Podcasts about Skadden

Shout out to everyone in the streets yesterday saying Trump Must Go NOW! After a short recap from Sam of the terrifying events of the past week (Trump is directly flaunting the Supreme Court ruling that Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be brought home, and threatening to send “homegrown” people to the torture prison / death camp in El Salvador that he's been disappeared to), we share an interview with Rachel Cohen. Rachel was a lawyer with “Big Law” firm Skadden who publicly resigned over her firm's collaboration with the regime. Find links to her open letter and ways to follow her on refusefascism.org.Next weekend: Refuse Fascism Emergency Assemblies Sunday April 27 in NYC, Chicago and LAWe are on TikTok officially now! Follow ⁠@refusefashism⁠ (that spelling is intentional to get around TikTok censors).Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or find Refuse Fascism on all the socials, usually spelled correctly. Connect with the movement at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RefuseFascism.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/refusefascism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown

Ali Velshi is joined by President and Founder of the Eurasia Group & GZERO Media Ian Bremmer, former Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Fred Hochberg, former Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, & Flom Rachel Cohen, Managing Partner of Mark S. Zaid, P.C. Mark Zaid, former Secretary of Treasury Lawrence Summers, North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs, Senior Associate Dean for Leadership at the Yale School of Management Jeffrey Sonnenfeld & fmr. asst. Chief Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative J. Nicole Bivens Collinson

This Day in Legal History: Fair Housing ActOn this day in legal history, April 11, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 into law, a pivotal expansion of civil rights protections in the United States. Commonly referred to as the Fair Housing Act, the legislation was enacted just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacy of nonviolent activism heavily influenced its passage. The law made it illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, financing, or advertising of housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin.It aimed to dismantle the systemic barriers that had long segregated American cities and suburbs, including redlining, racially restrictive covenants, and other discriminatory practices. Title VIII of the Act directly addressed these inequities and empowered the federal government to enforce fair housing standards for the first time. Though political resistance to housing integration had stalled similar legislation for years, the national mourning following Dr. King's death shifted public and congressional sentiment.Johnson, in a nationally televised address, described the signing as a tribute to Dr. King's life and a necessary step toward realizing the full promise of civil rights in America. Subsequent amendments expanded protections to include sex, disability, and familial status, making the Fair Housing Act one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws on the books. Enforcement mechanisms, however, remained a challenge, and litigation over housing discrimination has continued into the present day.The law has been central to major legal battles over zoning laws, gentrification, and access to affordable housing. It also laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation aimed at combating economic and racial segregation. While the Act did not instantly eliminate housing discrimination, it marked a legal turning point that recognized the home as a critical site of equality and opportunity.A small team from the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), created under Elon Musk's initiative to reduce government spending and staffing, has arrived at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), according to an internal email from the agency. While the team is working with FDIC leadership to identify internal efficiencies, it does not have access to sensitive or confidential bank data, including resolution plans, deposit insurance records, or examination materials. The FDIC emphasized that the DGE operatives are full-time federal employees working under formal interagency agreements and have not sought access to confidential information.DGE has previously drawn concern from industry participants during its visit to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau due to fears over data exposure. The FDIC oversees highly sensitive information about major U.S. banks and their failure plans, which regulators rely on during crises. The number and identity of DGE team members at the FDIC have not been disclosed, and the agency declined to comment further.The agency is also preparing for staff reductions, following the Trump administration's deferred resignation program that has already led to the loss of 500 FDIC employees. Additional buyouts and formal layoffs are expected soon. The timing of DGE's involvement comes as global markets react to new tariffs announced by President Trump, prompting concerns from former officials about weakening regulators' ability to respond to potential financial instability.DOGE Arrives at FDIC but Doesn't Have Access to Bank Data (2)At least three major law firms—Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett—are in talks with the Trump administration to reach a joint agreement that would commit over $300 million in pro bono services to causes favored by the White House. The potential deal is also intended to resolve federal investigations into the firms' diversity programs, which the administration has scrutinized for alleged discriminatory practices. If finalized, the arrangement would bring the total pledged in pro bono services from various firms to at least $640 million.President Trump, speaking at a Cabinet meeting, hinted that a handful of firms remain in negotiations, emphasizing that many firms have already paid significant sums or made concessions. He stated that he expects lawyers from participating firms to assist with policy efforts such as implementing tariffs and expanding coal mining.The administration has previously targeted several firms with executive orders for representing causes or clients viewed as oppositional to Trump's agenda. These orders have included punitive measures such as revoking security clearances and restricting federal access. Some firms—like Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block—have successfully blocked these actions in court, while others like Paul Weiss settled by agreeing to pro bono contributions. Firms such as Skadden and Milbank preemptively negotiated similar deals.Trump Talks Deal With Three Massive Law Firms as Others FightA U.S. immigration judge is set to rule today on whether Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University, can be deported. Khalil, who holds Algerian citizenship and became a lawful U.S. permanent resident last year, was arrested last month at his New York City apartment and transferred to an immigration jail in rural Louisiana. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for Khalil's removal under the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, arguing that his presence in the U.S. poses foreign policy risks due to his role in pro-Palestinian campus protests.Rubio's letter to the court claims Khalil was involved in “antisemitic protests and disruptive activities” but does not accuse him of any crimes. Instead, Rubio argues the government can revoke legal status based solely on speech or associations if deemed harmful to U.S. interests. Khalil's attorneys say the case is an attempt to punish constitutionally protected speech and have called the letter politically motivated and authoritarian in tone.They are requesting to subpoena and depose Rubio as part of their defense. The immigration court hearing the case operates under the Department of Justice and is separate from the federal judiciary. Khalil is also suing in a New Jersey federal court, alleging that his arrest, detention, and transfer far from his legal team and family were unconstitutional.US immigration judge to decide whether Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil can be deported | ReutersPresident Trump signed a bill nullifying a revised IRS rule that would have broadened the definition of a “broker” to include decentralized cryptocurrency exchanges, or DeFi platforms. The rule, finalized in the final weeks of the Biden administration, was part of a broader IRS effort to tighten crypto tax enforcement and was rooted in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It would have required DeFi platforms to report user transactions to both the IRS and the users themselves.The crypto industry strongly opposed the rule, arguing that DeFi platforms do not function like traditional brokers and lack access to user identities, making compliance impossible. Centralized exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken, by contrast, already meet these reporting requirements as intermediaries. Both the House and Senate voted in March to repeal the IRS rule through the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to overturn recent federal regulations with a majority vote.Trump, who has positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, had campaigned on promises to support digital asset innovation. Since taking office, he has formed a federal cryptocurrency working group and signed an executive order to establish a national bitcoin reserve.Trump signs bill to nullify expanded IRS crypto broker rule | ReutersThis week's closing theme takes us back to April 13, 1850, when Richard Wagner's opera Lohengrin premiered in Weimar under the baton of his friend and supporter, Franz Liszt. Wagner, one of the most influential and controversial figures in classical music, was then in political exile, and unable to attend the debut of what would become one of his most iconic works. Known for his revolutionary approach to opera—melding music, drama, and mythology—Wagner crafted Lohengrin as a sweeping, mystical tale of a knight of the Holy Grail who arrives in a swan-drawn boat to defend the innocent Elsa of Brabant. The opera's shimmering textures, leitmotif-driven score, and spiritual overtones would set the stage for his later monumental works like Tristan und Isolde and the Ring Cycle.Lohengrin remains best known for its third-act bridal chorus—“Here Comes the Bride”—but the opera's deeper themes of identity, trust, and the cost of forbidden questions give it lasting emotional and philosophical weight. Set in a quasi-medieval world laced with mystery, the opera tells of a hero who must depart the moment his name is asked, leaving love suspended in silence. Wagner's orchestration in Lohengrin is luminous and patient, often evoking shimmering water and distant prophecy, with long-breathed phrases that seem to float above time.As a closing theme for this week, Lohengrin invites reflection—on belief, on leadership, and on how history so often pivots on names, silence, and the tension between loyalty and doubt. Its premiere on April 13th marks not only a moment in Wagner's evolution as a composer but also a cultural point of departure, where German Romanticism began leaning toward something darker and more transcendental. We end the week, then, with the slow unfurling of Lohengrin's prelude: a gentle, ascending shimmer that begins almost imperceptibly, and rises—like the swan on the river—toward the unknown.This week, we close with the prelude to Lohengrin by Richard Wagner—music of undeniable beauty from a composer whose legacy includes both brilliance and deeply troubling beliefs. We share it for its artistry, not its ideology. Without further ado, Richard Wagner's Lohengrin, the prelude. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

