Featured Stories
McGuireWoods' Mitchell Diles Selected for Institute for Energy Law Leadership Class
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 25 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods' Mitchell Diles Selected for Institute for Energy Law Leadership Class
The Institute for Energy Law (IEL) at The Center for American and International Law has selected McGuireWoods associate Mitchell Diles for its 2026-2027 leadership class. IEL's leadership class is designed for professionals practicing in the energy field between three and 12 years, enabling them to increase their knowledge and develop leadership skills.
The program includes an in-person retreat, online education
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 25 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods' Mitchell Diles Selected for Institute for Energy Law Leadership Class
The Institute for Energy Law (IEL) at The Center for American and International Law has selected McGuireWoods associate Mitchell Diles for its 2026-2027 leadership class. IEL's leadership class is designed for professionals practicing in the energy field between three and 12 years, enabling them to increase their knowledge and develop leadership skills.
The program includes an in-person retreat, online educationand social events, and associate membership in IEL through 2027. Class members also are invited to attend the organization's 78th annual Energy Law Conference in Houston in February 2027 and the National Young Energy Professionals' Law Conference in New Orleans in March 2027.
Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Diles represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes nationwide, including companies in the energy, environmental, hospitality and manufacturing industries. A member of McGuireWoods' Crisis Management & Incident Response Practice Group, Diles also helps clients manage and respond to catastrophic incidents, including explosions, contamination events and system failures.
"Navigating today's energy landscape requires more than traditional legal strategy; it demands agile, forward-thinking counsel," Diles said. "The IEL program offers a unique environment to sharpen those insights, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate."
McGuireWoods' multidisciplinary Energy Industry Team combines legal, policy, energy technology and business experience to provide integrated services to clients across sectors. The firm represents clients across the energy sector in high-stakes litigation and proceedings before federal regulators, state public utility commissions and state agencies.
"Mitch brings relentless dedication to helping energy clients navigate their most critical, complex challenges. This well-deserved recognition from IEL is a testament to Mitch's leadership and the depth of talent driving our energy practice," said Jonathan Blank, co-leader of McGuireWoods' Energy Industry Team.
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Original text here: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2026/7/mcguirewoods-mitchell-diles-selected-for-institute-for-energy-law-leadership-class/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
McGuireWoods Wins Business Insurance's Legal Team of the Year Award
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 25 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods Wins Business Insurance's Legal Team of the Year Award
Business Insurance, a publication focused on risk management, transfer and financing, named McGuireWoods' Insurance Recovery Practice Group its Legal Team of the Year.
The honor was announced July 23, 2026, at the U.S. Insurance Awards in Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. McGuireWoods Los Angeles partner Shaun Crosner, who co-leads the team, and Atlanta partner Shelby Guilbert, a partner on the team, accepted the award at the
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 25 -- McGuireWoods, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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McGuireWoods Wins Business Insurance's Legal Team of the Year Award
Business Insurance, a publication focused on risk management, transfer and financing, named McGuireWoods' Insurance Recovery Practice Group its Legal Team of the Year.
The honor was announced July 23, 2026, at the U.S. Insurance Awards in Chicago's Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. McGuireWoods Los Angeles partner Shaun Crosner, who co-leads the team, and Atlanta partner Shelby Guilbert, a partner on the team, accepted the award at theevent.
McGuireWoods earned the recognition for helping policyholders secure insurance recoveries across a range of high-profile matters, including the seizure of an oil tanker in the Middle East, defamation claims by an actress, the aborted launch of a commercial rocket and business interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The insurance recovery team also advised clients in high-stakes coverage disputes involving a failed business merger, securities and derivatives lawsuits, a deadly fire in a Los Angeles high-rise building and hundreds of products liability suits alleging bodily injuries from exposure to purportedly harmful constituents in stone and tile products.
"On behalf of our entire team of attorneys and staff, we are honored to accept this recognition," said Crosner. "We are especially grateful to our clients for trusting us with their high-stakes matters."
