Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
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Littler Issues Commentary: New Jersey Dramatically Expands Job-Protected Family Leave and Benefits
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 30 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 29, 2026:
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New Jersey Dramatically Expands Job-Protected Family Leave and Benefits
By Lauren Marcus, Amber Spataro, and Francis Kenny
On July 17, 2026, amendments to the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the laws administering New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) benefits will take effect, expanding employer and employee coverage under the NJFLA and potentially increasing protections related to paid benefits from the state. On his way out
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 30 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 29, 2026:
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New Jersey Dramatically Expands Job-Protected Family Leave and Benefits
By Lauren Marcus, Amber Spataro, and Francis Kenny
On July 17, 2026, amendments to the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the laws administering New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) benefits will take effect, expanding employer and employee coverage under the NJFLA and potentially increasing protections related to paid benefits from the state. On his way outof office, Governor Murphy executed numerous pieces of legislation, including A3451 (the "Act"), which increases the NJFLA's reach to businesses with fewer employees and decreases the eligibility requirements for individual employees seeking FLI benefits.
Employer Coverage Under NJFLA Threshold Drops from 30 Employees to 15
In recent years, there have been many amendments to the NJFLA, increasing reasons for use and the right to take intermittent leave, but until now, the general employer coverage thresholds and individual eligibility requirements remained unchanged. Currently, the NJFLA covers employers with 30 or more employees, and provides protected time off to employees who have been employed for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,000 hours in the 12 months preceding leave.
Under the Act, the NJFLA's employer coverage threshold will decrease from 30 employees to 15 employees anywhere, reflecting a substantial change for small employers, which were previously outside the law's reach. Such employers will now have to comply with NJFLA, which requires up to 12 weeks of unpaid job protected family leave in a 24 month period for eligible employees. Employers newly covered by the statute must implement comprehensive NJFLA processes for the first time, including notice requirements, documentation protocols, anti retaliation protections, and reinstatement obligations before July 17, 2026.
Employee NJFLA Eligibility Threshold Reduced to Three Months and 250 Hours
The amendments also significantly reduce the requisite length of employment and number of hours worked by an employee to become eligible for NJFLA leave. Instead of the previous 12 month and 1,000 hours worked thresholds, employees will be eligible for NJFLA leave upon completing only three months of employment and 250 hours worked for the employer in the preceding 12 month period. This major shift is expected to increase the number of employees who qualify for protected leave, particularly in industries with part time workforces or higher turnover. Employers should anticipate greater utilization of NJFLA leave and must ensure that internal systems reflect these revised eligibility standards.
Amendments Regarding TDI and FLI Benefits
The Act also amends the TDI and FLI laws, which provide partial wage replacement benefits to eligible employees otherwise on leave for qualifying reasons. As clearly stated on the state's website, eligibility for TDI or FLI benefits is currently completely separate from an employee's right to protected time off, and receipt of benefits does not guarantee job protection. This comes into play when an employee is eligible for FLI benefits but not NJFLA, due to the lower eligibility requirements for FLI. The Act adds language that covered individuals who receive TDI or FLI benefits "shall" be restored to the same or equivalent position following their leave, but also says: "nothing [herein] shall be construed as increasing, reducing or otherwise modifying any entitlement provided to a worker by the provisions of the 'Family Leave Act' [ ] to be restored to employment by the employer after a period of family disability leave," making it unclear as to whether these amendments do, in fact, actually change anything. These amendments are in the statute governing benefits, and not the NJFLA, so it is unclear to what "leave" it refers.
The TDI and FLI laws were also amended to provide that eligible employees who have available earned sick leave under New Jersey's Earned Sick and Safe Leave Law have the option of, but are not required to, use earned sick leave and may select the order in which they use earned sick leave and/or TDI or FLI benefits. Employees are not eligible to receive earned sick leave and/or TDI or FLI benefits at the same time, so earned sick leave may not be used to "top off" benefits received from the state.
Implementation Timeline and Looking Ahead
Because the amendments take effect on July 17, 2026, employers should use the coming months to confirm coverage under the reduced 15 employee threshold, update handbooks and internal policies, revise HRIS and payroll systems to capture the new eligibility rules and train supervisors and HR personnel on expanded protections. Employers newly covered by the NJFLA will need to build full leave administration processes, while those already covered should incorporate the revised eligibility and into existing systems. Once in effect, the Act is expected to increase leave utilization and accelerate the pace at which employees qualify for job protected leave, underscoring the importance of preparing now.
Bottom line: with sweeping changes ahead and a July 17 deadline, employers that plan early will be best positioned to manage compliance smoothly and minimize risk.
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Authors
Lauren J. Marcus
Shareholder
Newark
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Amber M. Spataro
Shareholder
Newark
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Francis A. Kenny
Of Counsel
Newark
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/new-jersey-dramatically-expands-job-protected-family-leave-and-benefits
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Four Husch Blackwell Attorneys Nominated for 2026 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Programs
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 30 -- Husch Blackwell, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Four Husch Blackwell Attorneys Nominated for 2026 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Programs
National law firm Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that four of its attorneys have been selected to participate in two Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) programs for 2026.
Chicago Office Managing Partner Nida Ghaffar and Kansas City-based partner Christina Engle have been selected as Husch Blackwell's 2026 LCLD Fellows nominees. Ghaffar is a transactional real estate attorney,
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Jan. 30 -- Husch Blackwell, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Four Husch Blackwell Attorneys Nominated for 2026 Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Programs
National law firm Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that four of its attorneys have been selected to participate in two Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) programs for 2026.
Chicago Office Managing Partner Nida Ghaffar and Kansas City-based partner Christina Engle have been selected as Husch Blackwell's 2026 LCLD Fellows nominees. Ghaffar is a transactional real estate attorney,who focuses her practice on real estate acquisitions and dispositions, retail, industrial, and office leasing agreements, condominium developments, and real estate financing. Engle is a commercial litigator, who represents clients in a broad range of cases, including workplace injuries, employment issues, premises liability, insurance and indemnity obligations, non-compete enforcement, and intellectual property rights.
Chengzhuo He, an associate in Kansas City, and Mason Quinones, an associate in Denver, have been named 2026 LCLD Pathfinders. Chengzhuo He is a labor and employment attorney, who represents multistate employers in a wide range of labor and employment law matters as well as regularly advises employers on labor and employment issues in M&A transactions. Quinones assists clients with real estate transactions and renewable energy deals.
Recognized as LCLD's flagship program, the Fellows Program provides mid-career, high-potential attorneys with leadership training, professional and personal development opportunities, and other career building offerings.
The Pathfinder Program, designed for early-career attorneys recognized as emerging leaders, offers participants essential tools to leverage professional networks, build leadership skills, and otherwise bolster their legal careers.
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Original text here: https://www.huschblackwell.com/inthenews/four-husch-blackwell-attorneys-nominated-for-2026-leadership-council-on-legal-diversity-programs
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Dentons Canada Welcomes 10 Lawyers to the Partnership in 2026
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- Dentons, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Dentons Canada welcomes 10 lawyers to the partnership in 2026
Dentons, Canada's Global Law Firm, is pleased to announce the admission of 10 exceptional lawyers to the partnership, effective February 1, 2026.
"Our new partners exemplify the values that define our Firm: legal and business acumen, integrity, collaboration and an unwavering focus on client service excellence," said Tim Haney, CEO of Dentons Canada. "Their partnership admissions reflect more than individual achievement--they represent our ongoing investment
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 -- Dentons, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Dentons Canada welcomes 10 lawyers to the partnership in 2026
Dentons, Canada's Global Law Firm, is pleased to announce the admission of 10 exceptional lawyers to the partnership, effective February 1, 2026.
"Our new partners exemplify the values that define our Firm: legal and business acumen, integrity, collaboration and an unwavering focus on client service excellence," said Tim Haney, CEO of Dentons Canada. "Their partnership admissions reflect more than individual achievement--they represent our ongoing investmentin leadership, innovation and delivering outstanding value to our clients across Canada and around the world. I look forward to the continued impact they'll have at Dentons and in the communities we serve."
The newly admitted partners for 2026 are:
Corporate
* Matthew Bennett, Calgary
* Dan Cerchia, Calgary
* Sabrina Mach, Montreal
Employment and Labour
* Simmy Sahdra, Toronto
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
* Mark A. Glynn, Toronto
* Steven Latos, Calgary
* Jaclyn Vanstone, Vancouver
Real Estate
* Jenna Weinkauf, Edmonton
* Jeff Wong, Vancouver
Regulatory
* Sean Stephenson, Toronto
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About Dentons
Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com
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Original text here: https://www.dentons.com/en/about-dentons/news-events-and-awards/news/2026/january/dentons-canada-welcomes-10-lawyers-to-the-partnership-in-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Pete Usher Secures Two-Year Secondment to The Takeover Panel
LOS ANGELES, California, Jan. 29 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Pete Usher Secures Two-Year Secondment to The Takeover Panel
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Pete Usher has become the third member of Gibson Dunn's London team to secure a secondment to The Takeover Panel, following in the footsteps of partners Will McDonald and Jonathan Griffin. This latest move further strengthens Gibson Dunn's depth of experience in U.K. public M&A and P2Ps and enhances the practical expertise which it can offer clients on these complex transactions.
The Panel on Takeovers
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LOS ANGELES, California, Jan. 29 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Pete Usher Secures Two-Year Secondment to The Takeover Panel
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Pete Usher has become the third member of Gibson Dunn's London team to secure a secondment to The Takeover Panel, following in the footsteps of partners Will McDonald and Jonathan Griffin. This latest move further strengthens Gibson Dunn's depth of experience in U.K. public M&A and P2Ps and enhances the practical expertise which it can offer clients on these complex transactions.
The Panel on Takeoversand Mergers, commonly referred to as The Takeover Panel, is the U.K. regulatory body charged with administering The Takeover Code and U.K. takeovers. Established in 1968 and located in London, the Panel ensures that all shareholders are treated equally during takeover bids.
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Original text here: https://www.gibsondunn.com/pete-usher-secures-two-year-secondment-to-the-takeover-panel/
Littler Issues Commentary: Puerto Rico Governor Declares a State of Emergency Due to Influenza Epidemic, Activating Five-Day Paid Leave
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 29 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 28, 2026:
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Puerto Rico Governor Declares a State of Emergency Due to Influenza Epidemic, Activating Five-Day Paid Leave
By Erika Berrios-Berrios
Following the declaration of an influenza virus epidemic by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez issued Executive Order 2026-005, declaring a State of Emergency to activate extraordinary measures for the protection of the public health.
Such declaration of emergency, made on January 27, 2026, activates the requirements
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 29 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 28, 2026:
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Puerto Rico Governor Declares a State of Emergency Due to Influenza Epidemic, Activating Five-Day Paid Leave
By Erika Berrios-Berrios
Following the declaration of an influenza virus epidemic by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez issued Executive Order 2026-005, declaring a State of Emergency to activate extraordinary measures for the protection of the public health.
Such declaration of emergency, made on January 27, 2026, activates the requirementsof Act No. 37 of April 2020, which amended the provisions of Puerto Rico's Vacation and Sick Leave Act for non-exempt employees (or employees covered by the aforementioned Act), Act No. 180 of July 27, 1998, to recognize the special five-day paid leave entitlement.
This leave provides up to five paid working days for employees who suffer from, or are suspected of suffering from, the illness or epidemic that gives rise to the state of emergency, in this case, the influenza virus, and must have exhausted all leave to which they were entitled. That is, the employee must have exhausted both vacation leave and regular sick leave before being eligible to use this special leave.
Employers must ensure that this new paid leave is recognized in applicable cases.
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Authors
Erika Berrios - Berrios
Managing Capital Member
San Juan
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/puerto-rico-governor-declares-state-emergency-due-influenza-epidemic-activating
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Kirkland Ranked #1 in Debtwire's Restructuring League Tables
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 29 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Kirkland and Ellis, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Kirkland Ranked #1 in Debtwire's Restructuring League Tables
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In its Full Year 2025 Restructuring League Tables, Debtwire ranked Kirkland #1 as lead counsel to debtors in Chapter 11.
Kirkland lawyers have widespread experience in all forms of complex financial and operational restructurings and insolvency proceedings, including representing debtors, distressed investors, and creditors in all restructuring efforts both in and out of Chapter 11. Kirkland advises domestic
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 29 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Kirkland and Ellis, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Kirkland Ranked #1 in Debtwire's Restructuring League Tables
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In its Full Year 2025 Restructuring League Tables, Debtwire ranked Kirkland #1 as lead counsel to debtors in Chapter 11.
Kirkland lawyers have widespread experience in all forms of complex financial and operational restructurings and insolvency proceedings, including representing debtors, distressed investors, and creditors in all restructuring efforts both in and out of Chapter 11. Kirkland advises domesticand multinational corporations experiencing financial difficulties, lenders or creditors in contentious restructurings, and private equity or hedge funds looking to take a stake in a stressed or distressed company.
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Original text here: https://www.kirkland.com/news/award/2026/01/debtwire
Gibson Dunn Expands London Presence with Move to One Exchange Square
LOS ANGELES, California, Jan. 29 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Gibson Dunn Expands London Presence with Move to One Exchange Square
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Gibson Dunn will relocate its London office to One Exchange Square in the heart of the City, underscoring the firm's long-term commitment to the London market and strengthening its ability to serve clients at the center of the U.K. and European financial and business communities.
"London remains a critical market for Gibson Dunn," said Barbara Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of Gibson
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Jan. 29 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Gibson Dunn Expands London Presence with Move to One Exchange Square
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Gibson Dunn will relocate its London office to One Exchange Square in the heart of the City, underscoring the firm's long-term commitment to the London market and strengthening its ability to serve clients at the center of the U.K. and European financial and business communities.
"London remains a critical market for Gibson Dunn," said Barbara Becker, Chair and Managing Partner of GibsonDunn. "We have grown our presence here tremendously in recent years, and this new space will allow us to continue to do so for years to come."
The firm has experienced substantial growth over the past five years, more than doubling its London lawyer headcount from 84 in 2020 to 218 in 2025, with its partnership increasing from 31 to 49. In 2025 alone, the London office welcomed eight partners across its Business Restructuring and Reorganization, Energy and Infrastructure, Finance, Investment Funds, Labor and Employment, Real Estate, and Transportation and Space practices.
Gibson Dunn has also seen expansion from its home-grown talent in London. At the start of the year, 11 lawyers in the city were promoted to partner, the highest ever number of promotions in London for the firm.
To support this growth, the firm's new 155,000-square-foot office is more than double the size of the firm's current 75,000-square-foot premises at Telephone House.
Rob Carr and Osma Hudda, Co-Partners in Charge of Gibson Dunn's London office are thrilled about the move. "It's fitting that One Exchange Square is a redesigned space rather than an entirely new structure-it mirrors our nearly 50-year presence in London," noted Hudda. "We've modernized, adapted, and grown while maintaining our identity and culture. Moving to One Exchange Square is the next chapter in our story in the city."
Carr added: "Our new office in the City will enhance client access, strengthen collaboration, and position us at the heart of the industries we advise." One Exchange Square, though newly designed, retains much of the previous building's structure, thereby considerably reducing its carbon impact. The reimagined building exceeds the Greater London Authority's carbon targets and will be 100% electric and net-zero-carbon in operation.
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Original text here: https://www.gibsondunn.com/gibson-dunn-expands-london-presence-with-move-to-one-exchange-square/