This Day in Legal History: Senate Approves Alaska PurchaseOn April 9, 1867, the United States Senate voted to ratify the Treaty with Russia for the Purchase of Alaska, approving the acquisition of the territory for $7.2 million. The deal, championed by Secretary of State William H. Seward, added over 586,000 square miles to U.S. territory. At the time, many Americans viewed the icy, remote land as a barren wasteland, mocking the transaction as “Seward's Folly” or “Seward's Icebox.” Despite public ridicule, Seward pursued the deal partly to prevent British expansion from neighboring Canada and to extend American commercial interests into the Pacific. Russia, for its part, saw little strategic or economic value in Alaska and feared it might lose the territory without compensation in a future conflict.The treaty passed in the Senate by a vote of 37 to 2, reflecting support among lawmakers despite popular skepticism. Legal authority for the purchase came through the treaty-making power of the executive branch, with Senate ratification required under Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. Once finalized, the transfer of sovereignty occurred in October 1867 in Sitka, with a formal ceremony marking Russia's departure.Criticism of the purchase subsided decades later following the Klondike Gold Rush and, eventually, the discovery of significant oil reserves. These developments drastically changed the public's perception of Alaska from frozen liability to strategic asset. The purchase also helped lay the groundwork for America's growing influence in the Pacific and Arctic regions.President Donald Trump announced that major law firms pledging $340 million in pro bono work would assist his administration with coal industry initiatives and international tariff negotiations. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said these firms—such as Paul Weiss, Skadden, Milbank, and Willkie—would provide legal support for leasing and regulatory issues in coal mining, as well as in talks with foreign countries on trade. While he didn't specify which firms would take on specific tasks, Trump emphasized their legal talent and claimed they were offering services “for the right price.”The announcement coincided with Trump signing executive orders invoking the Defense Production Act to increase coal mining and directing investments into advanced coal technology. He also said the Department of Justice would be tasked with challenging state and local regulations he views as harmful to miners. The law firm agreements came after Trump targeted several legal firms with directives that threaten their business, prompting lawsuits from Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, and Jenner & Block. Trump posted the agreements on Truth Social, stating the firms would work on causes like veterans' rights and combating antisemitism, although details on how their roles will be determined remain unclear.Trump Says He'll Enlist Big Law Dealmakers for Coal, TariffsA group of 67 former top legal executives from companies like Microsoft, Intel, and Eli Lilly filed a legal brief condemning President Trump's executive orders targeting several major law firms. They argue that the orders violate the Constitution and threaten the independence of corporate legal counsel by coercing political loyalty through federal contract threats. The brief supports a lawsuit by Perkins Coie, one of the firms impacted by the orders, which claims the directives bar its attorneys from government buildings and jeopardize its clients' federal contracts.The former general counsels contend that Trump's actions don't just punish individual firms, but undermine the principle that companies should be free to choose their legal representation without fear of political retaliation. The brief highlights how the orders signal to businesses that hiring lawyers linked to Trump's critics could lead to government sanctions. Trump issued similar orders against WilmerHale and Jenner & Block, and all three firms have secured temporary legal blocks against the measures.While some firms like Paul Weiss struck deals with Trump to avoid penalties—agreeing to provide pro bono work for causes aligned with his administration—others have pushed back. Four days prior, hundreds of law firms submitted their own brief supporting Perkins Coie. Trump's administration defends the orders as efforts to stop perceived political bias in Big Law.Former top lawyers at major companies decry Trump orders against law firms | ReutersAn immigration judge has given the U.S. government through today to present evidence justifying the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and lawful permanent resident. Khalil was arrested in New York and transferred to a detention facility in rural Louisiana, sparking concern over due process and free speech rights. At Tuesday's hearing, Judge Jamee Comans made it clear that if the government cannot prove Khalil is deportable, she will dismiss the case by Friday. She also criticized delays in sharing evidence and emphasized the importance of Khalil's due process rights.Khalil's lawyer, Marc Van Der Hout, claims the deportation effort is politically motivated and violates the First Amendment, suggesting that Khalil is being targeted for speaking out in support of Palestinians. The government argues Khalil should be deported under a Cold War-era law that allows removal if an immigrant is deemed a threat to U.S. foreign policy, and also accuses him of omissions on his green card application—charges he denies.The case has drawn national attention, including a crowded virtual courtroom. A separate habeas petition is also under consideration in federal court, and Khalil cannot be deported while that process plays out. His wife, a U.S. citizen who is expecting their child this month, has been unable to visit him due to her pregnancy.US given one day to show evidence for deporting Columbia University protester Khalil | ReutersA federal judge has ordered President Trump's White House to temporarily lift access restrictions on the Associated Press (AP) while a lawsuit challenging the ban moves forward. The Trump administration had barred AP journalists from events like Oval Office briefings and Air Force One trips after the agency refused to adopt Trump's preferred term, "Gulf of America," instead continuing to refer to the "Gulf of Mexico." U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, ruled that the First Amendment prohibits the government from excluding journalists based on viewpoint.The ruling, which takes effect Sunday to allow time for appeal, restores the AP's access to White House press events. McFadden emphasized that if some journalists are granted access, others cannot be denied for their editorial stance. The AP sued three senior Trump aides in February, claiming the restrictions were unconstitutional retaliation against protected speech and lacked due process.AP reporters testified that the ban hindered their ability to cover the president, while Justice Department lawyers argued that access to presidential spaces is a privilege, not a right. Press freedom groups and the White House Correspondents' Association welcomed the decision, calling it a win for independent journalism. The case remains ongoing, with a final ruling expected in the coming months.Judge lifts Trump White House restrictions on AP while lawsuit proceeds | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Many prominent law firms have recently found themselves in President Trump's crosshairs. Skadden Arps' attorney, Rachel Cohen, encouraged the firm to fight the government's pressure, only to have her attempts rebuffed and to be effectively forced out from the firm. Cohen joins Rapid Response to share her dramatic story, and fears about how the rule of law is changing in America. Rachel's experience raises questions about the legal industry's role in the checks and balances of the US system, and how leaders everywhere navigate the relationship between their business and broader society.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liz and Andrew sit down with fellow legal podcaster Ken White, AKA “Popehat,” to discuss the Trump administration's attack on law firms. Who's fighting? Who's folding? And who's f—ed? Plus an update on the case of the Maryland man deported to a torture prison in El Salvador, and the legal effort to get him home. And for subscribers: The DC Circuit considers if Humphreys Executor is dead, or just mostly dead?    Links:   Serious Trouble Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/serious-trouble/id1630160928   Wilcox docket (DC Cir) https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69714705/gwynne-wilcox-v-donald-trump/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc   Abrego Garcia v Noem Docket (4th Cir) https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69847836/kilmar-abrego-garcia-v-kristi-noem/   Perkins Coie Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69725919/perkins-coie-llp-v-us-department-of-justice/   Jenner & Block Docket https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278932/   WilmerHale Docket https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.278933/ Show Links: https://www.lawandchaospod.com/ BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod Threads: @LawAndChaosPod Twitter: @LawAndChaosPod  