Co-leader Tony Tatum, an Atlanta partner, said, "This award is a testament to the depth and versatility of our practice. Whether we are navigating maritime seizures in the Middle East or complex pandemic-related business disruptions, our attorneys possess the deep industry knowledge required to protect our clients' interests in any arena."
Co-leader Kirk Pasich, a Los Angeles partner, said the award demonstrates the success he expected when he, Crosner and nine other attorneys moved their boutique practice to McGuireWoods two years ago: "Joining forces with McGuireWoods took our practice to another level."
Noreen Kelly, McGuireWoods' deputy managing partner and head of litigation, said, "Our Insurance Recovery Practice Group consistently delivers results where they matter most -- helping policyholders navigate their most complex coverage challenges. This honor underscores the firmwide standard of excellence they champion every day."
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Original text here: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/news/press-releases/2026/7/mcguirewoods-wins-business-insurances-legal-team-of-the-year-award/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler Issues Commentary: German Employment Law in Transition - Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Ulrike Schulke:
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German Employment Law in Transition: Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
At a Glance
* The German Coalition Committee has agreed to a draft package of political resolutions, including several that would impact employment law.
* Proposed changes would amend the separation process for highly compensated employees, revise the law governing fixed-term employment, create preferential tax treatment for certain severance payments, abolish sick
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, July 25 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on July 24, 2026, by counsel Ulrike Schulke:
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German Employment Law in Transition: Coalition Committee Agrees on Noteworthy Reforms
At a Glance
* The German Coalition Committee has agreed to a draft package of political resolutions, including several that would impact employment law.
* Proposed changes would amend the separation process for highly compensated employees, revise the law governing fixed-term employment, create preferential tax treatment for certain severance payments, abolish sicknotes issued by telephone, and require the provision of a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness, among others.
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The German Federal Government, formed by the CDU/CSU (conservative political party union) and SPD (social democratic political party), has agreed in the Coalition Committee on a comprehensive "Program for Growth and Employment." The package of measures includes a number of employment-law initiatives that employers should monitor closely over the coming months. Of particular relevance are new options for terminating employment relationships with high earners, the planned expansion of fixed-term employment without objective grounds, and changes relating to the certificate of incapacity for work.
Below is an initial overview of the key employment-law proposals and assessment of their practical significance for companies, should the program be enacted in this form:
1. Easier Separation from Top Earners: From Protection against Dismissal to Protection by Severance
The planned introduction of a "dissolution of the employment relationship with a severance option" for top earners would be of considerable practical relevance. The provision is intended to apply from January 1, 2027, to employees whose annual income exceeds 1.75 times the contribution assessment ceiling for the German statutory pension insurance (currently approximately EUR 178,000).
In this respect, the coalition expressly draws on the rules familiar from the financial sector for so-called risk takers. Although details of the specific legislative design are not yet available, adopting the risk-taker regime from the financial sector (Section 25a(5a) of the German Banking Act (KWG)) would mean that employers would no longer face a reinstatement risk. In practical terms, employees falling within the scope of the provision could be dismissed even where the dismissal is ultimately held to be invalid, with the separation then being enforced by way of a request for judicial dissolution against payment of severance. Because the amount of severance to be determined by the court is capped (currently, under Section 10 of the German Dismissal Protection Act (KSchG), at a maximum of 18 gross monthly salaries where the employee is 55 years old and has 20 years of service), the separation risk for employers would finally become calculable.
If this proposal is adopted, it will materially change the dynamics of separation processes involving highly compensated employees.
2. Fixed-Term Employment without Objective Grounds: A Return to Greater Flexibility
The announcements regarding fixed-term employment law are equally noteworthy. For employees hired on or before December 31, 2030, fixed-term employment without objective grounds--i.e., where the employer does not need to provide a reason for the limited contract--is to be permitted for up to 48 months, with up to six extensions. Particularly far-reaching is the announcement that renewed fixed-term employment without objective grounds with the same employer is also to be made possible.
This would go well beyond the current legal framework and would significantly expand flexibility in workforce planning. To date, Section 14(2) of the German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG) generally permits fixed-term employment without objective grounds only for up to 24 months and with no more than three extensions.
