Law/Legal
Here's a look at documents from law firms and legal groups
Featured Stories
Troutman Pepper Locke Achieves Strong Rankings in Chambers FinTech Guide 2026 Related Professionals
ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 28 -- Troutman Pepper, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Troutman Pepper Locke Achieves Strong Rankings in Chambers FinTech Guide 2026
NEW YORK - Troutman Pepper Locke has been recognized among the top global law firms for its FinTech practice in the Chambers FinTech guide 2026. The firm achieved four department band rankings and partners Kim Phan and Keith Barnett continue to be recognized as leading practitioners in the space.
FinTech Legal (USA) - Band 3
FinTech Legal: Corporate, Securities & Financing (USA) - Band 4
FinTech Legal: Data Protection & Cyber
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Jan. 28 -- Troutman Pepper, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Troutman Pepper Locke Achieves Strong Rankings in Chambers FinTech Guide 2026
NEW YORK - Troutman Pepper Locke has been recognized among the top global law firms for its FinTech practice in the Chambers FinTech guide 2026. The firm achieved four department band rankings and partners Kim Phan and Keith Barnett continue to be recognized as leading practitioners in the space.
FinTech Legal (USA) - Band 3
FinTech Legal: Corporate, Securities & Financing (USA) - Band 4
FinTech Legal: Data Protection & CyberSecurity (USA) - Band 2
* Kim Phan - Band 2
FinTech Legal: Payments & Lending (USA) - Band 2
* Keith Barnett - Band 3
The Chambers FinTech guide is based on thousands of thorough research interviews, all conducted by Chambers' independent research team. Troutman Pepper Locke has consistently been celebrated for its exceptional FinTech practice. As one respondent noted, "The firm takes a very pragmatic, commercial approach to its advisory work - they always 'see around the corner' to the practical realities of implementing and operationalising their guidance."
Troutman Pepper Locke's Financial Services Group offers comprehensive support to financial services businesses in today's challenging and ever-changing environment. Consistently recognized as a leading service provider to all segments of the financial services industry, the firm provides timely and practical counsel to guide clients with their most important decisions. From global financial institutions to small banks and non-bank financial service providers, clients depend on Troutman Pepper Locke to help them achieve their strategic and commercial goals while managing regulatory and litigation risk.
Troutman Pepper Locke
Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever-changing global economy. With more than 1,600 attorneys in 30+ offices, the firm serves clients in all major industry sectors, with particular depth in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. Learn more at troutman.com.
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Original text here: https://www.troutman.com/insights/troutman-pepper-locke-achieves-strong-rankings-in-chambers-fintech-guide-2026/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
White & Case secures victory for Tenex-USA in US Supreme Court, affirming key sovereign immunity decision
NEW YORK, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- White and Case, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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White & Case secures victory for Tenex-USA in US Supreme Court, affirming key sovereign immunity decision
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Global law firm White & Case LLP achieved a decisive victory for Tenex-USA in a precedent-setting sovereign immunity case that reached the United States Supreme Court. On January 20, 2026, the Supreme Court refused to hear a petition challenging a DC Circuit decision that US courts lack jurisdiction over decades-old expropriation claims by Agudas Chasidei Chabad of the United
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NEW YORK, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- White and Case, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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White & Case secures victory for Tenex-USA in US Supreme Court, affirming key sovereign immunity decision
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Global law firm White & Case LLP achieved a decisive victory for Tenex-USA in a precedent-setting sovereign immunity case that reached the United States Supreme Court. On January 20, 2026, the Supreme Court refused to hear a petition challenging a DC Circuit decision that US courts lack jurisdiction over decades-old expropriation claims by Agudas Chasidei Chabad of the UnitedStates (Chabad). This outcome marks a significant confirmation of sovereign immunity law, upholding the strict jurisdictional limits under US law for claims against a foreign sovereign in US courts.
The dispute arose in 2004 when Chabad sought to recover a collection of religious writings allegedly seized by the Soviet Union in the 1920s and currently held by the Russian State Library and Russian State Military Archive in Moscow. Chabad invoked the US Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act's (FSIA) "expropriation exception" against the Russian Federation and its state agencies. Represented by other law firms, the Russian defendants withdrew from the case in 2009 after losing on several jurisdictional defenses. The US District Court for the District of Columbia subsequently entered a default judgment requiring the Russian defendants to turn over the collection to Chabad and imposing civil contempt sanctions of US$50,000 per day for each day of noncompliance.
White & Case entered the matter in 2019 after Chabad served subpoenas on Tenex-USA, a Maryland-based company with no ties to the underlying claims and separated by four tiers of distinct corporate entities from any of the Russian defendants. Chabad then sought discovery to pierce several layers of the corporate veil between Tenex-USA and the Russian Federation, and moved to enforce its nearly US$200 million sanctions judgments against Tenex-USA's assets. Throughout the litigation, Tenex-USA maintained that it is entirely independent from the Russian Federation, and that the judgment could not be enforced against the Russian Federation because of DC Circuit precedent holding that FSIA expropriation claims against a foreign state require the allegedly expropriated property to be located in the US.