Many prominent law firms have recently found themselves in President Trump's crosshairs. Skadden Arps' attorney Rachel Cohen encouraged the firm to fight the government's pressure, only to have her attempts rebuffed and to be effectively forced out from the firm. Cohen joins Rapid Response to share her dramatic story, and fears about how the rule of law is changing in America. Rachel's experience raises questions about the legal industry's role in the checks and balances of the US system, and how leaders everywhere navigate the relationship between their business and broader society.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the past few weeks, President Trump has used executive orders to wage war on law firms, specifically targeting those whose lawyers have investigated or sued him, or represented his enemies in court.Michael Barbaro speaks to Thomas Sipp, a lawyer who chose to quit after his firm, Skadden, negotiated a deal to placate the president.Guest: Thomas Sipp, a lawyer who left his firm after they negotiated a deal with Mr. Trump.Background reading: Read about how, Paul Weiss, a major democratic law firm, ended up bowing to Mr. Trump.Ever since the elite law firms Skadden and Paul Weiss reached deals with the Trump administration, top partners have closed ranks in support of the agreements.For more information on today's episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Photo: John Taggart for The New York Times Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This Day in Legal History:  MLK AssassinatedOn April 4, 1968, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King had traveled to Memphis to support striking sanitation workers, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to economic justice alongside racial equality. His death sent shockwaves through the United States, triggering riots in more than 100 cities and accelerating the passage of key civil rights legislation.King was a central figure in the American civil rights movement, having led campaigns against segregation, voter suppression, and economic inequality. His advocacy relied heavily on nonviolent protest and legal strategies that tested the limits of constitutional protections and federal civil rights enforcement. The assassination drew intense public scrutiny to the federal government's role in protecting civil rights activists.James Earl Ray, an escaped convict, was arrested and charged with King's murder. He pleaded guilty in 1969, avoiding a trial, but later recanted and sought to withdraw the plea. Controversy surrounding the investigation and conviction has persisted for decades, with some—including members of King's own family—questioning whether Ray acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy.King's assassination directly influenced the U.S. Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, which prohibited housing discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin. The legislation had faced significant resistance before King's death but was passed just days afterward. His assassination also galvanized greater federal attention to civil rights enforcement under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.A group of 12 Republican-led states, including Texas, Florida, and Missouri, has asked 20 major U.S. law firms to provide documentation on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The request, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seeks to determine whether the firms' practices comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. In a letter sent Thursday, the states referenced recent concerns raised by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which had previously asked the same firms for similar information.Paxton cited potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, alleging that some law firms may use hiring policies that prioritize race, sex, or other protected characteristics. He also pointed to possible state-level violations, including those related to deceptive trade practices. The letter specifically called out programs such as diversity fellowships and hiring goals aimed at increasing representation from historically marginalized groups.The states argue they have authority to investigate and enforce laws that prohibit employment discrimination, including policies that may inadvertently or intentionally favor individuals based on race or other traits. Firms named include top legal players like Kirkland & Ellis, Ropes & Gray, and Skadden, Arps.GOP-Led States Want 20 Law Firms to Disclose Their DEI PracticesRepublicans are considering a significant shift in tax policy by potentially introducing a new top tax bracket for individuals earning $1 million or more annually. The proposed rate, currently under discussion, would range from 39% to 40%, marking a departure from the party's longstanding resistance to tax increases. This idea is part of a broader effort to offset the cost of a multi-trillion dollar tax package being developed by Trump administration allies and Republican lawmakers.Also on the table is a return to the 39.6% top income tax rate previously enacted during the Obama administration, replacing the current 37% rate for high earners. The GOP aims to pass the new tax legislation within months, renewing provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while incorporating new deductions and reforms to appeal to middle- and working-class voters.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emphasized the urgency of making Trump's earlier tax cuts permanent and stabilizing markets following recent tariff announcements. The evolving plan reflects a broader ideological shift within the Republican Party toward more populist economic messaging.To help pay for the new tax measures, the proposal also includes eliminating the carried interest loophole used by hedge fund and private equity managers and expanding deductions such as those for car loan interest and tipped wages. Trump's campaign promises — including removing taxes on overtime pay and Social Security benefits — are being considered for inclusion as well.Republicans Debate Hiking Top Tax Rate to 40% For Millionaires - BloombergOver 300 law professors from top institutions, along with legal advocacy groups across the political spectrum, have filed court briefs supporting Perkins Coie in its lawsuit against an executive order issued by Trump. The order, signed on March 6, penalizes the law firm for its work with Hillary Clinton and its internal diversity policies by restricting its access to federal buildings, officials, and contracts. Professors from Yale, Harvard, and Stanford argued the order is unconstitutional and undermines the independence of the legal profession.Their brief warned that targeting a firm for political reasons threatens any lawyer or firm that chooses to oppose the president in court, calling the order a dangerous precedent. Advocacy groups such as the ACLU and the Cato Institute echoed that concern, labeling Trump's action an attack on the legal system and a threat to Americans' right to legal representation.The White House responded by defending the order as a lawful measure to align federal partnerships with the administration's policies, criticizing the lawsuit as an attempt to preserve "government perks." Meanwhile, the Justice Department has requested that a Washington federal judge dismiss the lawsuit. Other firms named in similar orders — Jenner & Block and WilmerHale — have also filed suits, while some, like Skadden Arps and Paul Weiss, have made agreements with the White House to avoid sanctions.Law professors, legal groups back Perkins Coie in lawsuit over Trump order | ReutersThis week's closing music comes from one of the most innovative and influential composers of the 20th century: Igor Stravinsky. Known for revolutionary works like The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, Stravinsky continually reinvented his style throughout his long career. Born in 1882 near St. Petersburg, Russia, and passing away on April 6, 1971, in New York City, Stravinsky's life spanned continents, world wars, and artistic upheavals. While he is best remembered for his large-scale ballets and orchestral works, he also composed for smaller forms, including a fascinating piece titled simply Tango.Composed in 1940, Tango marks Stravinsky's first original composition written entirely in the United States after his move from Europe. At the time, he was living in Hollywood and adapting to a new cultural and musical environment. The piece is short, dark, and rhythmically sharp—more brooding than danceable—and carries the flavor of the tango tradition filtered through Stravinsky's idiosyncratic, angular style. It was originally written for piano, though Stravinsky later orchestrated it.Tango reflects Stravinsky's interest in blending traditional forms with modernist dissonance and unpredictability. It's a brief but compelling listen that offers a very different side of a composer often associated with thunderous orchestras and ballet scandals. Its rhythmic complexity and stark character echo the uncertainties of the time it was written, just as World War II was escalating. The piece serves as a reminder that even in exile, Stravinsky continued to experiment, innovate, and absorb new influences. As we remember his death on April 6, Tango is a fitting close—wry, lean, and unmistakably Stravinsky.Without further ado, Igor Stravinsky's Tango — enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Willkie Farr & Gallagher, the law firm that employs former second gentleman Doug Emhoff, is among the latest to cut a deal with the Trump administration, agreeing to provide $100 million in free legal services to causes the President supports. In executive orders Trump has targeted several high profile firms he considers hostile to him, and the capitulation by some firms has constitutional law experts alarmed. We talk about the implications for democracy and the First Amendment, and we'll hear from one San Francisco firm that's fighting back.  Guests: Raymond Brescia, professor, Albany Law School; author, "Lawyer Nation: The Past, Present, and Future of the American Legal Profession" Laurie Carr Mims, managing partner, Keker Van Nest & Peters Jessica Silver-Greenberg, investigative reporter, The New York Times Rachel Cohen, former associate, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A great divide is developing. ----- Following the Paul Weiss surrender we discussed last week, Skadden preemptively followed suit agreeing to commit $100M in pro bono payola to the MAGA cause. Bringing to light some embarrassing email policies in the process. But other Biglaw firms showed a little more life, with Jenner & Block and WilmerHale suing the administration over its retaliatory executive orders. And a major firm announced an end to on-campus recruiting, which seems like a bad policy for both students and the firm.  

This Day in Legal History: MA Enacts Anti-Vietnam War LegislationOn April 2, 1970, Massachusetts enacted a bold piece of legislation challenging the U.S. government's involvement in the Vietnam War. The law stated that no resident of Massachusetts, whether inducted or already serving in the military, could be compelled to participate in armed hostilities abroad unless Congress had formally declared war under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution. At the time, the Vietnam War had escalated significantly without such a formal declaration, raising widespread constitutional concerns. This state-level defiance of federal military policy was one of the clearest legal confrontations to emerge from domestic antiwar sentiment during the era.Supporters of the law aimed to provoke a judicial review of the war's legality by forcing the issue into the courts. The ultimate hope was that the U.S. Supreme Court would accept the case and directly address whether the war was unconstitutional due to the lack of a Congressional declaration. However, the Court declined to exercise original jurisdiction, a move that disappointed advocates but was consistent with the Court's cautious approach to politically sensitive war powers questions. The case was instead relegated to the lower federal courts, where it lost much of its political and legal momentum.This episode underscored the tension between state sovereignty and federal authority, especially in areas of foreign policy and military engagement. It also highlighted the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the War Powers Clause and the separation of powers between Congress and the executive branch. Although the Massachusetts law was largely symbolic and never led to a judicial rebuke of the Vietnam War, it marked a significant moment in the legal resistance to undeclared wars.Willkie Farr & Gallagher has agreed to commit at least $100 million in pro bono legal services supporting causes aligned with conservative ideals, according to a public announcement by President Trump. This move follows similar flagrant displays of cowardice by other major law firms, Paul Weiss and Skadden, in the face of Trump's recent executive orders targeting firms based on political associations and past legal work. The deal allows Willkie to avoid a potentially damaging executive order by committing to initiatives like supporting veterans, promoting fairness in the justice system, and fighting antisemitism.Willkie's leadership acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision in a firmwide email, saying they evaluated the risks of resistance versus cooperation and ultimately chose to protect the firm's interests and stakeholders. The firm also pledged to uphold laws on employment practices, maintain bipartisan client representation, and continue work for underrepresented groups. Trump emphasized that Willkie will commit to “merit-based hiring” and avoid what he called “illegal DEI discrimination,” with the firm agreeing to outside legal oversight for compliance.Doug Emhoff, a partner at Willkie and husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, reportedly opposed the deal and urged leadership to resist. Just before the announcement, Emhoff warned students at Georgetown Law that democracy and the rule of law are under threat, and that lawyers must defend both.Trump Strikes Deal With Willkie, Law Firm of Doug Emhoff (2)Doug Emhoff's law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher reaches deal with Trump | ReutersA federal judge has dismissed the U.S. Justice Department's corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be filed again. Judge Dale Ho rejected the DOJ's request for a dismissal without prejudice, citing concerns that leaving the case open could make Adams appear beholden to the Trump administration, especially on immigration enforcement. The decision aligns with an independent legal opinion commissioned by the court, which warned that the threat of reindictment could create the perception that Adams' actions were motivated by federal pressure rather than public service.The original charges accused Adams of accepting illegal contributions and favors from Turkish officials, but Adams pleaded not guilty and maintained that the case was politically motivated retaliation for his criticism of President Biden's immigration policies. In a surprising turn, the Trump administration backed Adams, arguing the prosecution interfered with his re-election efforts and hindered cooperation on deportation efforts.The case became a political flashpoint in the run-up to the November mayoral election, with Adams facing low approval ratings and a field of Democratic challengers, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Multiple prosecutors resigned rather than follow the DOJ directive to drop the case, raising concerns about politicization within the department. Judge Ho's ruling effectively ends the legal battle but leaves lingering questions about Justice Department independence and the political forces behind the case.NYC Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case dismissed, cannot be brought again | ReutersThe U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a major case that could determine whether South Carolina can block Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds. The state, led by Republican officials, wants to exclude the organization from the Medicaid program because it provides abortions, even though federal funds cannot be used for abortion services. At issue is whether Medicaid recipients have the right to sue states under federal law to access care from any qualified provider, including Planned Parenthood.The case stems from a 2018 decision by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who ordered Planned Parenthood's removal from the state's Medicaid program. The organization and a patient sued under an 1871 civil rights law, arguing that the move violated patients' rights to choose their healthcare providers. Lower courts sided with the plaintiffs, and the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that South Carolina's actions were unlawful.Planned Parenthood clinics in South Carolina offer a range of services to Medicaid patients, including cancer screenings, contraception, and general health exams. The state, supported by the Trump administration and represented by the conservative legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, contends that the Medicaid law does not grant individuals the right to sue.The Supreme Court has addressed elements of this dispute before but has not yet ruled on the key legal question: whether Medicaid enrollees can challenge states that exclude providers for political or ideological reasons. A decision is expected by June.US Supreme Court mulls South Carolina's effort to defund Planned Parenthood | ReutersA federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from carrying out mass firings of federal employees still in their probationary period, ruling that the government must follow established procedures for large-scale layoffs. The case stems from the administration's February dismissal of about 24,500 workers without prior notice to states or local governments. U.S. District Judge James Bredar in Maryland found the move likely violated federal law and ordered that only those employees living or working in the 19 suing states and Washington, D.C. must be reinstated.This decision narrows an earlier, broader ruling and will remain in effect while the lawsuit continues. The plaintiffs, led by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, argue the firings were politically motivated and part of a broader effort to dismantle the federal workforce. While the administration claims poor performance was behind the dismissals, the judge noted that probationary status alone doesn't justify bypassing legal protections.The Trump administration has appealed the decision, arguing Bredar overstepped his authority. An appellate court has so far declined to pause the ruling. The case highlights growing tension between the Trump administration's push to reshape the federal government and the legal limits on executive power over civil service employment.US judge blocks Trump administration from firing federal employees on probation | ReutersPresident Trump is expected to announce a sweeping new set of tariffs today at 4 p.m. ET, but no one seems to know exactly what the nut job in chief has in store. Speculation is rampant, with previous threats including 200% duties on European alcohol imports, and reports suggesting a possible 20% universal tariff. Businesses, investors, and world leaders are on edge, bracing for what could be a dramatic escalation in global trade tensions.Confusion reigns across industries—from winemakers in Spain who feel caught in a trade war they never asked for, to U.S. auto suppliers now recalculating their costs under layered tariffs that could exceed 50%. Manufacturing data shows signs of contraction, and fears of stagflation are emerging. Stocks are slipping, gold is surging, and key trading partners like the EU, Mexico, and Canada are preparing potential countermeasures. Trump, meanwhile, has dubbed today “Liberation Day,” further muddying the policy waters.With the exact scope and structure of the duties still unknown, the only certainty right now is uncertainty.Trump Tariffs Live: Global stock market and trade war fears as April 2 announcement looms | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

