Federal Judges

Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 04.18.17

* Tyann Sorrell, the woman who accused the former dean of UC Berkeley Law of sexually harassing her, was none too pleased with the settlement that was recently announced by the school. She says the deal, which leaves Sujit Chaudry with tenure and benefits, "insults all who suffer harassment at the hands of those with power and privilege." [Law.com] * "I liked being a judge, but I loved being a lawyer." Judge Kevin Sharp of the Middle District of Tennessee has turned in his robes to become a partner at plaintiffs-side employment and civil rights firm Sanford Heisler, which will now be known as Sanford Heisler Sharp. He's expected to play a critical role in the firm's gender discrimination suit filed against Chadbourne & Parke. [New York Law Journal via ABA Journal] * "I have no problem calling people out in meetings. It’s so bizarre, the excuses people give me why there are not more women in the room, never mind diversity of gender, race or religion." PayPal's top lawyer will quickly find a way to never have to work with your firm ever again if it seems like those who are in charge haven't gotten the message that "a room full of white men" isn't going to get or retain her business. [Big Law Business] * If you're trying to find a way to differentiate your firm from all of the rest, then why not experiment with the fine art that's decorating your office walls? If you want your firm to be branded as home to rebellious lawyers without a cause -- of action? -- then some "naughty" restroom art is in order, like at Phipps Anderson Deacon. [Huffington Post] * Uh-oh! You've been accepted to law school but now it looks like you'll need to defer. This is a pretty useful guide on how to go about navigating a deferral of admission, and it even includes come fun facts, like the schools that won't grant deferrals except for extremely extenuating circumstances. [Law Admissions Lowdown / U.S. News]

By Staci Zaretsky
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 04.17.17

* Settlements have been reached between Berkeley Law, the school's former dean, and the dean's former assistant. If you recall, then dean Sujit Chaudry was accused of sexually harassing his assistant, and as part of the settlement, he'll have to pay $100K in fees and charitable donations, but will be considered to be on "sabbatical" until May 2018, keeping all of his benefits. Hmm, do we think this is fair? [Mercury News] * "We have not livestreamed before, but that's not to say that won't happen in this case." The Fourth Circuit is considering livestreaming oral arguments for travel ban 2.0, much like what the Ninth Circuit did with oral arguments for Trump's first travel ban. Maybe you'll be able to do some "professional development" billing... [National Law Journal] * "Arkansas does not intend to torture plaintiffs to death." Judge Kristine G. Baker (E.D. Ark.) has halted a whirlwind series of eight executions -- the state's first executions scheduled since 2005 -- citing a "threat of irreparable harm" if the drug midazolam is used as part of the lethal injection drug protocol and somehow fails. [New York Times] * More and more out-of-state Biglaw firms are flocking to Houston, Texas, to open their own offices, which has inspired many lawyers to leave their current firms for greener pastures -- in terms of both money and opportunities. But is there enough legal work to go around with all of the new competition? Only time will tell. [Houston Chronicle] * Ten Harvard Law student affinity groups are gunning for Professor David B. Wilkins to become the next dean of the school after Martha Minow steps down at the end of the year. They've written a letter to the university president, imploring him to take their advice and select their dean candidate for the position. Check it out. [Harvard Crimson]

By Staci Zaretsky
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 04.03.17

* Remember Chris Sevier, the man who, in an effort to protest same-sex marriage, filed suit against Florida, Texas, and now Utah because he alleged he was denied the right to marry his computer? A federal judge has refused to dismiss his case because some of his wild claims ought to be heard in court -- and not just for the judge's entertainment. Surprisingly, this wasn't an April Fools' joke. [FOX 13 News] * "It is plausible that Trump’s direction to 'get 'em out of here' advocated the use of force. It was an order, an instruction, a command.' President Trump once again has his bold language to blame for his lawyers' inability to get a lawsuit dismissed. Because free speech isn't a viable defense, a federal judge has refused to toss out allegations that Trump incited violence against protesters at one of his campaign rallies. [NBC News] * "[W]e do not intend to give any professional organizations special access to our nominees." Breaking with tradition, the Trump administration has decided to forgo the American Bar Association's pre-nomination assistance when it comes to evaluating and rubber-stamping candidates for the federal judiciary. We'll have more on this later. [New York Times] * Facebook is requiring that women and ethnic minorities account for at least 33 percent of law firm teams working on its matters. In addition, those firms must "actively identify and create clear and measurable leadership opportunities for women and minorities" who represent the social networking giant. Love. ❤ [DealBook / New York Times] * The ABA may eliminate a requirement that full-time faculty teach at least half of all upper-level courses offered at their law schools. Hmm, if law professors worked half as much, then perhaps their salaries would decrease along with their work load and there would be less of an excuse to keep student tuition so absurdly high. [Inside Higher Ed]

By Staci Zaretsky