Latest news with #lawfirms
Reuters
9 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
U.S. law firm Susman Godfrey defeats Trump executive order
June 27 (Reuters) - Law firm Susman Godfrey convinced a judge on Friday to permanently block a White House executive order against it, capping a string of court victories for firms targeted for their association with U.S. President Donald Trump's perceived enemies. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan said Trump's order unlawfully retaliated against Susman for cases it has taken and its efforts to promote racial diversity, violating the firm's rights to free speech and due process of law under the U.S. Constitution. AliKhan is the fourth federal judge in Washington to reach a similar conclusion, following wins for Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale in parallel cases. The rulings by a mix of Democratic and Republican-appointed judges each decisively rejected Trump's orders suspending security clearances at the firms, restricting their access to government officials and seeking to cancel federal contracts held by their clients. Nine prominent law firms, including Paul Weiss, Skadden Arps, Latham & Watkins and Kirkland & Ellis, have settled with the White House to avoid similar actions against them by the administration. Those firms cumulatively pledged nearly $1 billion in free legal services to support causes backed by Trump. Some later argued that the threat of being targeted by the administration left them no alternative. Susman in its lawsuit called Trump's order retaliation for its defense of the integrity of the 2020 presidential election that Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. The firm represents election technology supplier Dominion Voting Systems in cases that challenged false claims the election was stolen from Trump through widespread voting fraud. Trump also had accused Susman of racial discrimination in its hiring practices. AliKhan at a hearing on May 8 repeatedly questioned a lawyer for the Justice Department about the administration's failure to show that the firm's employment programs or its work for Dominion violated the law. The Justice Department and White House have defended Trump's executive orders against law firms as lawful exercises of presidential power. Trump accused the firms of "weaponizing" the justice system against him and his political allies.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Why Lawyers Need To Support The American Bar Association
Washington, DC, USA- January 12, 2020: American Bar Association Building in Washington, DC, USA. The independence of America's legal profession is under unprecedented attack. Last week, the American Bar Association took the extraordinary step of suing the Trump administration to protect law firms from government retaliation—firms that are being punished simply for opposing administration policies. The ABA is urging a federal court in Washington D.C. to strike down Presidential executive orders that have restricted the ability of law firms to even speak with government officials, calling these actions "unprecedented and uniquely dangerous to the rule of law." In describing the ABA's decision to file this lawsuit, the organization's President William Bay said, "The administration's intimidation of lawyers and law firms has gone on long enough and needs to stop immediately." He noted that while a few law firms are now protected by specific court orders, there are "thousands of lawyers who are not party to those cases and don't have the resources to withstand that intimidation, and we're standing up for them." This domestic crisis threatens not just American lawyers, but also the ABA's crucial work defending and supporting legal institutions at home and abroad. As the ABA rises to defend the nation's legal profession, American lawyers must rally to support the ABA in return. Last week's lawsuit builds on a public statement the ABA made in March that declared: "We reject efforts to undermine the courts and the profession. We will not stay silent in the face of efforts to remake the legal profession into something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who do not. Words and actions matter. And the intimidating words and actions we have heard and seen must end. They are designed to cow our country's judges, our country's courts and our legal profession." The gravity of this lawsuit cannot be overstated. The ABA—founded in 1878 and representing more than 250,000 lawyers, judges and law students—rarely takes such direct political action. As the national voice of the legal profession, the organization typically focuses on improving justice administration, accrediting law schools, and promoting the rule of law globally. That it has chosen to sue a sitting administration signals just how serious the threat has become. The stakes aren't just domestic. For 35 years, the ABA's Rule of Law Initiative (ROLI) has strengthened legal institutions in more than 100 countries, training judges, supporting lawyers, and fostering respect for human rights. This work—funded primarily through the State Department and USAID—also has delivered more than $350 million in pro bono legal assistance to fragile democracies worldwide. In 2001, the ABA enhanced its international mission, creating its Center for Human Rights, which supports human rights defenders worldwide, including lawyers, judges, journalists, and citizen-advocates who confront abusive governments to defend the rights of all. Now, the Trump administration is dramatically scaling back funding for these programs. While the ABA is also challenging these budget reductions in court, the threat is profound, and includes massive cuts in work and staff in the US that are already underway. Another important offshoot of the ABA is the World Justice Project (WJP). It was established in 2007 by William Neukom, a former ABA President, to build awareness and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide. The WJP defines the rule of law as a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitments that delivers