Featured Stories
Faegre Drinker Issues Commentary: DC Circuit Upholds EPA's PFAS Hazardous Substance Designations Under CERCLA - What In-House Counsel Need to Know
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Aug. 22 -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Aug. 21, 2026, by partners Bonnie Allyn Barnett and Leigh Bausinger and associates Amani B. Khoury and Amy L. Waite:
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DC Circuit Upholds EPA's PFAS Hazardous Substance Designations under CERCLA: What In-House Counsel Need to Know
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America v. EPA, No. 24-1193
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On August 18, 2026, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued its decision in Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America v. EPA, No. 24-1193, denying all petitions
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Aug. 22 -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Aug. 21, 2026, by partners Bonnie Allyn Barnett and Leigh Bausinger and associates Amani B. Khoury and Amy L. Waite:
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DC Circuit Upholds EPA's PFAS Hazardous Substance Designations under CERCLA: What In-House Counsel Need to Know
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America v. EPA, No. 24-1193
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On August 18, 2026, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued its decision in Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America v. EPA, No. 24-1193, denying all petitionsto overturn EPA's 2024 designations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) -- two of the most common so-called "forever chemicals" -- as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Writing for the court, Judge Millett rejected challenges from seven major industry groups on statutory interpretation, procedural, and arbitrary-and-capricious grounds, finding that EPA acted within its authority, provided adequate notice-and-comment opportunities, and reasonably weighed costs and benefits.
Why This Matters for Companies
The decision cements the legal foundation for CERCLA's expanded reach over PFOA and PFOS, triggering immediate compliance obligations such as required release reporting.
More significantly, the designations open the door to EPA-compelled cleanups and cost-recovery enforcement actions against potentially responsible parties -- including manufacturers, transporters, waste handlers, and current or former facility operators -- under CERCLA's strict, joint-and-several liability framework.
Key Takeaways for In-House Counsel
Companies should immediately assess their PFAS exposure across operations, supply chains, and real estate portfolios. Those in manufacturing, waste management, construction, and recycling are particularly at risk, as the court acknowledged these industries historically used PFOA- and PFOS-containing products.
While the court noted CERCLA's multiple procedural safeguards and liability defenses -- including "de minimis" contributor protections and innocent landowner defenses -- in-house teams should not treat those as guarantees against liability.
Counsel should review existing environmental indemnities, insurance coverage, M&A representations, and disclosure obligations in light of this ruling, and prepare for potential contribution claims from co-located responsible parties at contaminated sites.
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The material contained in this communication is informational, general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. The material contained in this communication should not be relied upon or used without consulting a lawyer to consider your specific circumstances. This communication was published on the date specified and may not include any changes in the topics, laws, rules or regulations covered. Receipt of this communication does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this communication may be considered attorney advertising.
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Meet the Authors
Bonnie Allyn Barnett
Partner
Philadelphia
+1 215 988 2916
bonnie.barnett@faegredrinker.com
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Leigh Bausinger
Partner
Philadelphia
+1 215 988 2725
leigh.bausinger@faegredrinker.com
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Amani B. Khoury
Associate
Indianapolis
+1 317 237 1484
amani.khoury@faegredrinker.com
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Amy L. Waite
Associate
Indianapolis
+1 317 237 8211
amy.waite@faegredrinker.com
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Original text here: https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/insights/publications/2026/8/dc-circuit-upholds-epas-pfas-hazardous-substance-designations-under-cercla-what-in-house-counsel-need-to-know
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Paul Hastings Advises on NJJ Continental's High-Yield Bond Offerings and New TLB Facility
LOS ANGELES, California, Aug. 21 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Paul Hastings, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Paul Hastings Advises on NJJ Continental's High-Yield Bond Offerings and New TLB Facility
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Paul Hastings LLP advised a syndicate of initial purchasers led by Goldman Sachs, including BNP Paribas, BofA Securities, Credit Agricole, J.P. Morgan, Societe Generale and UBS AG, in connection with NJJ Continental's offering of CHF 205 million aggregate principal amount of 2.500% senior secured notes due 2031, which set a record for the lowest European high-yield coupon since January
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Aug. 21 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Paul Hastings, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Paul Hastings Advises on NJJ Continental's High-Yield Bond Offerings and New TLB Facility
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Paul Hastings LLP advised a syndicate of initial purchasers led by Goldman Sachs, including BNP Paribas, BofA Securities, Credit Agricole, J.P. Morgan, Societe Generale and UBS AG, in connection with NJJ Continental's offering of CHF 205 million aggregate principal amount of 2.500% senior secured notes due 2031, which set a record for the lowest European high-yield coupon since January2022.