A great divide is developing. ----- Following the Paul Weiss surrender we discussed last week, Skadden preemptively followed suit agreeing to commit $100M in pro bono payola to the MAGA cause. Bringing to light some embarrassing email policies in the process. But other Biglaw firms showed a little more life, with Jenner & Block and WilmerHale suing the administration over its retaliatory executive orders. And a major firm announced an end to on-campus recruiting, which seems like a bad policy for both students and the firm.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam and Emma are joined by Rachel Cohen, lawyer formerly of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, to discuss the country's largest law firms bending the knee to Donald Trump. First, they run through updates on today's elections in Wisconsin and Florida, Trump's attack on the US public health regime, tomorrow's tariff deadline, the Senate GOP's budgetary sleight of hand, legal pushback to Trump over voting restrictions and his reclassification of protected Venezuelan migrants, Trump's ongoing renditioning of Latin Americans to an El Salvadorian gulag, the mobilization of far-right militia's to protect Musk's businesses, Trump's targeting of Harvard, Cory Booker's filibuster, and dwindling Canadian tourism to the US, also watching Jesse Watters explain exactly why he (and the rest of the right) doesn't care about due process. Rachel Cohen then dives Trump's successful effort to cow some of the biggest law firms in the US – including her former firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom – unpacking precisely what makes these law firms so “important” to Trump (wealthy clients, billions in profits), and the intimate relationship they have with the political elite, before walking through the actual contents of Trump's threats to these firms' contracts and access to federal buildings (e.g. courts), and why, unlike others, Skadden seemed to capitulate without even facing an Executive Order, including handing over $100m in pro-bono work to the administration. Expanding on this latter element, Cohen tackles the Trump Administration's underlying aims for this authoritarian push against these attorneys elite, with the push against DEI policies, the takeover of pro-bono work, and the Executive Orders chilling pushback to Trump's anti-migrant and anti-trans agenda coming at a time where he and his goons are undercutting due process for migrants and criminalizing trans identity. After touching on the mix of hubris and cowardice driving the executive capitulation in the world of corporate law, and what the internal pushback looks like among Cohen's peers, Rachel, Sam, and Emma wrap up by reemphasizing the real goal of Trump's project – a fascist takeover – and the importance of organized dissent. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma talk with Ronald Raygun about the precarious state of immigration law, dissect Elon Musk's blatant and manipulative lies about Social Security fraud, and watch as Sen. Bill Cassidy accidentally gets blunt about the GOP's plan to gut Medicare. Mike Lindell teases a run for the Governorship of Minnesota, and the MR Team dives deep into Ezra Klein's poor response to anti-Oligarchical critiques of his “Abundance” doctrine, plus, your calls and IMs! Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase! Check out today's sponsors: Liquid IV: Embrace your ritual with extraordinary hydration from Liquid I.V. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://LiquidIV.com and use code MAJORITYREP at checkout. That's 20% off your first order when you shop better hydration today using promo code MAJORITYREP at https://LiquidIV.com. Babbel: Let's get more of you talking in a new language. Babbel is gifting our listeners 60% off subscriptions at https://Babbel.com/MAJORITY.  Get up to 60% off at https://Babbel.com/MAJORITY. Rules and restrictions may apply. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/

Time to round up the latest in lawsuits against the Trump administration. The trans military ban is blocked. Renditioning Venezuelans to El Salvador without due process is blocked. The shutdown of the CFPB is blocked. The shutdown of the US Inst of Peace … not blocked. Yet! Liz and Andrew run down a bunch of the Trump cases and explain why it seems like every day brings another restraining order. (Hint: It's because Trump wants to do lots of illegal stuff in a hurry.)   Links: Name & Shame https://www.lawandchaospod.com/p/name-and-shame   Shilling v. Trump Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69617888/shilling-v-trump/   Jenner & Block v. DOJ Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69807126/jenner-block-llp-v-us-department-of-justice/   WilmerHale v. Executive Office of the President  Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69807328/wilmer-cutler-pickering-hale-and-dorr-llp-v-executive-office-of-the/   Georgetown students' letter to Skadden https://bsky.app/profile/heidilifeldman.bsky.social/post/3llon26enmc2o   US v. Sanders (5th Cir. 2025) https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/15/15-31114-CR0.pdf   Eakin v. Adams County Board of Elections Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65738841/eakin-v-adams-county-board-of-elections/   J.G.G. v. Trump (D.D.C. - Judge Boasberg - Alien Enemies Act) docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69741724/jgg-v-trump/   Trump v. JGG (SCOTUS Docket) https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24a931.html   US Institute for Peace v. Jackson Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69754533/united-states-institute-of-peace-v-jackson/    NTEU v. Vought (DDC docket) https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69624423/national-treasury-employees-union-v-vought/?   NTEU v. Vought (DC Cir Appeal) https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69821739/national-treasury-employees-union-v-russell-vought/ Show Links: https://www.lawandchaospod.com/ BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod Threads: @LawAndChaosPod Twitter: @LawAndChaosPod  

"I cannot imagine a worse deal than the one that Skadden came away with." That's the opinion of one of the law firm's own associates, Rachel Cohen. The Chicago-based finance lawyer has grabbed the spotlight by criticizing Skadden and Paul Weiss for reaching agreements with President Donald Trump as he targets Big Law through a series of executive orders. She's also slammed others for staying quiet, even as three major firms fight Trump directives in court. "The industry is not uniting," said Cohen, who is set to officially leave the firm later this week. "We have to be proactive here and we've not seen that from anyone except for associates." Late last week, President Trump said that, to avoid being targeted by a punitive executive order, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom agreed to provide $100 million worth of pro bono services to causes Trump supports. This is $60 million more than was offered in a similar deal struck by the firm Paul Weiss weeks earlier. Even before this, Cohen had already put in her resignation, which will take effect later this week. More than 1,500 Big Law associates anonymously signed an open letter criticizing the industry's response to Trump's attacks. Cohen chose not to remain anonymous. Now she's calling on Big Law associates to go on a "recruitment strike" and refuse to do any recruitment for their firms until partners take a stronger stance against Trump. On this episode of our podcast, On The Merits, Cohen speaks with Bloomberg Law editor Jessie Kokrda Kamens about her reaction to the Skadden deal and about what power associates have in this ongoing battle between Big Law and the White House. "Associates are the workhorses," she said. "And the partners certainly do not want to be responsible for the work that they historically farm out to associates." Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

