Above the Law

National Guard Deployments To US Cities Cost Almost Half A Billion Dollars, Says CBO

The Trump administration has already spent nearly $500 million on domestic National Guard deployments, with monthly costs being further broken down by the CBO.

Morning Docket: 01.29.26

* Trump accuses Minneapolis mayor of “very serious violation of the law” because the mayor is obeying a Supreme Court precedent written by well-known leftist… Antonin Scalia. [Time]

* Meanwhile, a Minnesota federal judge blocked Homeland Security’s current indiscriminate sweep and ordered the release of those recently detained. [Courthouse News Service]

* Seventh Circuit digs into AI privacy settlement that gave plaintiffs a cut of the defendant. [National Law Journal]

* Judges will come together to better understand AI and its implications for the justice system. [Legaltech News]

* Spider-Man testifies in Goldstein trial. [Law360]

* Lawsuit hopes to block FEMA staffing cuts. [Reuters]

* Inter American back in ABA compliance. Congrats. [ABA Journal]

Grown Adults Fighting Over Twitter — See Also

Harmeet Dhillon and Ed Whelan Go At It: I’m not saying they had nothing better to do with their lives, but I’m also not not saying it.

Judges Are Fed Up With The DOJ: If you’re going to make a goofy argument, at least do the work of supporting it.

Regional Law Schools Weighs Merits Of Merging: Is making more money worth leaving the community?

Open Racism As Networking Tool: The “I HATE BLACK PEOPLE” lady works for America First Legal Foundation now.

Never Too Late To Gamble: Tom Goldstein called the government’s bluff.

Pocket Watching Is Okay When We Do It!: Answer our survey, please and thanks.

What, Exactly, Is ‘Disruption,’ And How Does This Affect Lawyers?

Rita Gunther McGrath, Columbia Business School professor and Wall Street Journal columnist, discusses how AI is forcing professional services to price outcomes instead of hours.

I Legally Carried A Concealed Handgun At A Minnesota Anti-ICE Protest

I do not believe Good and Pretti died in vain.

How Cleary Gottlieb Created A Virtuous Cycle With Tech

Litera recently celebrated a group of innovative customers that are utilizing their Foundation platform in transformative and unique ways. Here, we’re profiling how an elite firm is staying on the cutting edge.

FIFA 2026, Politics, And The Law: What Sepp Blatter’s Warning Really Means For The World Cup In America

The 2026 tournament is testing whether a sport that markets itself as borderless can function inside a world of tightening borders and polarized politics.

New Year, New Shingle: Why 2026 Is The Year To Bet On Yourself

It is time to start your own firm? See the tips you'll need to make that a reality.

What Does Your Paycheck Look Like?

Take a brief survey and help us benchmark compensation for lawyers at small and midsize law firms.

What Does OpenAI And Anthropic’s Healthcare Push Mean For The Industry?

As OpenAI and Anthropic move deeper into healthcare, experts say AI chatbots are becoming the new front door to medicine.

Morning Docket: 01.28.26

* Kirkland drama reveals that when the bell rings, private equity clients trump litigation clients. [Financial Times]

* Lawyer representing the agent who killed Renee Good drops out of GOP race for governor, says ICE has gone too far. [WSJ]

* ABA convenes with a hefty agenda. [ABA Journal]

* A look at how Minnesota firms are dealing with the disruption brought on by ICE’s operation. [American Lawyer]

* As Minnesota situation worsens, congresswoman attacked at town hall meeting, sprayed with unknown substance. [CSPAN]

* State lawmakers look for avenues to bring local charges against federal agents who commit crimes. [Reuters]

* New York considers legalizing dancing. [Lowering the Bar]

Maine Plane Crash Claims Lives — See Also

An Attempted Take-Off Turns Tragic: We send our condolences to their family and friends.

Trump Administration Leaves Transportation Regulation Up To AI: No way this will pan out well.

Bush-Appointed Judge Benchslaps ICE: He got so fed up that ICE followed the court order!

Torts Professor Doesn’t Let History Of Being Wrong Stop Him: Nor will he let history get in the way of his trash birthright citizenship take.

Judge Tells Government To “Be Serious” About West Wing Demolition Justification: And it was seriously funny!

Mind Your Parents: Everyone benefits when parental leave actually supports working parents!

Judge’s Side Hustle’s Pretty Successful

Judge knows something about murder...

Bush-Appointed Federal Judge To ICE: Comply With Court Courts. ICE: You’ve Got Us There!

Caring about the rule of law is not just for Democrats.

Torts Professor Who Botched COVID Prediction Suddenly Expert On Birthright Citizenship

The law professor who predicted only 500 Americans would die of COVID is back with another expertise-free take.