four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice. The WJP publishes a rule of law index that now covers 142 countries. At a moment when these norms are being challenged in this country and in so many places around the world, the Rule of Law Index provides an essential tool in assessing each nation's adherence to these principles at a moment when democratic norms are being challenged globally. This is a pivotal moment for the American legal profession. If lawyers fail to support the ABA now, we risk normalizing government intimidation of the bar and undermining the independence that is essential to our democratic system. We are also undermining the ABA's essential efforts to support the rule of law globally. The consequences extend far beyond any single administration—they threaten the foundational principle that lawyers must be free to advocate zealously for their clients without fear of government retaliation. Bill Neukom's law firm, K&L Gates, has shown leadership by covering ABA membership costs for all partners and associates. Every law firm and corporate legal department should follow this example. Such support would not only help offset federal funding cuts but send a clear message: the legal profession will not be intimidated — it will stand united in defense of the ABA and most crucially, the rule of law.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Work-Life Balance Is One Of The Biggest Challenges For Female Lawyers
Raquel Gomes is the founder and CEO of Stafi. When we talk about progress in the legal industry, we often point to the rising number of women graduating from law school or the growing visibility of female attorneys in leadership. However, one stubborn truth continues to undermine these milestones: Women leave law firms mid-career at staggering rates. And they aren't leaving because they can't cut it. They're leaving because the system wasn't designed with them in mind. According to the American Bar Association, 58% of female attorneys cite caregiving responsibilities as a major reason for leaving law firms. And while women make up more than half of law school graduates, they account for just 22% of equity partners. The pipeline isn't just leaky—it's hemorrhaging talent. As a psychologist and CEO who supports law firms through strategic staffing and delegation, I see this pattern all too often. Firms spend years cultivating bright, talented women only to lose them when the demands of the job become incompatible with their lives. The irony? These are often the same women clients love most: empathetic, thorough and fiercely committed. The Outdated Ideal Worker Model At the heart of the issue is an outdated view of the "ideal lawyer"—someone who is always available, responds to emails at midnight and wears exhaustion as a badge of honor. But this model doesn't serve anyone, least of all women. The legal profession still rewards visibility and availability over sustainability. For women juggling caregiving, community roles and personal well-being, this model becomes not just unappealing but unlivable. "We celebrate when women make partners, but we should ask: At what cost did they stay?" That's a question I often pose to law firm owners we work with. Burnout isn't just a personal issue; it's a retention crisis. Burnout: The Quiet Saboteur The ABA Journal reports that women in law experience burnout an average of 56% of the time, compared to 41% of the time for men. And in addition to stress, burnout means misalignment. It's what happens when someone's work drains them rather than supports their growth. Too often, the only way women feel they can find relief is by leaving the profession altogether. This doesn't just affect their careers, but also it erodes the diversity, empathy and strength of the legal field as a whole. What Can Law Firms Do? Forward-thinking firms are beginning to see that retaining women requires more than mentorship luncheons and panel discussions. It means: • Offering flexible work—not just remote options but autonomy over how and when work is done. • Creating pathways to leadership that accommodate nonlinear career journeys. • Rebuilding internal cultures to value outcomes over hours. • Providing mental health support and proactively preventing burnout. While specific percentages may vary, the positive impact of mentorship programs on female retention in law firms is well-documented. For example, according to The Australian, firms with formal mentorship programs see 23% higher retention among women. But the most important factor isn't a single policy, it's alignment. When a firm's values align with the lives of its people, retention becomes a natural outcome. A New Definition of Success I believe the future of law isn't just about how many women we can recruit but rather how many we can empower to stay, thrive and lead. Success should not demand self-abandonment. It should reflect wholeness. We need to redefine what it means to win, not just for women in law but for everyone. When women stay, law firms don't just retain talent. They retain perspective, innovation and strength. And that's the kind of firm that doesn't just survive—it leads. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Meet America's Best-In-State Lawyers 2025