In 2024, the DC Circuit unanimously sided with Tenex-USA, confirming that the District Court's judgment against the Russian Federation was void and could not be enforced against Tenex-USA or any other entity, as the disputed property is outside the US. The DC Circuit's decision not only shielded Tenex-USA's assets from improper enforcement but also set a clear precedent limiting the FSIA's expropriation exception and reaffirmed the DC Circuit's consistent holdings in prior cases.
In February 2025, Chabad petitioned the US Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari. The petition was supported by an amicus curiae brief signed by several members of Congress. Further underscoring the significance of the case, the Supreme Court invited the views of the US. Although the US had consistently taken the same view as Tenex-USA in similar cases under prior administrations, the latest US brief recommended granting Chabad's petition. Given the high frequency of the Supreme Court agreeing with the recommendation of the US' views, the odds of obtaining a denial of certiorari were overwhelmingly against Tenex-USA. However, through White & Case's relentless advocacy and unmatched FSIA expertise, the Supreme Court denied review.
The White & Case team in the Supreme Court was led by partners Carolyn Lamm and Nicolle Kownacki and associate Alec Albright (all in Washington, DC), with additional support throughout the litigation from partners Christopher Curran (Washington, DC) and Jacqueline Chung (New York); associates Hannelore Sklar (New York), Caitlin Walczyk and Kimiya Haghighi (both in Washington, DC); and alumni David Riesenberg, Ena Cefo and Maya Kliger.
Press contact
For more information please speak to your local media contact.
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Original text here: https://www.whitecase.com/news/press-release/white-case-secures-victory-tenex-usa-us-supreme-court-affirming-key-sovereign
The Big Whale's 2026 Predictions, The Big Whale
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Morgan Lewis, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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The Big Whale's 2026 Predictions, The Big Whale
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Partner Hubert de Vauplane commented in The Big Whale on the European Union's advancing digital euro agenda, as the project moves from technical groundwork into a decisive political phase.
"With the ECB's technical preparation phase underway and the legislative debate now shifting to Parliament, the coming months will be critical for determining the digital euro's scope and viability," Hubert said.
Read the full
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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Morgan Lewis, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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The Big Whale's 2026 Predictions, The Big Whale
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Partner Hubert de Vauplane commented in The Big Whale on the European Union's advancing digital euro agenda, as the project moves from technical groundwork into a decisive political phase.
"With the ECB's technical preparation phase underway and the legislative debate now shifting to Parliament, the coming months will be critical for determining the digital euro's scope and viability," Hubert said.
Read the fullThe Big Whale article >
Article is in French and a subscription may be required.
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Original text here: https://www.morganlewis.com/news/2026/01/the-big-whales-2026-predictions-the-big-whale
Schwer to Speak on Preparing to Sell a Business at Indiana Green Expo
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Schwer to Speak on Preparing to Sell a Business at Indiana Green Expo
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Taft's Brad Schwer will co-present "Things to Know Before Selling Your Business: Be Prepared, Even for the Unexpected" at the Indiana Green Expo on Feb. 11.
The Indiana Green Expo is a tradeshow focused on turfgrass, landscaping, nursery management, and related fields, attracting over 1,600+ industry professionals each year with opportunities to learn, exhibit, and network. Learn more here.
Schwer is partner-in-charge
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Schwer to Speak on Preparing to Sell a Business at Indiana Green Expo
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Taft's Brad Schwer will co-present "Things to Know Before Selling Your Business: Be Prepared, Even for the Unexpected" at the Indiana Green Expo on Feb. 11.
The Indiana Green Expo is a tradeshow focused on turfgrass, landscaping, nursery management, and related fields, attracting over 1,600+ industry professionals each year with opportunities to learn, exhibit, and network. Learn more here.
Schwer is partner-in-chargeof Taft's Indianapolis office and helps entrepreneurs, business owners, venture capital funds, and companies of all sizes successfully navigate complex transactions and business issues.
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Original text here: https://www.taftlaw.com/news-events/news/schwer-to-speak-on-preparing-to-sell-a-business-at-indiana-green-expo/
Littler Issues Commentary: New York Governor Proposes "No Tax on Tips" Legislation
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 27 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 26, 2026:
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New York Governor Proposes "No Tax on Tips" Legislation
By Jaime Sanchez, Paul Piccigallo, Eli Freedberg, and Matthew R. Capobianco
At a Glance
* Proposal would eliminate NY State income tax on up to $25,000 of tipped income starting in 2026.
