Above the Law

The New Year Is A Time For Endings — See Generally

Midsize Law Firm Begins New Year By Closing: Firm's resolution appears to have been to shed all its offices.

Judge Ho Trades Common Decency For Chance To Suck Up To Trump: The president's fans are sending violent threats to federal judges. Judge Ho wants to make clear to anyone who might choose a future Supreme Court justice that he doesn't think those threats should be that big of a deal.

ICE Kills Minneapolis Woman And Will Probably Evade Justice: Prosecuting the ICE agent who killed Renee Good presents an uphill battle. Unfortunately, civil relief could prove just as elusive.

The Third Amendment Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer To Midnight: Hilton cut off a franchisee after the Department of Homeland Security attacked the global chain over social media because the local management did not want to deal with the protests related to housing ICE agents.

See Ya!: Judge placed on leave after video of racist and homophobic remarks went viral has now lost her job.

Fake U.S. Attorney Can't Take A Hint: Judge losing patience with Lindsey Halligan pretending to be a prosecutor.

Chief Justice's Annual Report Cites Founding Father Who Would Have Zero Tolerance For This Nonsense: The man who gave Donald Trump absolute immunity framed his latest report around Thomas Paine.

Government Attacks Abrego Garcia’s Reputation As He Awaits Trial — See Also

Garcia Wants To See Some Consequences When They Violate Court Orders: He’s pushing for sanctions.

Too Bad To Punish: Ethics authority opts out of charging Brendan Carr.

A Record-Setting Year For M&A!: Which businesses will be the next to combine?

So Long, Judge Ryan!: “New Racist” judge finally calls it quits after collecting free money for 15 months.

Appearing Healthy Is Good For Business: Your colleagues might not be as healthy as they’re letting on.

Reed: Congress ‘Would Have To’ Codify Trump’s Defense Industry Stock Buyback Mandates

The top SASC Democrat stopped short of supporting Trump's executive order, as a few defense firms said they're on board, at least publicly.

Generative Engine Optimization: How To Make Your Law Firm Visible In AI Answers

What is GEO, should you be worried about it, and how can you make sure your law firm is visible in all these AI search answers?

Lawyers Sometimes Hide Health Issues From Clients

If a lawyer cannot handle a representation due to a health issue, they should have another lawyer step in.

Are We Prepared To Deal With The Coming Wearable Revolution?

Wearables offer tremendous potential benefits. But our responsibility is to think hard about the risks these wearables bring to the legal process.

Above The Law’s 2025 Lawyer Of The Year Contest: The Finalists!

From distinguished to despicable, who should be Above the Law’s Lawyer of the Year for 2025?

Choosing Growth Over Fear: How Lawyers Create Positive Change From The Inside Out 

When lawyers learn how to ground themselves internally, they make decisions from clarity rather than stress.

How Appealing Weekly Roundup

The week in appellate news.

Abrego Garcia Asks For Sanctions As Gov’t Officials Continue To Publicly Attack Him Ahead Of His Trial

From the admin-motormouths dept.

Morning Docket: 01.09.26

* M&A lawyers see busy year ahead. [Reuters]

* Recent judicial nominees can’t give a straight answer about January 6. That said, Trump nominees haven’t been able to give a straight answer to “is segregation unconstitutional” for years. [Balls and Strikes]

* An explainer for Grok’s newfound sexual harassment feature. [Guardian]

* The case for Minnesota prosecuting Renee Good’s murderer. [The Nation]

* DOJ awards law license portability to military spouses — a logical reform that somehow took this long to achieve. [ABA Journal]

* TikTok sues Nebraska AG over withholding records. [Courthouse News Service]

* Harvey Weinstein enters plea talks ahead of upcoming trial. [Law360]

* Luigi Mangione asks judge to boot two charges against him. [NBC News]

* What triggered the fall of McGlinchey? [American Lawyer]

Irony Died A Long Time Ago — See Also

Judge Ho Attacks Judges With “Overinflated Intelligence”: Stop hitting yourself.

Attorney Indicted On 91 Felony Counts: That’s a lot of stalking!

Vibes Can’t Get You That Far: Another hopeful fails to make U.S. Attorney.

All Eyes On Them: See if you can guess the most searched law firms of 2025!

The Leading Voice In Legal Academia

The influence is undeniable.

Is This The Year For Critical Ignoring?

The effects of social media have led to unhappy consequences, intended and unintended.

Jonathan Turley Watches ICE Kill A Woman, Asks Why Democrats Are So Upset

When cable news bookings become the only credibility that matters.