In addition, the strict written-form requirement for fixed-term agreements is to be abolished as of January 1, 2027; in the future, text form is to suffice in this context as well.
3. Preferential Tax Treatment of Severance Payments
As a complementary measure, the coalition plans to introduce preferential tax treatment for severance payments where the individuals concerned promptly take up new employment or other gainful work. The tax benefit is intended to increase the faster the individual is reintegrated into the labor market. Specific legislative details are not yet available. However, the proposal is clearly aimed at facilitating job transitions and reducing the costs of unemployment benefits.
4. Telephone Sick Notes Set to Be Abolished; Certificate of Incapacity for Work Required from Day One
The coalition intends to abolish sick notes issued by telephone. In addition, employees are to be required to provide a certificate of incapacity for work from the first day of illness. The stated objective is to reduce absenteeism, although it remains open to question whether, in the case of very short illnesses, employees will be certified as unfit for work for several days rather than just one.
The added value for employers is not apparent, as employers have already been able to require a medical certificate from the first day of illness. In any event, employment contracts and internal processes will need to be reviewed and adjusted. It remains unclear whether it will still be possible in the future to agree that a certificate need only be submitted from the third day. In any case, it is doubtful whether the new rule will be adopted in view of the criticism likely to come from an already overburdened medical profession.
5. No Changes to Working Time
By contrast, no consensus was reached on changes to the existing working-time rules. The only agreement reached was to extend Sunday opening hours for bakeries, confectioneries, and libraries.
A possible new Working Time Act will, however, be "discussed later this summer," according to German Chancellor Merz.
Employees are also expected to take home more net pay from tax-privileged bonuses for work on Sundays and public holidays: the thresholds under Section 3b of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) are to be increased as of January 1, 2027, up to an hourly wage of EUR 75; at the same time, the tax-exempt bonus within the scope of a collective bargaining agreement will be made fully exempt from social security contributions.
6. Further Employment-Law-Relevant Initiatives
In addition to the reforms already widely discussed, the package of measures contains further changes with an employment-law nexus:
* The flat-rate tax for mini-jobs is to be increased from two to five percent.
* Employee participation at board level in an SE (Societas Europaea or European Company) is to be strengthened by abolishing the current possibility of using a "shelf SE" with no employees.
* Potential opening clauses in favor of the collective bargaining parties are to be discussed, particularly in the areas of employment law and occupational health and safety.
* An amendment to the German Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) is also to be discussed, with the aim of facilitating and accelerating the introduction of AI systems and technical equipment. The social partners are to develop proposals.
For the time being, these remain political resolutions only. The specific legislative implementation remains to be seen. In particular, the planned changes to fixed-term employment law and the obligation to submit certificates of incapacity for work are likely to give rise to intensive political debate.
Littler will closely monitor the legislative process and report on significant developments.
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Authors
Ulrike Schulke
Counsel
Frankfurt am Main
uschulke@littler.com
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/german-employment-law-transition-coalition-committee-agrees-noteworthy-reforms
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips: Media Outlets Cover Arrival of Stewart Law Group
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 25 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Media Outlets Cover Arrival of Stewart Law Group
The Texas Lawbook, Texas Lawyer, Law360, and International Employment Lawyer covered the arrival of the Stewart Law group as part of the firm's strategic growth in Texas.
The firm, led by Amy M. Stewart, joined forces with Fisher Phillips to increase the breadth and depth of what the growing Texas-based team can do for clients across the nation.
The 4 attorneys that have joined Fisher Phillips include founder and partner Amy M. Stewart, partner Andrea
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 25 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Media Outlets Cover Arrival of Stewart Law Group
The Texas Lawbook, Texas Lawyer, Law360, and International Employment Lawyer covered the arrival of the Stewart Law group as part of the firm's strategic growth in Texas.
The firm, led by Amy M. Stewart, joined forces with Fisher Phillips to increase the breadth and depth of what the growing Texas-based team can do for clients across the nation.
The 4 attorneys that have joined Fisher Phillips include founder and partner Amy M. Stewart, partner AndreaCook, and attorneys Conrad W. John and Blaine E. Adams.