Paul Hastings also advised Goldman Sachs in connection with NJJ Continental's private placement of additional senior secured notes due 2030 and the repricing of a new EUR855 million term loan facility.
NJJ Continental is the parent company of Salt Mobile SA, one of the three major national integrated telecommunications providers in Switzerland, and Monaco Telecom S.A.M., the primary telecommunications provider in the Principality of Monaco and a telecommunications provider in Malta and Cyprus.
Partners Max Kirchner and Chiraag Patel led the Paul Hastings team, which also included associates Pierfrancesco Benedetti, Marine Tabory, Ben Regan, Natasha Young and Samuel Lewis.
About Paul Hastings
With widely recognized elite teams across 17 practices, Paul Hastings is a premier law firm with a culture of excellence focused on providing intellectual capital and superior execution globally to the world's leading investment banks, asset managers and corporations.
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Original text here: https://www.paulhastings.com/news/paul-hastings-advises-on-njj-continentals-high-yield-bond-offerings-and-new-tlb-facility
McGuireWoods Bolsters Commercial Litigation Prowess With Jeff Golimowski and Jeremy Baker
RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods Bolsters Commercial Litigation Prowess With Jeff Golimowski and Jeremy Baker
Partners Bring Deep Experience in Post-Acquisition Disputes, Construction Litigation and Government Contracts
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McGuireWoods continues to grow its market-leading commercial litigation capabilities with the arrival of partners Jeff Golimowski and Jeremy Baker, who bring significant, trial-tested experience in post-acquisition disputes, construction litigation and government contracts matters to the firm's
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods Bolsters Commercial Litigation Prowess With Jeff Golimowski and Jeremy Baker
Partners Bring Deep Experience in Post-Acquisition Disputes, Construction Litigation and Government Contracts
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McGuireWoods continues to grow its market-leading commercial litigation capabilities with the arrival of partners Jeff Golimowski and Jeremy Baker, who bring significant, trial-tested experience in post-acquisition disputes, construction litigation and government contracts matters to the firm'sTysons, Virginia, office.
Golimowski represents businesses in high-stakes disputes, including post-merger and post-acquisition matters. His practice spans the full lifecycle of a deal, from counseling clients on asset protection during a transaction to enforcing holdback, indemnity and insurance rights after closing. He also represents Fortune 500 corporations and small-to-midsize companies in construction disputes involving highly regulated projects, including U.S. Department of Defense facility matters with exposure exceeding $150 million.
Baker guides clients through commercial construction and public contracts disputes. His construction practice focuses on energy, defense and infrastructure matters, including those involving change orders, delays, design defects and other issues arising on large-scale projects. He represents prime and subcontractors in the defense industry, handling disputes and advising on teaming agreements, subcontract formation, government investigations and federal contracts counseling. Golimowski and Baker come to McGuireWoods from Womble Bond Dickinson.
"Jeff and Jeremy are skilled litigators with proven track records in matters that carry significant financial and strategic consequences for clients," said Noreen Kelly, McGuireWoods' deputy managing partner and head of litigation. "Their experience in post-acquisition disputes complements our growing transactional practices and enhances our ability to deliver integrated, industry-focused solutions."
Shelby Guilbert, chair of McGuireWoods' Commercial Litigation Department, added, "When clients face post-closing challenges or massive delays, they need trial lawyers who understand the commercial engines behind their businesses. Jeff and Jeremy bring that exact blend of technical skill and business acumen to our team."
McGuireWoods represents buyers, sellers, investors, sponsors, portfolio companies, founders, executives and other stakeholders in disputes arising from mergers, acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, strategic investments and other business transactions, including construction and government contract matters. The firm consistently earns nationwide rankings for commercial litigation from Chambers USA. McGuireWoods ranked among "The Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation" in BTI Consulting Group's annual survey of corporate counsel.
"McGuireWoods has built a powerhouse commercial litigation practice with tremendous depth across industries," said Golimowski. "I look forward to leveraging the firm's platform to deliver even greater results for clients, particularly those navigating post-transaction disputes."
Baker added, "McGuireWoods' strength in construction and government contracts litigation, combined with its national trial capabilities, makes the firm an ideal home for my practice. I am excited to join a team that shares my focus on detailed preparation and creative problem-solving for clients."
Jack L. White, managing partner of McGuireWoods' Tysons office, said, "Jeff and Jeremy have built reputations as trusted advisers for clients in industries that drive our region's economy, and we are delighted to welcome them to the firm."