getty T he story of 2025 is one of transformation and challenges that have reshaped business as usual. A confluence of policy decisions has roiled markets and left economic forecasts murky. Concerns about inflation, tariffs, trade barriers, the supply chain, labor markets—and war—have set many businesses in a holding pattern, with some tightening belts and reducing spending, particularly those that relied on government funding or have been directly impacted by global volatility. Yet even as clients face existential troubles, the legal industry has remained strong, unbound by bull or bear markets. Law is a sector that can prosper in hostile environments—litigation thrives during both prosperity and adversity, and downtimes can be a boon for countercyclical practices like bankruptcy and restructuring. And while the jury remains out on 2025, data shows 2024 was a blockbuster year for the legal sector as a whole. Buoyed by a strong economy, collective revenue per lawyer in the AmLaw 100 was up 5.2% overall last year, reaching $1.28 million. Hiring has remained steady and law firms have been increasing their spending and strategically investing in technology, AI and knowledge management to remain competitive. Whether the current economic climate is viewed as a glass half full or half empty, there will always be opportunity and need for lawyers, and fortune favors not just the brave, but the prepared mind. 'Economic uncertainty rewards those lawyers capable of transitioning from mere legal advisors to becoming their clients' trusted strategic navigators,' says listmaker and Denver-based Perkins Coie partner T. Markus Funk. 'Quick and nimble thinking by adaptable and empathetic lawyers with deep industry understanding and the ability to deliver tailored, contextual advice and steer clients through crises, are increasingly becoming the premium skill sets.' O ver the past year our editorial team set out to find lawyers with premium skill sets from across the United States, reviewing thousands of candidates for Forbes ' inaugural Best-In-State list. Vetted through outside nominations, independent research and consultation with experts and industry insiders, we've curated an elite cohort of lawyers from all 50 states, across a variety of specializations. And over the course of that research, we've gleaned insights into the state of the profession—and what today's best lawyers can deliver for you. According to the American Bar Association Profile of the Legal Profession, while there are 1.3 million lawyers in the U.S., more than a quarter of those reside in just two states—New York and California—with Washington, DC, having the most lawyers per capita. But top lawyers are practicing across the country, and those who stand out and thrive today are demonstrating a renewed focus on a concept rooted in sales and UX: customer service. In an increasingly competitive legal marketplace, centering client satisfaction is more important than ever. And in an era of emerging tech, economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts, clients are looking for their lawyers to be both compass and counsel, providing direction and expertise. 'The momentum through the first half of 2025 is real, but fragile, with the biggest threat to continued growth being macroeconomic confusion,' says Mike McNamara, CEO of legal growth advisory firm Baretz+Brunelle and former CEO of Dentons US. 'Right now, some of the most valuable lawyers are not simply advisors, but sentries. If you are not calling with insight before a client asks for it, clients likely will turn to someone who is.' Client retention today is in part a function of foresight, McNamara adds, noting the firms that thrive are regularly mapping risks and engaging in scenario-planning, bringing in tech and AI and building internal protocols for clients as part of their service delivery. 'We are absolutely service providers but in providing that service there's so much opportunity to build depth of knowledge and expertise,' says listmaker and Morrison Foerster partner Val Dahiya. 'It's very easy to demonstrate to clients that you understand not just their business but the much larger market structure. There's a comfort level in having someone who knows the inside-out of agencies, and being able to navigate expertly can make a substantial difference for clients.' Dahiya, who practices in the securities compliance and regulation sector, says the rapid evolution of technology is upending the way consumers and investors understand and interact with markets, citing Blockchain, crypto assets and AI. Dahiya has worked through the dot-com bust and the 2008 credit crisis that threatened capital markets; she also served on the SEC's Enron task force. Now in private practice as co-head of Morrison Foerster's Securities + Derivatives Regulatory Solutions team and a partner in the firm's Capital Markets and Broker-Dealer Compliance + Regulation practice groups, Dahiya is in a unique position to help clients navigate complex and uncertain terrain. 'There have been so many crises in my career where I've been very hands-on and kind of in the eye of the storm,' Dahiya says. 'But you have to be able to step back, understand the fundamental principles, the client goals and connect the dots. The regulatory risk, compliance obligations, business considerations, what the industry is doing writ large, and making sure the client is in the best position to make the very best decisions.' Perkins Coie partner Funk agrees that an increasingly intricate and politicized regulatory environment is reshaping the legal terrain in real time, and that compliance, along with investigations, litigation and cross-border disputes, are areas where subject matter expertise will open opportunities for high-value work. 'Lawyers who truly own their space, have created a recognized brand for themselves, and have mastered the table stakes of providing proactive, timely and practical advice, along with a good dose of compassion, will thrive in the future, as they have in the past,' says Funk, who specializes in complex litigation and international law out of the firm's Denver office. O ne aspect of change that has come for the legal profession—as it has for all others—is AI. As growth explodes in the field of generative AI, staying ahead of the curve, remaining agile and spotting trends are proving to be significant competitive advantages. Firms are ramping up resources and expertise to not just meet client demand in the field, but to harness the next Cambrian iteration of the technology and improve their own bottom line. It's a moment that Seattle-based lawyer and listmaker Sumedha Ahuja is well prepared for, having been steeped in artificial intelligence technology for two decades, first as a software engineer and then as an IP lawyer. At Perkins Coie she manages five large teams and says harnessing AI has streamlined her work process, freeing up more time for deep-dives and holistic thinking to better serve clients. 