Amy described the fit to The Texas Lawbook by explaining that she and Fisher Phillips' Regional Managing Partner in Dallas, Adam Sloustcher, share a vision for teamwork, work ethic, and communication: "We get each other. The cultures are the same. The level of client service is the same."
To read the articles visit The Texas Lawbook, Texas Lawyer, Law360, and International Employment Lawyer (subscriptions required).
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Related People
Adam F. Sloustcher
Regional Managing Partner, Co-Chair of Sports Industry Team
214.220.8304
asloustcher@fisherphillips.com
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Amy M. Stewart
Partner, and Vice Chair, Sports Industry Team
469.607.2311
astewart@fisherphillips.com
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Blaine Adams
Of Counsel
469.607.2308
badams@fisherphillips.com
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Andrea Cook
Partner
469.638.9224
acook@fisherphillips.com
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Conrad W. John
Of Counsel
469.503.4284
cjohn@fisherphillips.com
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Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/news/media-outlets-cover-arrival-of-stewart-law-group
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Dentons Advises Sticks'n'Sushi on Landmark Czech Republic Market Entry Through Strategic Joint Venture
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Dentons, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Dentons advises Sticks'n'Sushi on landmark Czech Republic market entry through strategic joint venture
A cross-border Dentons team has advised Sticks'n'Sushi, the Denmark-founded Japanese restaurant group backed by McWin Capital Partners, on its strategic entry into the Czech Republic through a cross-border joint venture, marking an important milestone in Sticks'n'Sushi's European growth strategy and the brand's debut in the Czech market.
The transaction establishes Sticks'n'Sushi's first-ever joint venture, partnering
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Dentons, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Dentons advises Sticks'n'Sushi on landmark Czech Republic market entry through strategic joint venture
A cross-border Dentons team has advised Sticks'n'Sushi, the Denmark-founded Japanese restaurant group backed by McWin Capital Partners, on its strategic entry into the Czech Republic through a cross-border joint venture, marking an important milestone in Sticks'n'Sushi's European growth strategy and the brand's debut in the Czech market.
The transaction establishes Sticks'n'Sushi's first-ever joint venture, partneringwith Czech company Sushi Group s.r.o. to develop and operate Sticks'n'Sushi restaurants in the Czech Republic, with the first location at Jungmannovo Square in Prague expected to open in autumn 2026. The joint venture creates the platform for the brand's long-term expansion in the Czech market and represents a significant strategic step for both partners.
The transaction reflects Sticks'n'Sushi's continued growth across Central and Northern Europe, alongside its established presence in Berlin and upcoming opening at Copenhagen Airport.
Andreas Karlsson, CEO of Sticks'n'Sushi, commented: "Entering the Czech Republic is an important step in our continued growth across Central and Northern Europe. Prague is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a strong dining culture, and we are excited to bring our concept to a new audience through this partnership. We look forward to building on the momentum we've established in Copenhagen, London and Berlin, and to becoming part of the Prague's culinary scene."
The Dentons team was led by Partner Karolina Cotronei, who advised Sticks'n'Sushi throughout the transaction with support from Chris Watkinson on the structuring of the joint venture arrangements and Jana Malkova Zelechovska on Czech law aspects. Dentons advised on all legal aspects of the transaction, including the structuring and negotiation of Sticks'n'Sushi's first franchise framework, the joint venture arrangements, the commercial agreements governing the operation of the business, and the coordination of Czech and English law advice through signing and completion.
Karolina Cotronei said: "We are delighted to have advised Sticks'n'Sushi on this significant stage in its international expansion and on the establishment of its first joint venture. The transaction reflects the increasingly sophisticated legal and commercial structures being used by international hospitality brands as they enter new markets while partnering with experienced local operators. It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Sticks'n'Sushi team and Sushi Group on this milestone transaction. We wish both partners every success as they grow the business together and establish the brand's presence in the Czech market."
Dentons continues to support leading international hospitality and consumer brands on cross-border expansion, including market entry strategies, franchising, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and corporate expansion across Europe and internationally.