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Original text here: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2026/8/mcguirewoods-bolsters-commercial-litigation-prowess-with-jeff-golimowski-and-jeremy-baker/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Shareholder Bradford J. Kelley Nominated to Serve as Federal District Judge in Louisiana
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Aug. 21 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Littler Shareholder Bradford J. Kelley Nominated to Serve as Federal District Judge in Louisiana
Littler, the world's largest employment and labor law practice representing management, congratulates Bradford J. Kelley on his nomination by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
"Brad's nomination is a testament to his impressive legal career and longstanding commitment to public service," said Erin Webber, Littler's managing
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Aug. 21 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Littler Shareholder Bradford J. Kelley Nominated to Serve as Federal District Judge in Louisiana
Littler, the world's largest employment and labor law practice representing management, congratulates Bradford J. Kelley on his nomination by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
"Brad's nomination is a testament to his impressive legal career and longstanding commitment to public service," said Erin Webber, Littler's managingdirector and president. "Throughout his time at Littler, Brad has distinguished himself through his deep legal knowledge, thoughtful counsel and unwavering dedication to the profession. His extensive experience in both private practice and at government agencies will undoubtedly serve him well on the federal bench, and we congratulate him on this honor."
Kelley is a shareholder in Littler's Washington, D.C., office and co-chair of the firm's AI and Technology Practice Group. His practice spans a range of employment discrimination and wage and hour matters, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and AI in the workplace. Kelley also advises employers on matters involving the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
Before joining Littler in 2023, Kelley was chief counsel to then-U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner Keith Sonderling, who now serves as Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor. In that role, Kelley provided legal and policy advice on federal employment anti-discrimination laws and worked on cases, policies and regulations involving statutes enforced by the EEOC. He also acted as a key advisor on the Commission's Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness and received the EEOC Chair's Circle of Excellence Award for his service.
Prior to his time at the EEOC, Kelley served as a senior policy advisor in the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, where he counseled agency leadership on the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and federal wage laws affecting government contractors.
Kelley began his legal career as a law clerk to a federal district judge. He is also a former U.S. Army infantry and intelligence officer and an Iraq War veteran.
Deeply rooted in the state of Louisiana, Kelley earned his J.D., Order of the Coif and magna cum laude, from Louisiana State University Law Center, and his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Louisiana State University.
Kelley's nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
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About Littler
With more than 1,800 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what's happening today, and what's likely to happen tomorrow.
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/press/press-release/littler-shareholder-bradford-j-kelley-nominated-serve-federal-district-judge
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Coldwell, Gerhardy, Mallick and Kara in The Texas Lawbook: Haynes Boone Pro Bono Team Secures Tax Relief for Dallas Habitat Homeowner
DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 21 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Haynes and Boone, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Coldwell, Gerhardy, Mallick and Kara in The Texas Lawbook: Haynes Boone Pro Bono Team Secures Tax Relief for Dallas Habitat Homeowner
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Haynes Boone's Pro Bono Impact Report featured the story of a Dallas Habitat for Humanity homeowner whose case was recently covered by The Texas Lawbook. Partner Deborah Coldwell and Associates Austria Arnold Gerhardy, Sam Mallick and Mishan Kara spoke with the publication about their pro bono work after their client's home was appraised at nearly
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 21 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Haynes and Boone, a law firm, posted the following news:
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Coldwell, Gerhardy, Mallick and Kara in The Texas Lawbook: Haynes Boone Pro Bono Team Secures Tax Relief for Dallas Habitat Homeowner
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Haynes Boone's Pro Bono Impact Report featured the story of a Dallas Habitat for Humanity homeowner whose case was recently covered by The Texas Lawbook. Partner Deborah Coldwell and Associates Austria Arnold Gerhardy, Sam Mallick and Mishan Kara spoke with the publication about their pro bono work after their client's home was appraised at nearlytwice the $160,000 maximum amount she is permitted to sell it for under her deed restriction.
The team obtained an agreed judgment requiring the Dallas Central Appraisal District to recognize the homeowner's deed restriction when determining the property's taxable value, establishing the home's market value at $160,000 for the 2025 and 2026 tax years.
Read an excerpt from The Texas Lawbook below.
"The result ensures that Ms. Seymoore is not penalized by excessive appraisals that undermine the very affordable housing programs designed to help," said firm Partner Deborah Coldwell....
"Her career has just taken off since getting this Habitat home. She's active in her community. She's somebody who goes out of her way to help other people," Gerhardy said....
"Even if we did a tax protest case, it would usually be a commercial tax case, and that's really important for our clients, and it's really important that we do a good job for them. But this is somebody's home, and that just changes the stakes a little bit, and it makes it feel more personal," Mallick said....
"By getting a good result for Tracy for 2025 and 2026, we're also helping her for 2027 and into the future to make sure she's not priced out of her house," Mallick said....