Today's Headlines: Despite the Signalgate scandal, no one in the administration has faced consequences. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire for bringing his wife and brother to sensitive military meetings. VP Vance stirred controversy in Greenland, where locals were less than welcoming, and Trump floated the idea of acquiring the territory—by force if necessary. Trump also hinted at seeking a third term, while inflation remains stubbornly high ahead of looming tariffs. In other news, the FDA's top vaccine official resigned, accusing RFK Jr. of promoting misinformation. ICE detentions continue, including a Cuban man with no criminal record and a Russian medical researcher who opposed the Ukraine war. Trump issued an executive order to reshape the Smithsonian's historical narratives, and another major law firm struck a deal with the administration to avoid legal retaliation. Meanwhile, a judge blocked the deportation of a detained Tufts student, and Wisconsin's Attorney General sued Elon Musk for election-related cash prize promotions. With two Florida House special elections happening tomorrow, early voting numbers indicate an energized electorate. Abroad, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand has left at least 144 dead, with rescue efforts ongoing. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Hegseth Brought His Wife to Sensitive Meetings With Foreign Military Officials CNN: JD Vance accuses Denmark of neglecting Greenland, makes highest-profile case for US control of the island  The Independent: U.S. officials went door-to-door in Greenland to find anyone who wanted to be visited by the Vances. They found no one AP News: Greenland prime minister says US will not get Greenland  NBC News: Trump tells NBC News ‘there are methods' for seeking a third term CNBC: Core inflation in February hits 2.8%, higher than expected; spending increases 0.4%  WSJ: FDA's Top Vaccine Official Forced Out  Miami Herald: Cuban detained by ICE while taking out his trash in North Miami; family demands answers  NBC News: Russian medical researcher at Harvard, who protested the Ukraine war, detained by ICE WA Post: How the Smithsonian Institution is funded as Trump seeks influence CBS News: Law firm Skadden cuts $100 million pro bono deal with Trump to avoid executive order  WKOW: AG Kaul sues Elon Musk for election-related cash prize | State news  NY Times: Tracking Each Party's Early Turnout for Tuesday's Special House Elections  The Guardian: More than 140 reported killed in Myanmar earthquake, as Thailand works to free dozens trapped under Bangkok skyscraper – as it happened Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Day in Legal History: Civilian Conservation Corps Created by FDROn this day in legal history, March 31, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Senate Bill S. 598, creating the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his sweeping New Deal agenda. The CCC was a rapid-response effort to the economic devastation of the Great Depression, designed to provide immediate employment to young, unemployed men. Within weeks of its creation, the program began enrolling thousands, ultimately putting over 3 million men to work during its nine-year run.The CCC operated under the Department of Labor, War Department, and Department of Agriculture, reflecting its blend of social welfare, environmental stewardship, and federal coordination. Workers were paid $30 per month, $25 of which was sent home to support their families—a vital lifeline during a time of widespread poverty. Projects included reforestation, flood control, soil erosion prevention, and the construction of trails and facilities in national and state parks.Legally, the CCC represented an expansion of federal authority into economic and environmental realms, and it raised constitutional questions about the scope of executive power during peacetime. While the Supreme Court would later strike down some New Deal programs, the CCC escaped judicial invalidation, in part due to its voluntary nature and its framing as a public works program rather than a federal jobs guarantee.The CCC's legal structure helped shape future federal employment and environmental programs, and it laid the groundwork for later conservation efforts like the Soil Conservation Service and aspects of the Environmental Protection Agency. March 31, 1933, thus marks not just the birth of a New Deal agency, but a foundational moment in the legal history of federal labor and environmental law.The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case brought by the Catholic Charities Bureau, a nonprofit linked to the Catholic Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin, seeking a religious exemption from the state's unemployment insurance tax. The group, along with four of its subsidiaries, argues that the state's denial of the exemption violates the First Amendment's protections for religious freedom and church autonomy. Wisconsin law allows such exemptions only for organizations "operated primarily for religious purposes," a standard the state Supreme Court ruled the charities failed to meet due to their primarily secular social service work.The Catholic Charities Bureau, founded in 1917, provides services like job placement and home visits for people with disabilities but does not require employees or service recipients to be Catholic. After one of its affiliates was granted an exemption in a separate case, the Bureau and other affiliates sought similar treatment in 2016. The Wisconsin Supreme Court's 2024 decision upheld the tax requirement, stating the group's activities were charitable rather than religious.The case has broader implications for how courts distinguish between religious and secular work, with critics warning that a ruling in favor of the charities could allow large religiously affiliated organizations to bypass many government regulations, jeopardizing benefits for hundreds of thousands of workers. The decision is expected by the end of June. The Court is also set to hear a related case on April 30 concerning a proposed taxpayer-funded religious charter school in Oklahoma.US Supreme Court to hear Catholic group's bid for Wisconsin unemployment tax exemption | ReutersCatholic Charities Case Poised to Shape Religious Tax ExemptionsTwo federal judges have temporarily blocked major parts of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting law firms Jenner & Block and WilmerHale, which had been involved in legal efforts against his administration. The firms sued the Trump administration, arguing that the orders violated constitutional protections of free expression and due process. U.S. District Judge John Bates criticized Trump's order against Jenner & Block as “reprehensible,” especially for targeting the firm's pro bono work on behalf of immigrants and transgender individuals. He warned the order threatened the firm's existence by aiming to cancel its clients' federal contracts and restrict access to federal facilities and courts.In a separate ruling, Judge Richard Leon blocked similar provisions in the order against WilmerHale, calling it retaliatory and a threat to the public interest and justice system. However, he allowed a clause suspending the firm's security clearances to stand. Trump has signed orders targeting five law firms to date, and several—including Perkins Coie—have already challenged them in court with partial success.Meanwhile, law firms Skadden Arps and Paul Weiss reached deals with the White House to avoid being targeted. Skadden agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal work and implement merit-based hiring, while Paul Weiss pledged $40 million toward mutually agreed causes. The executive orders mainly cited the firms' past involvement in investigations into Trump, especially the Mueller probe. Critics argue the orders are politically motivated attempts to punish opposition and intimidate legal advocates.Judges block Trump orders targeting two law firms as Skadden cuts deal | ReutersTwo labor agency officials fired by President Donald Trump—Gwynne Wilcox of the National Labor Relations Board and Cathy Harris of the Merit Systems Protection Board—will not be immediately reinstated, following a decision by a divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The court declined to pause its earlier order that temporarily blocked lower court rulings which had reinstated the officials. Judges Karen Henderson and Justin Walker sided with the administration, while Judge Patricia Millett dissented.This legal battle tests the limits of presidential authority to remove officials from independent agencies, despite statutory protections meant to insulate them from political pressure. While trial courts previously ruled the firings were unlawful, the appeals court has halted those decisions from taking effect for now. The panel's latest order did not include an explanation of its reasoning.Wilcox and Harris may still ask the full D.C. Circuit to reconsider the panel's ruling, but Sunday's denial of an administrative stay could influence their next steps. Meanwhile, a broader decision on whether Congress can limit the president's power to fire certain agency officials is expected to be taken up in oral arguments scheduled for May 16. The issue could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, given its potential to reshape the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies.Fired Agency Officials Lose Attempt at Immediate ReinstatementFrench antitrust regulators fined Apple €150 million (about $162.4 million) for abusing its dominant market position through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) tool, marking the first time any regulator has penalized the company over this feature. The ATT tool, introduced by Apple on iPhones and iPads, allows users to control which apps can track their activity. While Apple framed it as a privacy measure, digital advertisers and mobile gaming companies argued it made advertising more difficult and disproportionately impacted smaller publishers reliant on third-party data.The French Competition Authority found that while privacy protection is a legitimate goal, Apple's implementation of ATT was neither necessary nor proportionate and unfairly favored its own services. The decision followed complaints from several advertising and media associations, who hailed the ruling as a major win for their industries.Despite the fine, Apple is not currently required to change the tool's design. However, regulators emphasized that it is Apple's responsibility to ensure compliance going forward. Apple, expressing disappointment with the decision, noted that investigations into ATT are ongoing in other European countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania.Apple hit with $162 million French antitrust fine over privacy tool | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Marc Elias joins to discuss the legal smackdown dealt against Trump's grudge-filled crusade against private law firms. Plus, Delaware Sen. Chris Coons on his call for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign for his role in the Signal-gate security fiasco.

Courage seems to be in short supply in Biglaw. ----- Paul Weiss folded immediately in the face of Trump's threat, offering the president pro bono services and a retreat from DEI. For a firm that built its reputation on litigation, the move came as a surprise. A Skadden associate called upon the industry to develop a backbone. So she's not going to be working there any more. There are a lot of dumb things about the administration's mass deportation to an El Salvadoran prison, but its unironic inversion of the burden of proof is definitely the scariest.

Courage seems to be in short supply in Biglaw. ----- Paul Weiss folded immediately in the face of Trump's threat, offering the president pro bono services and a retreat from DEI. For a firm that built its reputation on litigation, the move came as a surprise. A Skadden associate called upon the industry to develop a backbone. So she's not going to be working there any more. There are a lot of dumb things about the administration's mass deportation to an El Salvadoran prison, but its unironic inversion of the burden of proof is definitely the scariest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When goods, services and rights go back and forth within a company, how do you attribute profit or loss to one part of the company versus another? Former OECD head of tax treaties and transfer pricing Mary Bennett and EY's Mike McDonald join this episode of “GILTI Conscience” for a detailed discussion on the attribution of profits to permanent establishments. Skadden tax partners David Farhat and Nate Carden and associate Stefane Victor host the discussion, which explores, among other topics, critical differences between Articles 7 and 9 of the OECD Model Tax Convention and why these distinctions matter for multinational businesses.

