Above the Law

The EU Is Investigating Shein

The fast fashion retailer is making headlines, and not in a good way.

Morning Docket: 02.19.26

* Biglaw lawyers are charging $3400/hour and clients are paying. Because no matter how much they gnash their teeth, they always do. [WSJ]

* Remember the episode of JAG where the military lawyer paradropped into a Minnesota habeas mess and instantly got held in contempt for failing to comply with court orders? No? Well, it’s real life now. [Fox 9]

* The Artist Formerly Known as Prince… Andrew arrested in connection with Epstein investigation. Meanwhile, our [CNN]

* More lawyers sanctioned for AI-generated brief errors. [Reuters]

* DOJ defections flood the labor market with qualified attorneys. [CBS News]

* “Roberts, Alito Face New Criticism of Stock Ownership After Rule Change.” Actually, it’s the same old criticism, but it’s nice we get to talk about it again. [National Law Journal]

* Law professor arrested and charged with possession of child porn. Somehow this is not about Jeffrey Epstein. [News 6]

Paul Weiss Is Still Catching Heat For Selling Out — See Also

California AG Calls The Firm Cowards: Can’t say we disagree!

Trump DOJ Can’t Even Provide The Law They Accuse Lawmakers Of Breaking: They aren’t even trying anymore.

AI Can Improve Your Deposition Game: DepoSim could be the next big tool in your training toolkit!

‘Boneless’ And ‘Wings’ Don’t Mean Much Anymore: These court cases show restaurants can get away with the name game.

Judge Plays Fashion Police Over Lawyer’s Wardrobe: They declared a mistrial over a civil rights shirt.

On This Week Of Thinking Like A Lawyer: Brother Epstein, blaming layoffs on AI, and Kathryn Ruemmler steps down.

Stock Traders Are No Longer Taking Employment And Inflation Data From The Trump Administration At Face Value

The numbers are in ...

AI Takes The Blame, Epstein Takes The Careers

And law students finally get some good news.

Nonequity Partners: It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Business

Nonequity partnership isn't beloved by those forced into it.

Trump DOJ Can’t Answer, ‘What Law Did My Client Allegedly Break?’

Spoiler alert: it was never about the law.

Deposition Simulator Uses AI To Bring Training Opportunities To Young Lawyers

Frankly, it's a great refresher for experienced attorneys too.

Agentic AI Is Forcing Contracts To Govern Continuous Behavior

Agentic AI isn’t about independent intent. It’s about continuity.

District Court Upholds Decision That Restaurants Can Coast On Vibes

Let's pour one out for meaning.

Could Artificial Intelligence Bankrupt Social Security?

The solvency of the social security trust fund has been a concern in the past few decades.

California AG Says Paul, Weiss Sold Out The Profession

Because, you know, that's what they did.

NYU Langone Health: We’re Close To Clinical AI With No Human In The Loop

They argue automation is not just about efficiency, but also a practical and necessary solution to workforce shortages and system inefficiencies.

Morning Docket: 02.18.26

* Federal judges granted limited freedom to respond to “illegitimate forms of criticism and attacks.” [ABA Journal]

* Law firms continue to drive the commercial real estate market, with Linklaters committing to expand office by 50 percent. Maybe Biglaw isn’t planning to lay everyone off and switch to AI after all. [New York Law Journal]

* Trump administration sued over removing Pride flag from Stonewall monument as if it’s a national monument for its drink specials. [NY Times]

* Justice Department isn’t acting like it used to say Criminal Defense Lawyers For Understatement. [NPR]

* CFTC asserts its regulatory authority to affirmatively shield websites skirting gambling laws from meaningful regulation. The president’s son is deeply invested in Polymarket… probably just a coincidence. [CNBC]

* Judge declares mistrial over lawyer’s attire. [Guardian]

* Harvey signs Suits star whose character inspired its name as spokesperson. [LawSites]

What Is This, A Louis C.K. Bit? — See Also

Prosecution Argues Defendant’s Potential Masturbation Wasn’t That Big Of A Deal: Won’t be able to get off that easy! Err…

Pentagon Rules Out DOD Tuition Assistance Programs For Elite Law Schools To Fight Woke: Its like DEI for lower ranked schools!

Trump Administration Fails To Undercut Substantive Rights: Judge Paula Xinis stops ICE from trying to “rewrite history.”

Trump Appointed Federal Judge Sounds Constitutional Alarm: Judge restrains ICE from violating the Constitution.

Get Your Paperwork In Order: Transparent finances could stand between Appalachian School of Law and millions.

Is Your Dream School In The Budget?: Federal loan caps could be a monkey wrench in financing your degree.