"Pro bono cases like this allow us to get involved early and hopefully make change now that will benefit Tracy's life for the next 10 years, and also potentially benefit the lives of other Habitat homeowners," Gerhardy said, "That's important for us both from a training perspective, but also from the perspective of our law degree has power and influence now, and how can we put it to good use, even as associates within the first few years of practice?"
Read The Texas Lawbook article here.
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Original text here: https://www.haynesboone.com/news/articles/haynes-boone-pro-bono-team-secures-tax-relief-for-dallas-habitat-homeowner
Ashurst Perkins Coie appointed on Government Commercial Agency Legal Panel for Public Sector
SEATTLE, Washington, Aug. 21 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ashurst Perkins Coie, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Ashurst Perkins Coie appointed on Government Commercial Agency Legal Panel for Public Sector
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Global law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie has been named as a supplier on three lots of Government Commercial Agency's Legal Panel for Public Sector. This panel serves as the framework for the provision of legal services for all the public sector, including Local and Regional Government, Health, Education, Infrastructure, Emergency Services, Central Government and Third Sector organisations.
The
... Show Full Article
SEATTLE, Washington, Aug. 21 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ashurst Perkins Coie, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Ashurst Perkins Coie appointed on Government Commercial Agency Legal Panel for Public Sector
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Global law firm Ashurst Perkins Coie has been named as a supplier on three lots of Government Commercial Agency's Legal Panel for Public Sector. This panel serves as the framework for the provision of legal services for all the public sector, including Local and Regional Government, Health, Education, Infrastructure, Emergency Services, Central Government and Third Sector organisations.
Thethree lots are Lot 2: Focused Legal Support, Lot 4: Projects and Complex Advice including PPP and Lot 5: Transport and Rail which covers a wide spectrum of legal specialisms, including, commercial and contracts, property, real estate and construction, litigation and dispute resolution, PPP (public-private partnership), projects, employment, public procurement, social housing, infrastructure, transport and rail, health and social care, and costs law.
Sam Outtridge, Partner at Ashurst Perkins Coie, commented, "We are delighted to have been appointed to Government Commercial Agency's legal panel for public sector, which builds on our long-term relationship with the UK Government, and we are looking forward to working together with the Government's highly experienced in-house legal teams to support their future success. This appointment reflects our expertise and ability to advise on some of the most high-profile and complex transactions in the market."
Government Commercial Agency (GCA) is the UK's central commercial and procurement organisation, connecting public and private sectors to achieve the best outcomes for the UK and its citizens. GCA uses its commercial expertise to create a simpler procurement experience that redirects valuable resources into essential public services - creating value for the nation.
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Original text here: https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/who-we-are/our-news-work-market-recognition/ashurst-perkins-coie-appointed-on-government-commercial-agency-legal-panel-for-public-sector/
Akin Advises Kennedy Lewis on Financing for The Greenbrier Joint Venture
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Akin Advises Kennedy Lewis on Financing for The Greenbrier Joint Venture
(New York) - Akin advised Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (Kennedy Lewis) in connection with a loan provided to The Greenbrier and a joint venture between Kennedy Lewis and The Justice Family Group designed to support the long-term vision for The Greenbrier.
The Akin team was led by corporate practice co-head Zachary Wittenberg and finance partner Heather Waters Borthwick and included finance counsel Nell Ethridge and Gerry Griffith
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Akin Advises Kennedy Lewis on Financing for The Greenbrier Joint Venture
(New York) - Akin advised Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (Kennedy Lewis) in connection with a loan provided to The Greenbrier and a joint venture between Kennedy Lewis and The Justice Family Group designed to support the long-term vision for The Greenbrier.
The Akin team was led by corporate practice co-head Zachary Wittenberg and finance partner Heather Waters Borthwick and included finance counsel Nell Ethridge and Gerry GriffithII and associates Benjamin Marsico and Meg Gilligan; capital markets partner Anthony Ameduri and counsel Andrew McDonough; real estate counsel Alex Agahzadeh, senior practice attorney Ashley Todd and associates Ben Lancaster and Joseph Newman; labor & employment partner Lauren Leyden, counsel Alexandra Johnson and associate Daniel Glicker; executive compensation & employee benefits partner Stephanie Bollheimer and associate Dilara Kesir; tax partner Joshua Williams, counsel Tim Higgins and associate Simon Furney; and corporate associates Jordan Adams, Christine Wang, Kimberly Moyal and Jarod Manuel.
For additional information on the transaction, please click here (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/justice-family-and-kennedy-lewis-complete-transformational-joint-venture-for-the-greenbrier-302852128.html).
Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 1,100 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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URL: Kennedy Lewis Investment Management
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Original text here: https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/press-releases/akin-advises-kennedy-lewis-on-financing-for-the-greenbrier-joint-venture
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