President Donald Trump has targeted major law firms in his second term in unprecedented ways. He hit three Big Law firms with executive orders that pose potentially existential threats to those firms. Then on March 21, the Trump administration issued a broad memo targeting any lawyer who files “frivolous, unreasonable, and even vexatious litigation against the United States.” On this podcast episode we're talking about yet another way the administration is going after firms. Andrea Lucas, the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sent a letter to 20 major firms such as Kirkland & Ellis, Skadden, and Simpson Thacher requesting extensive documentation to investigate whether their Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs are discriminatory. The EEOC is asking for names, gender, race, law school and GPA information for all who have applied to be hired since 2019. Joining the podcast are two Bloomberg Law reporters who are following this story, Business & Practice reporter Tatyana Monnay and EEOC reporter Rebecca Klar. Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

In the third episode of Skadden's yearlong podcast series on global prudential solvency requirements, host Robert Chaplin and colleague Annabel Smethurst discuss Japan's insurance and regulatory landscape. As the world's fourth-largest insurance market, Japan has become increasingly attractive to foreign insurers due to its mature market, aging population and ongoing regulatory reforms. Rob and Annabel explore Japan's regulatory framework, its evolution from the "financial Big Bang" of the 1990s and the flourishing reinsurance sector that has emerged as the country aligns with international standards such as Solvency II and the Insurance Capital Standard (ICS).

In the second episode in Skadden's yearlong podcast series on global prudential solvency requirements, host Robert Chaplin and colleague Abraham Alheyali discuss the regulatory regime in Bermuda, a global center for insurance and reinsurance. More than 30 major firms underwrite from the country, and it is the largest supplier of catastrophe reinsurance to U.S. insurers. Rob and Abraham discuss the Bermuda Monetary Authority's (BMA's) regulatory approach toward different types of insurers and reinsurers, the four key concepts in Bermuda's prudential regime, various requirements for capital holdings and investments, and how the insurance industry's growth and increasing sophistication will likely lead to future regulatory changes.

Host Rob Chaplin and Skadden colleague Caroline Jaffer debut the first episode of a yearlong series on global prudential solvency requirements, which will form the basis of the forthcoming Encyclopaedia of Prudential Solvency publication. In this episode, they discuss the International Association of Insurance Supervisors' (IAIS') December 2024 adoption of the Insurance Capital Standard (ICS), which Rob notes is a “watershed moment” in global insurance regulation. Rob and Caroline outline key components of the IAIS and the ICS, as well as detail what supervisory authorities and internationally active insurance groups (IAIGs) can expect next regarding the ICS.

As 2024 draws to a close, Rob Chaplin invites colleagues to review a year of change throughout the insurance industry. In keeping with the spirit of a traditional holiday countdown, the team presents 12 topics that spanned the year.For more Skadden insights about Solvency II, click here for their updated guide, The Standard Formula: A Guide to Solvency II.

In this installment of The Standard Formula's series on Solvency II, host Robert Chaplin and Chiara Iorizzo unpack the regime's public reporting element. As Rob explains, public reporting “bolsters transparency and market discipline across the insurance industry.”Rob and Chiara cover requirements of the Solvency and Financial Condition Report (SFCR) and discuss some proposed changes to these reporting requirements. They also explore external audit requirements and review the role of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) in information disclosure.

Corporate defender and Skadden partner Elizabeth Gonzalez-Sussman discusses what motivated her decision to move away from defending activists, as well as tactics that backfire, settlement subcommittee pros and cons and governance vulnerabilities.

Want to share your thoughts? Fill out our listener form In this insightful episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian welcomes back Paul Bolaji, an experienced M&A attorney from Skadden, to discuss how to navigate different negotiation styles effectively. They delve into how physical presence and perception can impact negotiation dynamics, especially in virtual settings. Bolaji shares his strategies for managing emotional pressure and staying objective, while Christian provides his own experiences and techniques for moderating physical and emotional cues. The discussion offers practical advice for negotiators looking to improve their approach and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. What Will Be Covered: Managing perceptions related to physical presence in negotiations. Strategies for handling emotional pressure and staying fact-focused. Adapting to different negotiation styles, from rapport-building to dealing with "tough guy" personalities. Follow Paul on LinkedIn  Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn The Ultimate Negotiation Guide Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race! Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life! What's in it for you? Exclusive Advice: Gain insights from top negotiation experts. Community Support: Connect with a like-minded community focused on growth. Personal & Professional Growth: Unlock strategies to enhance every aspect of your life. You deserve to negotiate more of the best things in life, and now you can! Don't wait—be the first in line to experience this game-changing resource.

Want to share your thoughts? Fill out our listener form In this insightful episode of Negotiate Anything, host Kwame Christian welcomes back Paul Bolaji, an experienced M&A attorney from Skadden, to discuss how to navigate different negotiation styles effectively. They delve into how physical presence and perception can impact negotiation dynamics, especially in virtual settings. Bolaji shares his strategies for managing emotional pressure and staying objective, while Christian provides his own experiences and techniques for moderating physical and emotional cues. The discussion offers practical advice for negotiators looking to improve their approach and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. What Will Be Covered: Managing perceptions related to physical presence in negotiations. Strategies for handling emotional pressure and staying fact-focused. Adapting to different negotiation styles, from rapport-building to dealing with "tough guy" personalities. Follow Paul on LinkedIn  Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn The Ultimate Negotiation Guide Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race! Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life! What's in it for you? Exclusive Advice: Gain insights from top negotiation experts. Community Support: Connect with a like-minded community focused on growth. Personal & Professional Growth: Unlock strategies to enhance every aspect of your life. You deserve to negotiate more of the best things in life, and now you can! Don't wait—be the first in line to experience this game-changing resource.

Host Robert Chaplin and guest James Pickstock cover the Solvency II supervision framework, which is designed to protect policyholders and promote insurer soundness. They focus on the Regular Supervisory Report (RSR), a quantitative tool that is among four key areas that insurers must disclose to supervisors. Robert and James also look ahead to legislative reform effective at year's end.Watch for our next episode, which will focus on the Solvency and Financial Condition Report, another key area that must be reported to supervisors.

It's time for a Legal Speak Spotlight ... where we turn back the clock and revisit a previous episode you may have missed.  And considering how close the Presidential Election is ... this still feels timely.   In a conversation with The American Lawyer's Patrick Smith, Skadden's Ki Hong describes how his practice came to fruition, how things have changed in the political climate over the last 20 years, how Harris' entry into the fray creates some confusing donor situations and what changes might make the whole apparatus a bit easier to understand.

This week we talk to Robert Chaplin, a Partner and Head of the Financial Institutions Group in Europe at Skadden. Rob works in the insurance and asset management sectors and hosts his own podcast ‘The Standard Formula: A Guide to Solvency II'. We discuss: • Has Solvency II met its original objective? • Is there appetite in the market for legislators to change the regulation? • Are we going to see a greater globalisation of standards? • What else might we expect for Solvency UK?

Deals activity is picking up, according to the third quarter data from Bloomberg Law's League Tables. But the looming election and more potential rate cuts from the Fed means there's uncertainty over what comes next. On this episode of our podcast, On The Merits, Bloomberg Law reporter Mahira Dayal digs into the data and talks about which firms are on top and which ones have slipped. She also talks about what impact the election could have on next quarter's report. Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

We interview Leo Strine on the purpose of the corporation, differentiating between shareholder primacy and stakeholder theory. We discuss ESG and the power of stockholders and workers. Leo Strine applies his perspective on corporate purpose to corporate acquisitions and lays out his hopes for the future of corporations. Some critical articles to learn more about the shareholder primacy vs stakeholder theory debate:Origins of the argument: - Merrick Dodd, For Whom Are Corporate Managers Trustees?, 45 HARV. L. REV. 1145 (1932) - Adolph A. Berle, Jr., For Whom Corporate Managers Are Trustees: A Note, 45 HARV.. L. REV. 1365, 1372 (1932)Shareholder primacy ownership argument: - Milton Friedman, A Friedman doctrine– The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits, N.Y. Times, Sept. 13 1970.Critique on shareholder primacy: - Lynn A. Stout, Bad and Not-so-Bad Arguments for Shareholder Primacy, 75 S. CAL. L. REV. 1189 (2002).Example of Application: - Lucian Bebchuk and Roberto Tallarita, The Illusory Promise of Stakeholder Governance. 106 Corn. L. Rev. 91 (2020).Example of Court Case Application: - Revlon, Inc. v. MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, Inc., 506 A.2d 173, 177 (Del. 1986)A bit about Leo Strine:Leo E. Strine, Jr., is Of Counsel in the Corporate Department at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.  Prior to joining the firm, he was the Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court from early 2014 through late 2019.  Before becoming the Chief Justice, he served on the Delaware Court of Chancery as Chancellor since June 22, 2011, and as a Vice Chancellor since November 9, 1998.In his judicial positions, Mr. Strine wrote hundreds of opinions in the areas of corporate law, contract law, trusts and estates, criminal law, administrative law, and constitutional law.  Notably, he authored the lead decision in the Delaware Supreme Court case holding that Delaware's death penalty statute was unconstitutional because it did not require the key findings necessary to impose a death sentence to be made by a unanimous jury.For a generation, Mr. Strine taught various corporate law courses at the Harvard and University of Pennsylvania law schools, and now serves as the Michael L. Wachter Distinguished Fellow in Law and Policy at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and a Senior Fellow of the Harvard Program on Corporate Governance. From 2006 to 2019, Mr. Strine served as the special judicial consultant to the ABA's Committee on Corporate Laws. He also was the special judicial consultant to the ABA's Committee on Mergers & Acquisitions from 2014 to 2019. He is a member of the American Law Institute.Mr. Strine speaks and writes frequently on the subjects of corporate and public law, and particularly the impact of business on society, and his articles have been published in The University of Chicago Law Review, Columbia Law Review, Cornell Law Review, Duke Law Journal, Harvard Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, and Stanford Law Review, among others.  On several occasions, his articles were selected as among the Best Corporate and Securities Articles of the year, based on the choices of law professors.Before becoming a judge in 1998,  Mr. Strine served as Counsel and Policy Director to Governor Thomas R. Carper, and had also worked as a corporate litigator at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom from 1990 to 1992.  He was law clerk to Judge Walter K. Stapleton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Chief Judge John F. Gerry of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  Mr. Strine graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law Sc

Amount B is designed to streamline transfer pricing for baseline distribution and marketing companies worldwide, but “we're apparently in a world of complexity and controversy,” says Jessie Coleman..A principal at KPMG, Jessie joins Skadden attorneys Nate Carden, David Farhat, Eman Cuyler and Stefane Victor to discuss everything there is to know about the current and future status of Amount B. Together, they explore questions of scoping – will jurisdictions agree that an entity is in-scope? – and who's signing on to Amount B, as well as tensions that may arise over how to handle disputes. For companies that would likely be in-scope when implementation launches, Jessie suggests they prepare by monitoring their assets-to-sales, which will drive where they fit in the Amount B matrix. “I think knowing the unknown right now is really important,” she observes.

