Don Willett

Non-Sequiturs

Non Sequiturs: 11.18.18

* Walter Dellinger and Marty Lederman offer their analysis of the Office of Legal Counsel memo, written by Assistant Attorney General Steve Engel, on the appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General. [Just Security] * WWRMD: What Would Robert Mueller Do, in the event that he's fired by Matt Whitaker? His options would be limited, according to Joel Cohen and Jennifer Rodgers. [The Hill] * As for who will become the next Senate-confirmed Attorney General, here are some possibilities -- including Glenn Reynolds's picks. [Instapundit] * Victoria Baranetsky, general counsel at the Center for Investigative Reporting, argues that the Jim Acosta case is about protecting press rights as well as due process. [Take Care] * Facebook friends aren't "real" friends -- at least according to this interesting new opinion from the Florida Supreme Court, highlighted by Eugene Volokh. [Reason / Volokh Conspiracy] * Managing partners don't get no respect at law firms -- and Bruce MacEwen thinks that's a problem. [Adam Smith Esq.] * Even though it has been out for just a few months, Westlaw Edge already has 1,500 subscribers -- and if you're thinking about getting it, tune in to this (sponsored) webinar to learn more. [Dewey B Strategic] * Yesterday I spoke at the Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention on a panel about technology, social media, and legal ethics, featuring Judge Don Willett (5th Cir.), Chief Judge Stephen Dillard (Ga. Ct. App.), Josh Blackman, and John Browning. Check it out!

By David Lat
Non-Sequiturs

Non-Sequiturs: 09.23.18

* In case you missed it amidst all the craziness of last week, Monday was Constitution Day -- and as Judge Don Willett reminds us, it's up to us to keep our constitutional republic strong. [Wall Street Journal] * The Supreme Court clerk class of October Term 2008: where are they now? Derek Muller has tracked them down. [Excess of Democracy] * Senator Dianne Feinstein is under fire, and not just for her handling of the Kavanaugh nomination -- but she's still likely to emerge victorious in November, as Kashmir Hill reports. [Splinter] * The past 12 months haven't been easy for superlawyer David Boies -- but he's still very busy (and also a bit wiser), as he tells Jim Stewart. [New York Times] * It's only a matter of time before the Supreme Court has to address the rights of transgender students under Title IX, according to Justin Driver -- who's the author of a buzz-generating new book, The Schoolhouse Gate: Public Education, the Supreme Court, and the Battle for the American Mind (affiliate link). [Reason / Volokh Conspiracy] * If you're looking for advice about discipline, focus, happiness, and relationships -- and who isn't? -- here's a podcast you might want to check out. [University of Good / SoundCloud] * Law firm mergers are notoriously hit or miss -- so this new M&A intelligence tool from ALM could come in very handy. [Dewey B Strategic] * Congratulations to the six new participants in LexisNexis's third Silicon Valley Legal Tech Accelerator program! [Artificial Lawyer]

By David Lat
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 12.08.17

* ICYMI: Texas Supreme Court Justice and Fifth Circuit nominee Don Willett saved a man from choking to death at a Chik-fil-A about a week ago. Chief Judge Stephen Dillard of the Georgia Court of Appeals had this funny little quip about Willett's heroism: "This Day in Judicial 'Activism.'" [Houston Chronicle] * If you want an easy way out of your Biglaw job, just follow these easy tips for how to behave at your firm's holiday party. [American Lawyer] * Lanny Davis has an interesting take on all of the reasons why -- much to Donald Trump's chagrin -- the DOJ is not the president's own personal law firm. [The Hill] * Biglaw firms are swooping in like vultures to pick apart Sedgwick's decaying carcass. The failed firm's London office only has one partner left. [American Lawyer] * "This is embarrassing, Mom. You look homeless." A Detroit lawyer has founded a nonprofit law firm and she's currently working and sleeping in an outdoor hovel during her "campout for justice." She hopes to raise money to help more clients. Here's her GoFundMe page. Donate bonus cash to a good cause! [Detroit Free Press]

By Staci Zaretsky