Above the Law

AI Contracts Are Moving Faster Than The Laws. In-House Counsel Can’t Wait.

In-house counsel do not need perfect foresight.

8am’s Smart Spend Enhancement: Analogue Thinking In A GenAI World

The unheralded things that aren’t GenAI can still be critical to getting what lawyers want and need to get done.

Anthropic CEO Says Pentagon Ban Less Harsh Than Hegseth Had Threatened

CEO Dario Amodei said he would still sue to overturn the designation of Anthropic as a 'supply chain risk,' but he said the company was 'having productive conversations with the Department of War' — which Pentagon CTO Emil Michael promptly denied.

Morning Docket: 03.09.26

* After about-face on withdrawing lawsuits against law firms, Justice Department uncorks almost 100 pages of vitriol against federal judges for ruling against the administration generally. [NY Times]

* Book publishers sue what they’re calling a shadow library that provided materials for AI training. [Law360]

* John Quinn tells the Brits that American lawyers work harder. Which may be true, but you don’t rub that in! [The Times]

* Profiling the judge who ordered the administration to start issuing tariff refunds. [New York Law Journal]

* The administration is pushing the Supreme Court to weaken the federal judiciary. And so far the Court seems on board. [Reuters]

* Court strikes down… basically everything about how Voice of America has been run. [NPR]

Change Change Change — See Generally

But If We Changed The Rules…: Department of Justice proposes new rule that allows Pam Bondi to decide if any of her lawyers violated state ethics rules. This should work out great!

Trump Over Grades: Law school tells students that prestigious jobs are open if they’re loyal to Trump, and that GPA isn’t much of a factor.

Bye Bye Piece Of The Equity Pie: Arnold & Porter creates income tier.

What If We Just Get Rid Of The Author?: Federal Circuit dissents drop once they invent a new exception to life tenure to get rid of Judge Newman.

DOJ Gives Up Unconstitutional Nonsense Case… OR DO THEY?!?: Trump’s attempt to ruin Biglaw firms who wouldn’t pay him off dies a quiet death in court. Then, within 24 hours, the DOJ tells the court that it’s reversing itself and would like to continue illegally harassing law firms.

Speaking Of Reversals: The Florida Bar opened an investigation into ethically challenged government lawyer Lindsey Halligan. And then immediately announced that it didn’t know anything about that.

AI Could Mess Up The Outside Counsel Relationship: This tech may not replace lawyers, but it might replace which lawyers do the work.

The Government Does The Leaking Around Here — See Also

Two Doxing Systems: Apparently the government can dox anyone with no consequences.

One Hell Of An Oopsie: The Florida Bar took Lindsey Halligan to task. Until they didn’t?

Focused On Social Justice?: These are the law schools to keep on your radar!

University Of Kentucky Nabs Their New Dean: Who better than a federal judge alum!?

Mentorship Matters: Judges should take more law students under their wings.

The Legal Industry’s Embarrassing Gender Pay Gap

That's... discouraging.

Mount Sinai Drops Anthem Following Contract Dispute

The dispute reflects broader pressures on payers and providers, with rising costs and administrative inefficiencies driving contentious contract battles and highlighting the need for deeper cost-control innovation.

More Judges Should Mentor Law Students

More judges should take an active role in mentoring law students and expanding internship opportunities.

The Heppner And Warner Rulings: Hobgoblin Consistency Or An Application Of Principle?

Both cases suggest that use of GenAI tools in litigation should be handled with care.

‘Incompetence And Chaos’: Former Judge Torches DOJ’s Litigation Meltdown In Biglaw Executive Orders Case

Oopsies like this don't typically happen, and it's making people wonder who, if anyone, is running the show.

This Is Why Criminal Justice Needs Number Nerds

A numbers-based look at the system.

Federal Judge Steps Up To Be Law School Dean

What a great pick!

Corporate Legal Departments Are Done Subsidizing Biglaw’s Business Model

Times they are a changin'.

When Florida Bar Said It Was Serious About Ethical Violations It MEANT To Say, ‘Yes, Sir. Glory To The MAGA Empire!’

That didn't take long...