This Day in Legal History: Nineteenth Amendment AdoptedOn August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially adopted, marking a pivotal moment in American history by granting women the right to vote. The Amendment, which states that the right to vote "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex," was the culmination of decades of activism and struggle by women's suffrage advocates. Pioneers like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many others fought tirelessly for this fundamental right, organizing rallies, petitions, and civil disobedience.The Amendment's adoption followed a lengthy ratification process, where Tennessee became the crucial 36th state to ratify the amendment, securing the necessary three-fourths majority. This victory did not come easily; it was the result of a concerted effort by suffragists who faced significant opposition. The Nineteenth Amendment not only expanded the electorate but also symbolized a broader movement toward gender equality in the United States. Its passage empowered women to engage fully in the democratic process and laid the groundwork for future advances in civil rights. The legacy of the Nineteenth Amendment continues to influence social and political movements to this day.Big Law firms are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris by hosting high-dollar fundraising events. Sullivan & Cromwell's Rodge Cohen is organizing a New York lunch featuring Doug Emhoff, with ticket prices reaching up to $100,000. In Washington, Jenner & Block's Josh Hsu is co-hosting an evening reception where tickets are nearly $7,000. Since Harris became the Democratic frontrunner, high-profile attorneys have been mobilizing to support her campaign, with several already raising substantial sums. Notably, Mayer Brown partner Phil Recht, a Harris supporter, notes strong momentum in campaign contributions. The host committees for these events include prominent figures from Big Law and the tech industry, such as Skadden's Nina Rose and OpenAI's Johanna Shelton. The fundraising effort has seen significant engagement, with many top lawyers eager to contribute. For example, Dawn Smalls of Jenner & Block raised $100,000 in just a week, and partners at firms like Gibson Dunn and WilmerHale are actively supporting Harris through events and donations.Big Law Throwing Kamala Fundraisers with a Six-Figure Ticket TierThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to challenge Kroger's $25 billion merger with rival Albertsons in federal court, arguing that the deal would harm consumers and workers by reducing competition. The FTC's case, part of the Biden administration's broader effort to address rising consumer prices, will focus on how the merger could lead to higher grocery prices and diminish the bargaining power of unionized workers, particularly in states like California and Washington where both chains have significant overlap. This trial marks a significant test for FTC Chair Lina Khan, who has prioritized using antitrust laws to protect workers, a shift from the traditional focus on consumer prices.Kroger and Albertsons argue that the merger is necessary to compete with large multinational retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon. They propose selling 579 stores to mitigate competition concerns and promise to lower grocery prices by $1 billion post-merger. However, the FTC, supported by several states, contends that the merger would lead to store closures and weakened union leverage. The trial, expected to last around three weeks, will also examine whether the proposed buyer of the divested stores, C&S Wholesale Grocers, can successfully operate them.This case is significant as it builds on the FTC's recent focus on labor market competition, following other antitrust actions that have challenged the impact of mergers on workers, such as those in the college athletics and publishing industries. The outcome could pave the way for more scrutiny of mergers based on their effects on labor markets.US FTC's bid to block Kroger-Albertsons merger heads to trial | ReutersKroger case tests FTC Chair Khan's bid to protect workers | ReutersThe US Chamber of Commerce, a conservative business organization, is urging Congress to maintain the 21% corporate tax rate and extend key provisions of the 2017 Republican-led tax law. The Chamber argues that these measures will support sustained economic growth, aiming for at least 3% annually. As Congress prepares for a major tax code overhaul next year, the Chamber is actively lobbying to preserve lower international tax rates set to increase in 2025 and to reinstate certain deductions for research and development, interest expenses, and full asset expensing. While Republicans generally support extending parts of the 2017 law, despite concerns about the growing deficit, Democrats advocate for raising the corporate tax rate to 28% and increasing taxes on the wealthy to cover the law's costs. The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School estimates that extending the law would only offset about 4.4% of its projected $4 trillion cost through economic growth.The US Chamber of Commerce is known for its conservative stance, particularly in advocating for pro-business policies and lower taxes. Historically, the Chamber has supported Republican initiatives and has often opposed regulatory measures that it views as detrimental to business interests.US Chamber to Ask Congress to Preserve 21% Corporate Tax RateCitgo Petroleum, originally founded in 1910 as Cities Service Company, became a significant player in the U.S. refining industry. In 1986, Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, purchased a controlling stake in Citgo, integrating it into Venezuela's oil export strategy. Citgo operates as a major U.S. refiner with its headquarters in Houston, Texas.Currently, Citgo is at the center of a complex legal battle in the U.S. stemming from Venezuela's expropriations and debt defaults. A U.S. federal court officer, Robert Pincus, is overseeing an auction of shares in Citgo's parent company, PDV Holding, to satisfy up to $21.3 billion in claims. These claims have resulted from international arbitration awards and issues surrounding foreign sovereign immunity, making the case particularly complex.The auction process, ongoing since 2017, has faced multiple delays due to the complexity of the bids and the unprecedented legal context. The latest extension request, the third this year, would push the deadline to September 16 for Pincus to recommend a winning bid. The leading bidders are CVR Energy, supported by investor Carl Icahn, and an investment group led by Gold Reserve, a mining company. Following the recommendation, there will be a 21-day period for objections before a final sales hearing on November 7.US court officer requests new extension to select winner of Citgo auction | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Just because you can make an argument, doesn't mean you should. ----- Disney's lawyers made headlines last week, but not the good kind like you want. After lawyers argued that a free trial to Disney+ required a wrongful death suit to move to forced arbitration, we wondered how everyone from outside to inside counsel dropped the ball here. Immediately after recording, Disney backtracked. Also, is Skadden falling behind? And we talk legal technology!

Just because you can make an argument, doesn't mean you should. ----- Disney's lawyers made headlines last week, but not the good kind like you want. After lawyers argued that a free trial to Disney+ required a wrongful death suit to move to forced arbitration, we wondered how everyone from outside to inside counsel dropped the ball here. Immediately after recording, Disney backtracked. Also, is Skadden falling behind? And we talk legal technology!

Jeff Goldenhersh is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of FindYourCrew, Inc. Jeff has deep experience in technology companies, building and managing teams, negotiation and capital allocation. After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011, he moved to China, where he became proficient in Mandarin. He returned to the United States to attend Stanford Law School, where he graduated with a J.D. in 2016. In 2021, following a legal career with a focus on private equity work that started at global powerhouse Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, he moved to San Francisco to join PingPong Payments, a profitable fintech unicorn that did +$100M in annual revenue. At PingPong, Jeff became the general counsel of PingPong's international business and served as a member of the global senior management team across the United States and Europe. He built and managed an 11-lawyer legal department operating on 3 continents covering over 100 countries, and helped build and supervise teams across the human resources and business development functions in the United States and Europe, where PingPong had more than 60 employees. Jeff left PingPong in early 2024 to start Crew. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County. Learn more about Ric at www.ricfranzi.com. 

Josh Lawler is a partner at Zuber Lawler, where he leads the firm's Emerging Technologies Group with a particular emphasis on blockchain technology. Josh previously practiced as a corporate securities and M&A attorney at Skadden, Arps. Jener Sakiri is an associate at Zuber Lawler and focuses on transactional and regulatory matters. He often works with clients involved in blockchain technology. He was previously the Chief Legal Officer of Niftify, a white label NFT marketplace solution for small-medium businesses. Show highlights: [3:52] Securities and crypto [9:05] "crypto contracts" and U.S. regulation [23:00] Realistic options for raising $1 million-plus [24:57] The market [26:34] A new regulatory framework for the advent of decentralized exchanges [33:05] Banning the tools such as Tornado Cash. & much more. Disclaimer: Jacob Robinson and his guests are not your lawyer. Nothing herein or mentioned on the Law of Code podcast should be construed as legal advice. The material published is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Please seek the advice of counsel, and do not apply any of the generalized material to your individual facts or circumstances without speaking to an attorney.

In a conversation with The American Lawyer's Patrick Smith, Skadden's Ki Hong describes how his practice came to fruition, how things have changed in the political climate over the last 20 years, how Harris' entry into the fray creates some confusing donor situations and what changes might make the whole apparatus a bit easier to understand.