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About Dentons
Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com
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URL: Sticks'n'Sushi
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Original text here: https://www.dentons.com/en/about-dentons/news-events-and-awards/news/2026/july/dentons-advises-sticksnsushi-on-landmark-czech-republic-market-entry-through-strategic-joint-venture
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Deal Ranks Pillsbury's Insolvency & Restructuring Practice Among the World's Best
NEW YORK, July 25 -- Pillsbury, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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The Deal Ranks Pillsbury's Insolvency & Restructuring Practice Among the World's Best
Pillsbury's Insolvency & Restructuring team was again recognized as among the world's top bankruptcy and insolvency practices according to league tables compiled by The Deal.
For the second quarter of 2026, the firm ranked 30thamong the Top 100 Bankruptcy Law Firms worldwide.
The firm was also named to The Deal's list for out-of-court restructuring transactions, ranking as the 12th top counsel to distressed companies in the
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 25 -- Pillsbury, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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The Deal Ranks Pillsbury's Insolvency & Restructuring Practice Among the World's Best
Pillsbury's Insolvency & Restructuring team was again recognized as among the world's top bankruptcy and insolvency practices according to league tables compiled by The Deal.
For the second quarter of 2026, the firm ranked 30thamong the Top 100 Bankruptcy Law Firms worldwide.
The firm was also named to The Deal's list for out-of-court restructuring transactions, ranking as the 12th top counsel to distressed companies in thesecond quarter and the 14th top counsel to creditors. For the latter, Pillsbury moved up two spots from the first quarter of 2026.
The Deal bases its Bankruptcy rankings on advisory assignments involving business bankruptcy petitions filed in U.S. courts with liabilities of at least $25 million in the last 12-months. Likewise, its global Restructuring league tables are based on advisers to distressed companies experiencing financial out-of-court restructuring in the previous year.
Pillsbury's Insolvency & Restructuring practice is recognized for innovative representation of financially distressed entities, creditors' rights work for financial institutions and strategic advice to stakeholders dealing with troubled projects. The team devises cutting-edge solutions for banks and other financial institutions, secured and unsecured creditors, debtors and borrowers, indenture trustees, distressed investors and other interested parties. The practice also has extensive experience in handling chapter 11 cases, pre-arranged and pre-packaged bankruptcies, out-of-court restructurings, distressed M&As, capital raising and refinancings, recapitalizations and asset sales.
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Original text here: https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/news-and-insights/insolvency-and-restructuring-practice-among-the-worlds-best.html
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Adam Weaver Appointed to the Alumni Board of the University of Houston Law Center
NEW YORK, July 25 -- Pillsbury, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Adam Weaver Appointed to the Alumni Board of the University of Houston Law Center
Adam Weaver, the leader of Pillsbury's Texas real estate practice and a co-leader of its Data Centers & Digital Infrastructure team, has been appointed to the board of directors of the University of Houston Law Center Alumni Association. He will serve a two-year term on the 20-member board.
The alumni board is charged with leading alumni engagement including fundraising for scholarships, continuing legal education programing,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 25 -- Pillsbury, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Adam Weaver Appointed to the Alumni Board of the University of Houston Law Center
Adam Weaver, the leader of Pillsbury's Texas real estate practice and a co-leader of its Data Centers & Digital Infrastructure team, has been appointed to the board of directors of the University of Houston Law Center Alumni Association. He will serve a two-year term on the 20-member board.
The alumni board is charged with leading alumni engagement including fundraising for scholarships, continuing legal education programing,creating job opportunities for recent alumni and many other initiatives.
Weaver, who earned his law degree at the University of Houston Law Center in 2014, focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate and real estate finance, including complex renewable energy projects and the energy transition.
He has experience drafting purchase and sale agreements, real estate joint ventures and related documents for office, retail, multifamily, industrial and mixed-use developments, as well as renewable energy projects.
His diverse client base and experience representing both purchasers and sellers, as well as borrowers and lenders, enables him to provide a balanced understanding that is key to successful negotiations.
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Original text here: https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/news-and-insights/adam-weaver-appointed-to-UHLaw-alumni-board.html
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