* If enacted, Senate Bill S587-A would amend Section 612 of state tax law to allow taxpayers to deduct the amount of cash and credit card tips received during the taxable year that are "considered wages or compensation" under the tax code.
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 27 -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Jan. 26, 2026:
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New York Governor Proposes "No Tax on Tips" Legislation
By Jaime Sanchez, Paul Piccigallo, Eli Freedberg, and Matthew R. Capobianco
At a Glance
* Proposal would eliminate NY State income tax on up to $25,000 of tipped income starting in 2026.
* If enacted, Senate Bill S587-A would amend Section 612 of state tax law to allow taxpayers to deduct the amount of cash and credit card tips received during the taxable year that are "considered wages or compensation" under the tax code.
*Although as currently drafted the state proposal mirrors certain provisions of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, there are notable differences.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a proposal to eliminate state income taxes on a portion of tipped income, signaling a significant policy development with meaningful implications for New York employers, particularly those in the hospitality, service, and delivery industries. Consistent with this announcement, on January 8, 2026, the New York State Legislature introduced Senate Bill S587-A, which is currently pending before the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenue.
While framed as an affordability measure for workers, the proposal raises important compliance considerations for New York employers navigating the intersection of federal tax law, state tax law, and longstanding wage-and-hour obligations governing how tips are tracked and classified.
Overview of the Governor's Proposal and Pending Senate Legislation
Governor Hochul's proposal would eliminate New York State income taxes on up to $25,000 of tipped income for the 2026 tax year, beginning January 1, 2026. In furtherance of that proposal, Senate Bill S587-A would amend Section 612 of the New York Tax Law to allow taxpayers to deduct the amount of cash and credit card tips received during the taxable year that are "considered wages or compensation" under the Internal Revenue Code. If enacted, the legislation would apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and would operate as a state-level income tax deduction.
Relationship to Federal Law: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Governor Hochul's proposal is expressly intended to mirror the provisions of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which established above-the-line federal income tax deductions for both "qualified tips" and "qualified overtime compensation."
Under the OBBBA, "qualified tips" generally include voluntary cash or charged tips received by employees from customers or through tip-sharing arrangements in occupations that customarily and regularly receive tips. In addition, the OBBBA allows eligible employees to deduct certain qualified overtime compensation, subject to statutory caps and income phase-outs. These deductions apply for federal income tax purposes only.
Importantly, eligibility for the federal income tax deductions established by the OBBBA, and the amount of any deduction, is determined by the individual taxpayer, subject to income thresholds and other statutory requirements. As currently drafted, however, Senate Bill S587-A does not expressly incorporate similar income-based limitations or clarify whether the deduction would be confined to the same categories of tipped occupations recognized under the OBBBA, leaving open questions regarding whether Governor Hochul's proposal will ultimately align with federal eligibility rules.
Employer Wage Reporting Obligations Under Federal Law
Because the OBBBA applies to both tips and overtime, the statute necessarily imposes more expansive employer reporting obligations than those contemplated under Governor Hochul's proposal.
As previously reported, beginning in the 2026 tax year employers will be required to assist in substantiating employees' eligibility for the new federal deductions through enhanced wage reporting. Specifically, employers must separately report qualified tips and overtime compensation on a newly revised W-2 Form. These reporting obligations are intended to enable employees to claim qualified tip and overtime deductions on their own individual income tax returns.
Notably, however, the OBBBA does not change employers' obligations to:
* Comply with existing minimum wage and overtime rules, including tip-credit requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state law;
* Withhold and remit federal income taxes and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on tips and overtime compensation, even if an employee may later qualify for a deduction on their personal tax return; or
* Maintain accurate payroll and timekeeping records.
While tips are not generally treated as "wages" for wage-and-hour purposes, the portion of tips used to satisfy a tip credit remains relevant for minimum wage compliance, and tips remain taxable compensation subject to withholding and reporting requirements.
In short, while the OBBBA introduces a new layer of wage reporting complexity, it does not alter employers' underlying obligations to properly pay, track, withhold, and report compensation.
Key Considerations for New York Employers
Governor Hochul's proposal represents a politically and economically significant development for New York's service economy, but its practical impact will depend on the final statutory language, accompanying regulations, anticipated guidance, and coordination with the tip and overtime wage reporting requirements under federal law. Employers should be mindful of several key considerations:
* Federal and state tax deductions for employees do not alter employers' wage-and-hour obligations. Tips and overtime compensation remain subject to federal and state payroll tax withholding and must continue to be paid, tracked, and reported in accordance with existing law.
* Employers may face increased scrutiny regarding wage reporting accuracy, particularly where employees seek to maximize the benefit of the new deduction or exemption. Employers must ensure that their payroll systems can accurately capture and report both qualified tips and overtime compensation.
