Debevoise & Plimpton

Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 05.02.17

* Fewer than 18 percent of federal appeals have oral arguments because federal judges think your argument is just as dumb as the rest of us. [Law.com] * Mark Geragos files $100 million lawsuit against Ja Rule and the other organizers of Fyre Festival because rich people can't be forced to live like poors without consequences. [Variety] * Former Acting Solicitor General Ian Gershengorn says, "I feel like I am standing on the shoulders of giants," which is just a tad sly considering he's returning to the firm he worked at for 12 years. [National Law Journal] * Speaking of the exodus to the private sector, the "Government to Debevoise Pipeline" rolls on with SEC Enforcement's FCPA chief Kara Brockmeyer joining the firm. For those keeping track this pipeline has now officially created more jobs than the Keystone Pipeline promised. [Corporate Counsel] * Maybe we'll make this whole roundup about moving to private practice! Crowell & Moring adds former Homeland Security Chief of Staff Paul Rosen. [Politico] * Fox Rothschild does what anyone else who spends time in Los Angeles does: moves to Seattle. [Legal Intelligencer] * The Supreme Court made it harder to sue a foreign government that seizes American assets. Good thing America's leadership is focused on sound diplomacy and doesn't needlessly provoke countries by describing them as "a mess." This should work out well. [Law360] * The folks behind the Bar Exam Stats blog have opened a Law School HQ, a new site with a broader focus. [Law School HQ]

By Joe Patrice
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 03.31.16

* William Shatner has found himself at the center of a $170 million paternity lawsuit that was filed by a radio DJ who claims the actor had a fling with his biological mother. If we'd been able to reach him for comment, we imagine Shatner would've said something like this for himself: "Oh my... God I am... not... the father." [People Magazine] * Judge Rosemary Collyer of the D.C. District Court may not have the name recognition some of her colleagues do, but she's had a hand in some of the most newsworthy cases we've seen in recent years. The "systemically important" judge just added another notch to her high-profile belt by stripping MetLife of its "too big to fail" label. [WSJ Law Blog] * "When your basic human needs are at stake, you should have a lawyer to protect those needs. The consequences are too great." Eighteen states are considering bills that would ensure legal representation for low-income people in certain civil cases, such as matters involving eviction, foreclosure, child custody, and involuntary commitment. [ABC News] * Earlier this week, Debevoise & Plimpton launched the Debevoise Women’s Review, a site that will aim to focus on the achievements of women lawyers and business professionals. The site will concentrate on "the development, retention and promotion of female professionals." Way to go, Debevoise! [Big Law Business / Bloomberg BNA] * More and more law schools are completely overhauling their coursework in an effort to put more butts in seats, and make sure those butts are prepared for law practice after graduation. Some schools have even significantly reduced tuition costs. For example, students can now attend Elon Law for the low, low flat rate of $100K. [U.S. News]

By Staci Zaretsky
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 02.25.16

* Democrats held a press conference demanding that Republicans do their job when it comes to filling Justice Scalia's seat on the Supreme Court. My guess is a petition isn't going to change anyone in the GOP's mind on this one. [National Law Journal] * District Judge John Gleeson is stepping down from his position next month. He'll be returning to private practice at... Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. [Wall Street Journal] * Virginia is considering legislation that would actually hid the names of all police officers. Less transparency for law enforcement? That is pretty much the exact opposite of what is needed. [Washington Post] * You know how the NFL has been in the news a bunch for a variety of legal issues? The newly for-profit organization is releasing their tax filings, and their legal expenses are detailed. Ouch. [American Lawyer] * Looks like attorneys formerly of Dickstein Shapiro are making themselves right at home at Blank Rome if their latest win for client Oshkosh Defense LLC is any indication. [Litigation Daily] * Take a look at the details of the sexual assault lawsuit from the 90s against Donald Trump. [Law Newz]

By Kathryn Rubino
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 11.16.15

* DraftKings and FanDuel aren't going to take a knee and allow New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to rip away their gamblers clients. Both daily fantasy sites have refused to stop conducting business in New York, and have instead filed suit against Schneiderman with some hefty Biglaw backing. [WSJ Law Blog] * During a recent speaking engagement at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, Justice Antonin Scalia explained why he writes such scathingly quotable dissents: "I’m writing dissents mainly for you guys—for law students. I know it will be in the casebooks." [University of St. Thomas NewsRoom] * SCOTUS granted cert in a challenge to Texas abortion laws, and some wonder how this decision will affect other states' laws. If the justices don't think these restrictions represent an undue burden, then women may as well hang up their ovaries and go home. [Reuters] * We'll have to rely on old faithful, Justice RBG, to raise the torch for women. She recently sat down for tea with Gloria Steinem to discuss women's rights. "Ruth is better at getting along with people with whom we profoundly disagree," says Steinem. [New York Times] * The "least sexy" part of a merger? If you want to know what took the Dentons / Dacheng merger so long to be formalized, Dentons CEO Elliott Portnoy says it had to do with website, logo, communications, and marketing issues. [Big Law Business / Bloomberg]

By Staci Zaretsky
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 10.08.15

* Remember the judge who challenged a public defender to a fistfight in court? He was suspended by the Florida Supreme Court, and has 20 days to explain why he should keep his job. With all due respect, your great right hook isn't a good enough reason, Your Honor. [Florida Today] * Screw the historic SCOTUS decision, because this Alabama probate judge really doesn't want to issue same-sex marriage licenses. In fact, he doesn't think any judges in the state should have to do so. He wants the federal government to issue them instead. [AL.com] * In the wake of the latest daily fantasy sports scandal involving DraftKings, FanDuel has hired the kind of legal representation that you'd want on your team for a Hail Mary play. Hut! Hut! Hike! Time to suit up, Debevoise and Kirkland. [Big Law Business / Bloomberg] * The University of Chicago Law School has a new dean. We'd like to wish a warm welcome to Thomas Miles, a "rookie dean" who likely has enough prestige points under his belt to lead one of the best law schools in the nation with great ease. [Crain's Chicago Business] * Today is the 25th Annual National Depression Screening Day, so if you're a lawyer or a law student who's feeling anxious or depressed, please feel free to take an anonymous online screening quiz. There are people and programs who can help you. [Am Law Daily]

By Staci Zaretsky