together teams on both sides of the Atlantic to support In-house legal teams.

Chief legal officers report higher expectations thrust on departments

Survey reflects challenges faced by law department leaders, as growing expectations create challenges and strategies.

Travers Smith elects first woman senior partner

Full service London law firm has elected a tax specialist as the first woman to take on the leadership role.

A Hand on the tiller at the Luxury Law Summit

New forms of customer engagement will provide increased opportunities for the luxury sector over the next five years

DealTalk in NYC at the Luxury Law Summit

Increased M&A activity in the luxury industry is Elnaz Zarrini's confident prediction

Number of individuals banned from financial services by the FCA rises

With 23 prohibition orders issued by the FCA last year, there is a 28% rise in FCA bans, and many more could follow.

The 'gig economy' for lawyers continues to expand

Number of UK 'platform' lawyers up 29% in a year, crossing the 1,000 mark, as research report highlights LSE listing of Keystone Law.

'Love in the Bin' does not amount to a broken heart

Banksy has made a fabulous contribution to what 'caveat emptor' might, does - or should - mean

France to stalk social media to tackle tax avoiders

Lifestyle social media will be analysed by tax authorities in the new year as French lawyers brace themselves for more tax prosecutions.

National securities regulator is constitutional, says Canadian court

In long-running battle to create a national securities regulator, supreme court of Canada rules it is constitutional.

What's in a name?

A Colorado businessman launches against lawsuit against Bank of America over use of the name Erica.

I'll be there for you

ROI is not just about the money. Legal services get devalued when firms forget that law should be about helping fellow human beings.

New wave of FX manipulation lawsuits

Investors tend to opt out of litigation if they expect to recover more by suing on their own