'People who embrace AI and learn how to augment their work with AI will be successful—super successful,' predicts Ahuja, firmwide co-chair of the firm's artificial intelligence and machine learning practice. 'I feel like it's a great way to augment how we practice law. AI itself is not new but it's becoming mainstream. It's become more democratized.' Ahuja says clients are looking for practitioners who see the full picture from a business, legal and technological standpoint—what she describes as three-dimensional advice, a concept familiar to Fairfax Associates strategic legal consultant Lisa Smith. 'Firms need to focus on the combination of technical expertise and industry experience,' Smith says. 'Clients value lawyers who bring both of those dimensions, with technical expertise being the baseline expectation and industry experience being the value add.' Chicago-based lawyer and listmaker Annie Kastanek brings deep industry expertise to her role as co-chair of Jenner & Block's Appellate and Supreme Court Practice. Before entering private practice, Kastanek clerked for the Seventh Circuit and Justice Anthony Kennedy at the U.S. Supreme Court, followed by work at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago. Kastanek continues to try cases—which provides a dual perspective she finds invaluable. 'When you understand both trial dynamics and appellate implications, you can craft strategies that work across forums from the very beginning of a case,' she says. Kastanek says today's lawyers must demonstrate value to clients early and often by being proactive and not just reactive, particularly in an increasingly unpredictable legal environment. She believes appellate work will continue to accelerate after recent Supreme Court decisions that have upended what was once considered settled law. Finding opportunity in the unpredictable, viewing this moment in time as a glass half full—these, Ahuja says, are the hallmarks of today's best lawyers: 'The way I see it, it's a great time to be practicing. It's a transformative time for the legal industry and the economy itself.' For the full list of America's Best-In-State Lawyers, click here. Methodology To create our inaugural list of America's Best-In-State Lawyers, Forbes assembled an editorial team with broad experience in law practice, coverage of legal news, and knowledge of the legal marketplace. The team then identified a wide pool of eligible candidates through hundreds of interviews with industry insiders, outside nominations, editorial research, and an independent, advisory board of experts. To qualify for consideration, lawyers were required to be active and licensed—and thousands of attorneys from a variety of backgrounds, specializations and jurisdictions were ultimately considered. For more information on the selection process see America's Best-In-State Lawyers 2025 Methodology. As with all Forbes lists, candidates do not pay any fee to be considered. For questions about this list, please contact lawyerlist [at]
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
How AI and the need for brand trust are reshaping legal tech
The legal tech industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), changing consumer behaviors and the need for greater accessibility and trust. Trust has long been a challenge in the legal industry, whether in traditional law firms or online legal services. Many consumers still view legal help as inaccessible, overly complex, or even predatory. But as expectations evolve, the industry can no longer afford to operate like it's business as usual. In particular, online legal services have to become truly consumer-led and built for the modern consumer—focused on transparency, accessibility, and long-term relationships. This shift makes brand equity more critical than ever. In a fragmented market where options range from white-shoe firms to solo practitioners to AI-powered online services, trust is becoming the true differentiator and the foundation of growth. One way to embrace this reality is by adopting a guardian mindset. For us, that means not just providing legal services, but safeguarding our customers' aspirations, lives, and legacies at every stage of their journey. Take business formation. A customer forming an LLC may start with an automated, self-service product to get the process rolling, but as their company evolves and grows, the customer may later need ongoing legal services, such as compliance support, registered agent services, or tax guidance. A true guardianship approach means anticipating those needs and providing seamless transitions, all the way from DIY solutions to expert assistance. In this regard, legal tech is no longer about selling a particular service, but rather earning the right to guide people through life's most critical decisions. And that starts with rebuilding trust—one interaction at a time. THE HUMAN FACTOR Technology, particularly AI, plays a vital role in elevating the customer experience. At the same time, some customers will naturally prefer human interaction, especially in high-stakes legal matters. The challenge is making attorney services as convenient as digital ones. Just as telehealth and online therapy have transformed healthcare, legal tech can enable virtual consultations, document reviews and ongoing support through integrated platforms. The goal is to combine the efficiency of technology with the accountability of human experts, all within a seamless online experience. But while AI is reshaping the way products and services are delivered, one thing remains clear: AI should augment human expertise, not replace it. That's why LegalZoom combines a robust technology platform with an established network of independent attorneys—enhanced by AI—to deliver high-value solutions for our customers. We're even rolling out 24/7 AI assistant access for certain users, helping them navigate their legal journey with greater ease and confidence. BRAND TRUST IN THE AI ERA This changing landscape also means that brand equity is now more critical than ever. When AI can instantly answer legal questions, what separates one service from another isn't access to information, but trust. