Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
Featured Stories
In IP Litigator, David McIntosh and Sam Ross Examine a Potential Cautionary Tale in Patent Assignments
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 4 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
In IP Litigator, David McIntosh and Sam Ross Examine a Potential Cautionary Tale in Patent Assignments
In an IP Litigator article, IP transactions partner David McIntosh and IP transactions associate Sam Ross examined a potential cautionary tale in patent assignments.
In the case Causam Enterprises, Inc. v. International Trade Commission, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) found that an invention assignment agreement that broadly assigned the
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 4 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
In IP Litigator, David McIntosh and Sam Ross Examine a Potential Cautionary Tale in Patent Assignments
In an IP Litigator article, IP transactions partner David McIntosh and IP transactions associate Sam Ross examined a potential cautionary tale in patent assignments.
In the case Causam Enterprises, Inc. v. International Trade Commission, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) found that an invention assignment agreement that broadly assigned the"invention" of a patent application nonetheless did not transfer rights in a "continuation-in-part" of that patent application. This decision counsels companies active in the patent space to review their form employment or invention assignment agreements to ensure that they include a specific assignment of "continuations-in-part," and to review existing patent assignment agreements to ensure appropriate language has been included.
The authors note the CAFC's holding in this case has implications for both existing and future patent assignments and provide considerations for companies and individuals.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2026/03/in-ip-litigator-david-mcintosh-sam-ross-examine-potential-cautionary-tale-patent-assignments
Reed Smith partners Jennifer DePriest and Monique Bhargava named as Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, March 3 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Reed Smith, a law firm, posted the following news release:
* * *
Reed Smith partners Jennifer DePriest and Monique Bhargava named as Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law
*
CHICAGO -Global law firm Reed Smith announced today that Jennifer DePriest and Monique "Nikki" Bhargava have been named as Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law 2026, honoring their exemplary leadership, professional success, community and pro bono involvement, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
As managing
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, March 3 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Reed Smith, a law firm, posted the following news release:
* * *
Reed Smith partners Jennifer DePriest and Monique Bhargava named as Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law
*
CHICAGO -Global law firm Reed Smith announced today that Jennifer DePriest and Monique "Nikki" Bhargava have been named as Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Law 2026, honoring their exemplary leadership, professional success, community and pro bono involvement, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
As managingpartner of the Chicago office, DePriest manages the strategic operations of the firm's third-largest office. A skilled litigator and trial lawyer, she has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict and represents clients in high-stakes intellectual property disputes, including trade secret misappropriation claims; patent, trademark, and copyright infringement matters; and unfair competition cases. DePriest also co-leads the firm's trial training program. A staunch advocate of pro bono service, she has obtained asylum or other legal status for refugees escaping persecution in conjunction with the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center. DePriest also serves on the board of the Chicago Bar Foundation, which promotes access to justice for Chicago area residents in need.
Bhargava co-leads the Artificial Intelligence team of the firm's Emerging Technologies practice, focusing on the convergence of advertising and the use of AI technologies for consumers, brands, advertising agencies, publishers, media, and technology companies navigating compliance and legal risks. Bhargava advises on advertising and privacy issues and handling enterprise-wide privacy compliance programs with global privacy laws and regulations; she assists with advertising compliance, implementation of new marketing technologies, interactive and digital media, and data management and monetization strategies.
Reed Smith's Chicago office is the firm's third largest and offers a comprehensive range of legal services, with a strong focus on private equity, corporate/M&A, complex business litigation, insurance recovery, intellectual property, AI and emerging technologies and transactions, data privacy, energy and natural resources, labor and employment, entertainment and media, real estate, and state tax. The 100+ attorney-strong Chicago office, featuring numerous Chambers-ranked lawyers and practices, delivers strategic counsel to clients in the city, across the country, and around the globe.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
***
Original text here: https://www.reedsmith.com/news/reed-smith-partners-jennifer-depriest-and-monique-bhargava-named-as-crain-s-chicago-business-notable-women-in-law/
Meister to Speak at the National College of Probate Judges 2026 Spring Conference
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 3 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Meister to Speak at the National College of Probate Judges 2026 Spring Conference
*
Julia B. Meister, head of Taft's Wealth Transfer Litigation practice, is a featured presenter at the upcoming National College of Probate Judges 2026 Spring Conference. Meister will present "Mediation from the Standpoint of a Probate Practitioner" on May 7. The National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ) was organized in 1968 to improve the administration of justice in courts with probate jurisdiction.
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 3 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Meister to Speak at the National College of Probate Judges 2026 Spring Conference
*
Julia B. Meister, head of Taft's Wealth Transfer Litigation practice, is a featured presenter at the upcoming National College of Probate Judges 2026 Spring Conference. Meister will present "Mediation from the Standpoint of a Probate Practitioner" on May 7. The National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ) was organized in 1968 to improve the administration of justice in courts with probate jurisdiction.NCPJ provides its members with semi-annual educational conferences, web-based and printed resources, legal updates, court standards, and other tools to support judges in their probate responsibilities.
Meister is a partner in Taft's Litigation, Health & Life Sciences, and Private Client groups, where she leads the firm's Wealth Transfer Litigation practice. She is certified as a mediator by the Ohio Supreme Court and has completed advanced mediation training through the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. She is a long-serving member of the OSBA's Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law Section Council, where she has worked on numerous legislative initiatives in Ohio in this subject area. She is an elected fellow in the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel and is recognized in Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers in America, Ohio Super Lawyers, and Cincinnati Leading Lawyers.
***
Original text here: https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/meister-to-speak-at-the-national-college-of-probate-judges-2026-spring-conference/
McDonald Hopkins Issues Commentary: Illinois Proposes Expanded Healthcare Transaction Reporting - Implications for Corporate Practice of Medicine and Private Equity Structures
CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 3 -- McDonald Hopkins, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 2, 2026, by associate Taylor Semakula, counsel Rick Hindmand and members Emily Johnson and Elizabeth Sullivan:
* * *
Illinois proposes expanded healthcare transaction reporting: Implications for corporate practice of medicine and private equity structures
The Illinois General Assembly is considering legislation that would significantly expand the state's healthcare transaction reporting requirements. While the proposed bills do not directly amend Illinois' Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM)
... Show Full Article
CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 3 -- McDonald Hopkins, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 2, 2026, by associate Taylor Semakula, counsel Rick Hindmand and members Emily Johnson and Elizabeth Sullivan:
* * *
Illinois proposes expanded healthcare transaction reporting: Implications for corporate practice of medicine and private equity structures
The Illinois General Assembly is considering legislation that would significantly expand the state's healthcare transaction reporting requirements. While the proposed bills do not directly amend Illinois' Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM)doctrine, they signal increased state scrutiny of healthcare ownership, private equity involvement, and control structures-areas closely intertwined with CPOM compliance.
If enacted, the legislation could meaningfully impact physician groups, management services organizations (MSOs), hospitals, private equity sponsors, and other healthcare investors operating in Illinois.
Current Illinois healthcare transaction reporting requirements
Under Illinois' existing health care transaction reporting framework, codified in Section 7.2a of the Illinois Antitrust Act (740 ILCS 10/7.2a), certain healthcare facility and provider organization transactions must be reported to the Illinois Attorney General. The current law, which took effect on January 1, 2024, applies to mergers, acquisitions, and contracting affiliations between two or more healthcare facilities or provider organizations not previously under common ownership.
Section 7.2a defines "provider organization" as an entity or organized group of persons representing 20 or more healthcare providers in contracting with health carriers or third-party administrators for the payment of healthcare services. This definition includes various physician practices, physician-hospital organizations, independent practice associations, provider networks and accountable care organizations, keeping in mind the 20-provider threshold, which in some circumstances can be challenging to apply.
Parties to a covered transaction must provide written notice to the Attorney General at least 30 days prior to closing. The existing framework focuses on transactions directly between healthcare facilities or provider organizations rather than upstream ownership changes or transactions merely involving such entities. Importantly, the current reporting requirements are scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2027, unless extended by the legislature.
Overview of the proposed legislation
HB 5000/SB 3463
Introduced on February 4 and 5, 2026, respectively, these companion bills would amend Illinois' healthcare transaction reporting law by broadening the scope of transactions subject to notice and review by the Illinois Attorney General.
Key proposed changes include:
* Expanding covered transactions from those occurring "between" healthcare facilities or provider organizations to those "involving" them
* Capturing transactions involving entities that own or control healthcare facilities or provider organizations
* Potentially bringing private equity sponsors and parent entities within the reporting framework
* Defining healthcare provider and healthcare services
The broadened "involving" language is particularly significant. It suggests the Attorney General could assert jurisdiction over upstream ownership transactions and restructuring activities that currently may not trigger reporting requirements.
Why this matters for CPOM compliance
The Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine is a legal principle that prohibits corporations and other business entities from practicing medicine or employing physicians to provide medical services. The underlying policy rationale is to ensure that medical decisions are made by licensed physicians exercising independent professional judgment, free from commercial pressures or lay interference.
Illinois maintains a longstanding CPOM doctrine, under which non-physicians generally may not practice medicine or exercise control over physicians' clinical judgment. Importantly, it limits who may own a physician practice or other regulated healthcare entity to licensed personnel, thereby prohibiting non-licensed individuals from participating in ownership. While CPOM in Illinois is grounded in case law and professional licensing statutes rather than a single comprehensive statute, it shapes how healthcare entities must structure:
* Physician ownership arrangements
* MSO management agreements
* Fee structures
* Governance rights
* Control provisions
Although HB 5000 and SB 3463 do not amend CPOM directly, they reflect a broader policy focus on:
* Private equity influence in healthcare
* Ownership transparency
* Consolidation and affiliation activity
* The allocation of control over healthcare entities
Expanded reporting authority could give the Attorney General greater visibility into MSO-physician structures and other arrangements frequently used to comply with CPOM while allowing outside investment.
Healthcare stakeholders should note that increased transparency often precedes increased regulatory scrutiny.
Potential impact on key stakeholders
Physician groups
Independent physician practices considering affiliation, recapitalization, or MSO arrangements may face additional reporting obligations, even if the transaction does not involve a traditional facility merger.
Private equity sponsors
Private equity sponsors acquiring upstream interests in holding companies that control physician entities may fall within the expanded definition of "covered transactions." The proposed legislation explicitly defines a "private equity company" as an entity that pools capital and acquires ownership interests, directly or indirectly, in Illinois healthcare entities, as well as out-of-state healthcare entities that generate $10 million or more in annual revenue from patients residing in Illinois.
This could affect:
* Platform roll-ups
* Add-on acquisitions
* Internal restructurings
* Minority recapitalizations
MSOs and management companies
MSO arrangements, particularly those involving long-term management agreements and financial control provisions, may receive closer regulatory attention if ownership changes trigger reporting requirements.
Hospitals and health systems
Affiliation agreements and joint ventures that previously fell outside the reporting framework may now require pre-transaction notice.
Broader national context
Illinois' proposal aligns with a broader national trend of states increasing oversight of healthcare consolidation and private equity involvement in healthcare. Across multiple jurisdictions, legislatures and attorneys general have:
* Expanded transaction review statutes
* Lowered reporting thresholds
* Enhanced enforcement authority
* Examined MSO and physician control structures
Even where CPOM doctrine remains unchanged, states are leveraging transaction reporting laws as a regulatory entry point into ownership and control arrangements.
Practical considerations
Healthcare organizations and investors should begin evaluating:
1. Whether pending or planned 2026 transactions could trigger expanded reporting
2. How ownership and control structures are documented
3. Governance provisions that may attract regulatory scrutiny
4. MSO agreements and management fee arrangements
5. Transaction timelines in light of potential 30-day pre-closing notice requirements
Because the bills remain pending and it is early in the legislative session, prospects for passage remain uncertain. Stakeholders should monitor legislative developments closely. Notably, if either bill is enacted, the January 1, 2027, sunset date that currently applies to the reporting framework would be removed, extending the requirements, perhaps indefinitely. Implementing regulations or guidance from the Illinois Attorney General's Office may also follow.
What to watch next
* Committee movement and amendments in the Illinois General Assembly
* Clarification of how "involving" will be interpreted
* Whether additional CPOM-related reforms are introduced
* Enforcement posture statements from the Illinois Attorney General's Office
Expanded transaction review authority, even absent direct CPOM reform, may meaningfully shift the regulatory landscape for physician ownership and healthcare investment structures in Illinois.
The bottom line
HB 5000 and SB 3463 signal heightened scrutiny of healthcare ownership and control structures in Illinois. While the state's CPOM doctrine remains intact, the proposed expansion of healthcare transaction reporting could increase oversight of MSO arrangements, private equity investments, and physician group affiliations. Given the early stage of the legislative session, prospects for passage remain uncertain, and the bills may be subject to significant amendment.
Healthcare providers, investors, and management entities should evaluate their transaction pipelines and governance structures in anticipation of potential regulatory changes.
For questions regarding Illinois CPOM compliance, transaction structuring, MSO arrangements, or the proposed legislation, please contact attorneys Taylor Semakula, Rick Hindmand, Emily Johnson or Elizabeth Sullivan.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com/insights/news/illinois-proposes-expanded-healthcare-transaction-reporting
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
McDonald Hopkins Issues Commentary: IRS Provides Updated Safe Harbor 402 Notices for Eligible Rollover Distributions From Qualified Retirement Plans
CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 3 -- McDonald Hopkins, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 2, 2026, by counsel Jason Faust:
* * *
IRS provides updated safe harbor 402(f) notices for eligible rollover distributions from qualified retirement plans
The IRS recently issued Notice 2026-13, which provides updated safe harbor explanations that plan administrators may use to satisfy the eligible rollover distribution explanation requirement of Section 402(f) of the Internal Revenue Code (often referred to as the "Special Tax Notice" requirement).
Under Section 402(f) of the Code, at least 30
... Show Full Article
CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 3 -- McDonald Hopkins, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 2, 2026, by counsel Jason Faust:
* * *
IRS provides updated safe harbor 402(f) notices for eligible rollover distributions from qualified retirement plans
The IRS recently issued Notice 2026-13, which provides updated safe harbor explanations that plan administrators may use to satisfy the eligible rollover distribution explanation requirement of Section 402(f) of the Internal Revenue Code (often referred to as the "Special Tax Notice" requirement).
Under Section 402(f) of the Code, at least 30but no more than 180 days before making an "eligible rollover distribution" from an "eligible retirement plan" to a plan participant, the plan administrator must provide the recipient with an explanation of, essentially, the recipient's rollover options and the tax implications involved if the recipient elects to do, or not do, a rollover to another eligible tax-qualified plan.
In prior guidance, the IRS provided two model safe harbor explanations that plan administrators could use to satisfy the Code Section 402(f) requirement - one for payments not from a designated Roth account from a designated Roth account and one for payments. These safe harbor explanations occasionally need to be updated to reflect changes in applicable law. The last updates came in Notice 2020-62 and took into account changes under the SECURE Act. Notice 2026-13 further modifies the safe harbor explanations that were set forth in Notice 2020-62 to account for changes made by the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Plan administrators should use the updated safe harbor Special Tax Notices immediately for all eligible rollover distributions going forward.
On a practical note, the prior safe harbor Special Tax Notices outlined in Notice 2020-62 ceased to accurately reflect the applicable law as of August 6, 2020. The law requires the Special Tax Notices to reflect applicable law when given to a recipient accurately, so plan administrators making eligible rollover distributions on and after August 6, 2020, were already required to update the Special Tax Notices to account for changes in applicable law. Accordingly, while the updated Special Tax Notices in Notice 2026-13 are welcomed, the updates should largely reflect language that plan administrators have already been including. To the extent there are future changes in applicable law, plan administrators should update the Special Tax Notice accordingly until new model safe harbor Special Tax Notices are issued by the IRS.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com/insights/news/irs-provides-updated-safe-harbor-402-f-notices
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Gaming Partner Copp Elected to RGCS Advisory Committee
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 3 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Gaming Partner Copp Elected to RGCS Advisory Committee
*
Taft Chicago partner Kim Copp has been elected to the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS) Advisory Committee. The committee brings together gaming professionals who will help support the organization's growth and strengthen the conference's impact.
The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga brings together professionals, decision-makers and stakeholders in the gaming and racing industry to discuss trends and key
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, March 3 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Gaming Partner Copp Elected to RGCS Advisory Committee
*
Taft Chicago partner Kim Copp has been elected to the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga (RGCS) Advisory Committee. The committee brings together gaming professionals who will help support the organization's growth and strengthen the conference's impact.
The Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga brings together professionals, decision-makers and stakeholders in the gaming and racing industry to discuss trends and keyissues and to provide educational and networking opportunities for attendees.
For more information, click here.
Copp is co-chair of Taft's Gaming Industry group. She represents cities, states, and regulatory bodies on gaming matters, legislation, and related regulations between state/local governments and gaming interests. Copp also represents interests on mergers and acquisitions, financings and licensing and regulatory matters.
***
Original text here: https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/gaming-partner-copp-elected-to-rgcs-advisory-committee/
Attorney Michael Minton Presents at Statewide Agribusiness Industry Conference
ORLANDO, Florida, March 3 -- Dean Mead, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney Michael Minton Presents at Statewide Agribusiness Industry Conference
Dean Mead Tax and Estate Planning attorney Michael Minton served as a panelist during the Saunders Lay of the Land Conference. Addressing "Tax Reform & Estate Planning - Opportunities & Strategies," panelists provided practical insights on topics such as estate planning, property sales, and business investments.
When asked about the impact of taxes on estate planning, Michael shared, "The tax tail should not wag the dog."
... Show Full Article
ORLANDO, Florida, March 3 -- Dean Mead, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney Michael Minton Presents at Statewide Agribusiness Industry Conference
Dean Mead Tax and Estate Planning attorney Michael Minton served as a panelist during the Saunders Lay of the Land Conference. Addressing "Tax Reform & Estate Planning - Opportunities & Strategies," panelists provided practical insights on topics such as estate planning, property sales, and business investments.
When asked about the impact of taxes on estate planning, Michael shared, "The tax tail should not wag the dog."He continued, "While it is an important factor to take into consideration, addressing business succession planning and making sure tax ramifications are considered as part of an overall estate plan should be the focus. This should be analyzed every few years."
Michael joined fellow panelists Stephen Hamic and Dennis Gallant, CPAs with Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., CPAs' Tax Services team. The panel was moderated by Tyler Davis, President with Saunders Real Estate.
Learn more about Saunders Real Estate: https://www.saundersrealestate.com/.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.deanmead.com/attorney-michael-minton-presents-at-statewide-agribusiness-industry-conference/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
