Michigan State

Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 06.14.18

* The New York American Inn of Court presents, “Fast Times at Ruth Bader Ginsburg High.” You'll never think of Phoebe Cates the same way again. [New York Law Journal] * In the wake of decades of sexual abuse, Michigan State turned to former Republican governor John Engler to serve as interim president and steer the school back from this tragedy. His response is to smear the victims. The only shocking thing about this is that anyone expected a different result. [Detroit Free Press] * Apple is making it harder for law enforcement to crack into your phone. If they can follow this up with a longer lasting battery, we might forgive them for removing the headphone jack. [CNN] * A reminder that the next shoe in the Supreme Court's attempt to resuscitate Lochner is about to drop. [Vox] * United Lex and LeClairRyan's new deal has the legal technology community buzzing. But banking on law firms to embrace change hasn't always panned out. [American Lawyer] * When the revolution comes, they'll point to our highly developed law of golf balls as proof of our decadence. [Law.com] * Due process suit brought by journalists on the infamous United States kill list will go forward. [Courthouse News Service]

By Joe Patrice
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 05.24.18

* For Tex McIver, love means never having to say you're sorry... for shooting your wife in the back. [Daily Report Online] * Vivia Chen wonders if my personal trolling that finally convinced Aaron Schlossberg to release a statement distancing himself from his racist tirade. The answer is yes. [American Lawyer] * Michael Avenatti got some bad news in court the other day when a judge ordered his firm to pay $10 million to a lawyer who used to work with them and alleged the firm shorted him on his share of the profits. [NY Post] * Ben Brafman's working overtime to convince federal prosecutors to stay out of the Harvey Weinstein matter. If successful, Brafman would just have to tell Cy Vance that Weinstein is rich and that should shut down the whole inquiry. [New York Law Journal] * Trump's continued attacks on federal law enforcement are... bad. Thankfully, trickster god Rod Rosenstein has a plan. [Atlantic] * The appeals court upheld the ruling striking down California's assisted suicide law. That's probably the right result in this case. [NPR] * AI is changing the legal sector. Especially when you realize that AI isn't what its hype men were selling a couple years ago. [Forbes] * MSU has a new lawyer and he'll have his hands full. [Corporate Counsel]

By Joe Patrice
Morning Docket

Morning Docket: 04.20.18

* Welcome Rudy Giuliani to the Trump legal team. Reminder that the last time he offered Trump legal advice he inadvertently built the strongest case against the travel ban, so this should go well. [CNN] * Overshadowed by the Rudy announcement, Trump also hired married Miami duo Marty and Jane Serene Raskin. They're actually competent criminal defense attorneys, so I don't expect them to last long. [McClatchy] * Alexander Hamilton earns honorary degree from Albany Law School. Upon learning he'll have the same degree as Megyn Kelly, Hamilton decided Aaron Burr might have done him a favor. [Law.com] * Officials have moved the "Fearless Girl" statue citing "safety" though the fear of a completely frivolous lawsuit from the sculptor of "Charging Bull" may be the real culprit. So a woman took a bold stand and will therefore be shuffled off to another office out of the way... that may be the most iconic depiction of Wall Street yet. [Dealbreaker] * In the wake of the horrific Larry Nassar cover up, Michigan State's GC Robert Noto nabbed $436000 in severance pay. Because accountability is important. [Corporate Counsel] * James Comey keeps receipts. [Huffington Post] * If you're looking for your daily dose of wackiness, here's a $100M lawsuit from Jason Lee Van Dyke against the man trying to get him disbarred. [Daily Beast] * Chuck Schumer's going to introduce a bill to decriminalize marijuana. Because it's 4/20. Chuck Schumer is making 4/20 jokes now. [NPR]

By Joe Patrice
Non-Sequiturs

Non-Sequiturs: 12.07.15

* Bonus season has officially arrived in Biglaw-land. But what does it all mean? [ATL Redline] * Sure, it may be cuffing season, but if you don't get divorced before January 23rd it could cost you. [New York Post] * Will Generation Z destroys law schools? [Law and More] * What is beneath the crusty exterior of hardened partners? [Daily Lawyer Tips] * Can the Republicans' Southern Strategy be classified as a success? [Lawyers, Guns and Money] * Michigan State is tops in football, basketball, and, oh yeah, debate. [SB Nation]

By Kathryn Rubino
Animal Law

Non-Sequiturs: 12.10.13

* Remember the chimps seeking habeas? Well, bad news: they’re staying in custody, per an order from Judge Ralph A. Boniello III. Now their freedom is up to the Army of the 12 Monkeys. [Wired] * Elizabeth Coker has announced she is seeking the office of Polk County Criminal District Attorney. While some may disagree, I think this is a great idea. She’s been directing the litigation strategies of prosecutors for some time now. So why does a judge drummed out of office for texting prosecutors think she should go back into public service? Prayer. Of course. [Polk County Today] * Judge Steven Rhodes is overseeing the Detroit bankruptcy. He’s not taking any guff off anyone, including an investment banker who pledged that it was “very important” that his firm help the city, prompting Judge Rhodes to point out, “What’s very important to you is to make money.” He’s also a badass rhythm guitarist. [Associated Press via Yahoo!] * A Colorado judge has declared that a discriminating baker can no longer prevent gay couples from buying wedding cakes. It’s unclear if he’s ordering the baker to stock those stupid plastic cake toppers in groom & groom format. [Consumerist] * Proofreading law school exams. This article is aimed at law students, but maybe it should be directed toward a certain St. John’s professor… [Law School Toolbox] * George Zimmerman’s girlfriend wants him out of jail. She originally told police that Zimmerman pointed a shotgun in her face. That’s Princess Bride-level true love s**t right there. [Slate] * Michigan State celebrated putting Ohio State in its place by setting “at least 57 fires.” Can someone holding a sign encouraging people to “Burn the Couch” be held liable? A better question is whether West Virginia can sue Michigan State for stealing their hillbilly intellectual property? [PrawfsBlawg] * Sadly, Akerman partner Richard Sharpstein was found dead in his home today. He was 63. [Daily Business Review] * A few tipsters sent this one in. They claim it’s a law student acting like a jerk trying to buy cigarettes in a drug store. The sound is spotty, so none of us could figure out exactly what was going on, but it’s worth it for the guy who yells: “Yeah, tell him! Tell him when you were born!” Video after the jump….

By Joe Patrice