In our second episode in our spotlight series focused on celebrating diversity, GILTI Conscience's David Farhat and Stefane Victor are joined by colleagues Brian Breheny and Jordan Schwartz for an earnest dialogue on DEI in big law. The guests discuss some of the challenges they faced as gay professionals, including their experiences coming out at work and questions they faced, as well as their efforts to advocate for diversity in the workplace and embrace its importance.

Anthony Milewski has two passions: the outdoors and investing. At any moment you might find him skiing in France, fly fishing in Alaska, white water rafting in Oregon, or wide awake in the middle of the night analyzing news releases and financial statements.Anthony realized early on that a truly rewarding career needed to include following his passions. But how to do this? As a Fulbright scholar, he spent time in the former Soviet Union and saw firsthand the changes brought about by the privatization of vast swaths of the regional economies. He also noted the great potential in building companies on the back of these changes and, for a time, was employed by Renaissance Capital in Moscow, Russia, working with entrepreneurs and natural resource companies. Upon graduating from the University of Washington, with a MA in international studies and a JD in law, he took a job at New York-based Skadden, Arps where he became immersed in commodity transactions. Anthony would later transition from Skadden to Firebird Management in New York where he worked in the Global Macro funds.Anthony's time at Firebird had a profound impact on his investment style. He realized that you can “get a call right” but the “timing wrong”. Investing, as much as anything, is about understanding the themes and ideas that shape our world, environment, and capital markets. It was this realization that helped to shape his views on identifying themes, thinking about liquidity, and ultimately making successful investment decisions. No one ever lost money selling for a gain! After leaving Firebird he went on to work with other major funds as a C-level executive specializing in global origination and investment processes. This time cemented his views on risk mitigation and liquidity.After years in the asset management business, Anthony realized it was time to strike out on his own. Along with his business partner, Justin Cochrane, he founded and took public several companies. To date, he has helped raise over a billion dollars for listed companies on various exchanges around the globe. In a sense, this was Act Two of his career.All told, Anthony has served as a founder, advisor, director, executive, and investor. He now pursues investment ideas that make money and make the world a better place. That might mean investing in nickel as the key ingredient in batteries, carbon as a way of saving forests, copper for the electrification of things, artificial intelligence to help reduce the impact of farming on our environment — the list goes on.Learn more: https://www.anthonymilewski.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-anthony-milewski-founder-of-the-oregon-group

Anthony Milewski has two passions: the outdoors and investing. At any moment you might find him skiing in France, fly fishing in Alaska, white water rafting in Oregon, or wide awake in the middle of the night analyzing news releases and financial statements.Anthony realized early on that a truly rewarding career needed to include following his passions. But how to do this? As a Fulbright scholar, he spent time in the former Soviet Union and saw firsthand the changes brought about by the privatization of vast swaths of the regional economies. He also noted the great potential in building companies on the back of these changes and, for a time, was employed by Renaissance Capital in Moscow, Russia, working with entrepreneurs and natural resource companies. Upon graduating from the University of Washington, with a MA in international studies and a JD in law, he took a job at New York-based Skadden, Arps where he became immersed in commodity transactions. Anthony would later transition from Skadden to Firebird Management in New York where he worked in the Global Macro funds.Anthony's time at Firebird had a profound impact on his investment style. He realized that you can “get a call right” but the “timing wrong”. Investing, as much as anything, is about understanding the themes and ideas that shape our world, environment, and capital markets. It was this realization that helped to shape his views on identifying themes, thinking about liquidity, and ultimately making successful investment decisions. No one ever lost money selling for a gain! After leaving Firebird he went on to work with other major funds as a C-level executive specializing in global origination and investment processes. This time cemented his views on risk mitigation and liquidity.After years in the asset management business, Anthony realized it was time to strike out on his own. Along with his business partner, Justin Cochrane, he founded and took public several companies. To date, he has helped raise over a billion dollars for listed companies on various exchanges around the globe. In a sense, this was Act Two of his career.All told, Anthony has served as a founder, advisor, director, executive, and investor. He now pursues investment ideas that make money and make the world a better place. That might mean investing in nickel as the key ingredient in batteries, carbon as a way of saving forests, copper for the electrification of things, artificial intelligence to help reduce the impact of farming on our environment — the list goes on.Learn more: https://www.anthonymilewski.com/Influential Entrepreneurs with Mike Saundershttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/influential-entrepreneurs-with-mike-saunders/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-anthony-milewski-founder-of-the-oregon-group

“You want people to be themselves. You're going to get the most productivity, the most career longevity from somebody that's happy about being where they are,” says De Lon Harris. In celebration of Pride Month, Skadden tax senior advisor De Lon Harris joins Eman Cuyler and Stefane Victor on “GILTI Conscience,” where he discusses his life and career as a gay professional. De Lon talks about his 30-plus years at the IRS and the different roles he took on, as well as his experience as a gay person working in government service. He also touches on mentorship, including the importance of seeking diversity in mentors.

Today's guest is Brian Lee, a rock-star serial entrepreneur. Brian has cofounded several companies worth over a billion dollars each, such as Legalzoom with Robert Shapiro, The Honest Company with Jessica Alba, ShoeDazzle with Kim Kardashian and Arena Club with baseball legend Derek Jeter. Brian is also the cofounder and managing partner of BAM Ventures, an early-stage VC firm. Brian wrote the first investment check into Honey, which went on to sell to PayPal for $4B. Brian was formerly an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP.  Brian graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Economics and Business from UCLA. He received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law. He was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014. In this episode, we dive into: The incredible stories of how LegalZoom, ShoeDazzle, The Honest Company and Arena Club came to fruition. The secret sauce behind celebrity partnerships How Brian made his transition into VC venture capital The types of founders that VCs want to invest in

Welcome to the Golden Age of Orthodontics, where we dive into the future of orthodontic care. Today, we're excited to have Kelly Riedel, the CEO of LightForce Orthodontics, as our special guest. Join us as we explore how LightForce is reshaping the industry with its revolutionary custom bracket technology. Imagine measuring and enhancing your protocols' effectiveness, all while setting a new standard in patient experience and practice efficiency. With LightForce, orthodontists can now create personalized digital treatment plans that are fast, precise, and uniquely tailored to each patient's needs. Kelly emphasizes the need to be customer-obsessed! There's never been a better time to be an Orthodontist.IN THIS EPISODE:[4:31] Kelly's professional background and she shares a story about Jeff Bezos and a discussion of getting and keeping great staff[12:17] Kelly shares innovations being integrated from Amazon to LightForce as she discusses their core values[18:28] Kelly describes the process at LightForce once the patient information comes from the practice[20:14] What role will AI play at LightForce[25:28] Kelly discusses the future of changing technologyKEY TAKEAWAYS: An orthodontic practice should be built around patient needs rather than what your competition is doingLightForce designs and builds the tools they need. They don't pull them off a shelf. This sets them apart and provides essential, revolutionary services for practices and their patientsRobots can do tasks well, and humans are needed when high-value judgment and relationship building are requiredRESOURCE LINKSPeople + Practice - WebsiteDr. Leon - EmailAmy Epstein - EmailPeople + Practice - EmailKelly Riedel - EmailBIOGRAPHY: Kelly Riedel is the Chief Operating Officer at LightForce, provider of the world's first and only fully customized 3d printed orthodontic system. Prior to joining LightForce, Kelly was Director of Global Robotics Operations for Amazon, leading a cross-functional organization delivering all robotics technology into Amazon buildings worldwide. In this role, she managed operations across five different product design centers, coordinated with 100+ suppliers across four continents, and launched Amazon's state-of-the-art, 350,000-square-foot Innovation Hub. An attorney by trade, she previously led the legal team for Amazon Robotics as a member of its executive team, and before that, was Senior Counsel at HMH Publishing Company, focused on technology transactions, and a member of the IP Transactions team at Skadden, Arps. She holds a B.A. from Middlebury College, a J.D. from Berkeley Law School, and was a member of the 2016 Harvard Business School Women's Leadership Forum. Kelly resides in Massachusetts with her husband and two children. Over her desk, she has a print that reads, “Here's to Strong Women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” She's striving to do all three.QUOTES: “Amazon has a lot of leadership principles. If you Google Amazon Leadership Principles, in my view, they are the best way to be a leader and a successful worker. The unique part about how Amazon uses them is they don't just have them; they read them and teach them. They live them. It is how they hire, evaluate themselves and how they evaluate others and choose what to invest in.” Kelly...

Self-proclaimed “anti-Israel” and “anti-war” protests have gripped college campuses ever since Hamas' brutal terrorist attack killed, injured, and took hostage thousands of Israeli civilians on October 7. However, in recent weeks, protesters have begun taking siege to universities across the country, setting up 77 “encampments” on quads, vandalizing property, barricading themselves in buildings, and physically and verbally assaulting Jewish students who dare to pass by them. The response from many college administrators and faculty has been timid, when not directly supportive of protesters that have turned violently antisemitic. Where does this antisemitism come from? And what can we do to stamp out the pervasive Jew-hatred plaguing our universities? Adam Lehman is the President and CEO of Hillel International, the largest Jewish student organization in the world. Adam started his career at Skadden, Arps, and spent two decades as an executive and entrepreneur, including as a Senior Vice President at AOL. He was a Harry S. Truman Scholar at Dartmouth College and is a graduate of Harvard Law School.Read the transcript here.