* Clear employee communications will be critical, as employees may incorrectly assume that "no tax on tips" means the tips are no longer reportable or subject to payroll rules.
* Employers should coordinate early to ensure accurate reporting and to avoid downstream compliance issues once revised W-2 forms are fully implemented.
We will continue to track these developments and provide updates as the governor's proposal and Senate Bill S587-A move through the legislative process. Employers, however, should consult with experienced employment and tax counsel to ensure compliance with evolving reporting requirements and to avoid unintended wage-and-hour or payroll tax exposure ahead of the 2026 tax year.
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Authors
Jaime E. Sanchez, Associate, Long Island
Paul R. Piccigallo, Shareholder, New York
Eli Freedberg, Shareholder, New York
Matthew R. Capobianco, Shareholder, Long Island
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Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/asap/new-york-governor-proposes-no-tax-tips-legislation
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Hanson Bridgett Lawyers Recognized in Legal 500's Inaugural City Elite Rankings for San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 27 -- Hanson Bridgett, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Hanson Bridgett Lawyers Recognized in Legal 500's Inaugural City Elite Rankings for San Francisco
Hanson Bridgett LLP is proud to announce that several of the firm's lawyers have been recognized in Legal 500's inaugural US City Elite rankings for San Francisco. The City Elite rankings spotlight leading individual lawyers at top regional firms who are handling sophisticated, high-impact work in key practice areas within major U.S. markets.
Unlike traditional firmwide rankings, the City
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, Jan. 27 -- Hanson Bridgett, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Hanson Bridgett Lawyers Recognized in Legal 500's Inaugural City Elite Rankings for San Francisco
Hanson Bridgett LLP is proud to announce that several of the firm's lawyers have been recognized in Legal 500's inaugural US City Elite rankings for San Francisco. The City Elite rankings spotlight leading individual lawyers at top regional firms who are handling sophisticated, high-impact work in key practice areas within major U.S. markets.
Unlike traditional firmwide rankings, the CityElite guide focuses exclusively on individual lawyers who are driving significant matters and delivering market-leading results in their local jurisdictions. Legal 500's research is based on a rigorous, data-driven methodology that incorporates peer and client feedback, detailed matter submissions, and independent analysis by its editorial team.
The following Hanson Bridgett lawyers received Legal 500 City Elite San Francisco rankings:
Corporate and M&A
* Teresa Pahl
* Jonathan Storper
* Natalie Wilson
* Matthew Fisher
Data Protection
* Batya Forsyth
Intellectual Property
* Robert McFarlane
* Ganer Weng
Real Estate
* Andrew Giacomini
* Kristina Lawson
The Legal 500 US City Elite rankings spotlight key individual lawyers at regional powerhouse firms, recognizing those handling work at the top of the legal market in their respective cities.
About Hanson Bridgett
Hanson Bridgett LLP is an Am Law 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys and offices across California. Rooted in California and well-versed in its complex legal landscape, the firm proudly serves clients nationwide. The firm is structured to support businesses, public agencies, nonprofits, and individuals spanning industries including: construction, corporate and risk management, government and transportation, employer services, health and senior care, wealth management, and real estate and environment. As the first law firm certified as a B Corp, Hanson Bridgett is deeply committed to public service, sustainability, and advancing the communities where we live and work -- in California and beyond.
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Original text here: https://www.hansonbridgett.com/press-release/hanson-bridgett-lawyers-recognized-legal-500s-inaugural-city-elite-rankings-san
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
CFO Dive Shares Insight from Goli Mahdavi
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, a law firm, issued the following news:
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CFO Dive Shares Insight from Goli Mahdavi
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AI Service Lead and Partner Goli Mahdavi shared her insights with CFO Dive on what can be expected in 2026 in regards to AI regulation.
Quoted in the article, "Top 5 AI Adoption Challenges Facing CEOs," Goli shared she expects that AI regulation at the state level will present "significant compliance challenges for organizations navigating an increasingly fragmented legal landscape. Additionally she shared that leaders
... Show Full Article
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Jan. 27 [Category: BizLaw/Legal] -- Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, a law firm, issued the following news:
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CFO Dive Shares Insight from Goli Mahdavi
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AI Service Lead and Partner Goli Mahdavi shared her insights with CFO Dive on what can be expected in 2026 in regards to AI regulation.
Quoted in the article, "Top 5 AI Adoption Challenges Facing CEOs," Goli shared she expects that AI regulation at the state level will present "significant compliance challenges for organizations navigating an increasingly fragmented legal landscape. Additionally she shared that leaders"should be preparing for heightened regulatory scrutiny around their development and deployment of AI systems, and the operational complexities inherent in managing compliance across multiple, potentially conflicting regulatory frameworks."
Read more about Goli's insights in the article here.
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Original text here: https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/events-insights-news/cfo-dive-shares-insight-from-goli-mahdavi.html
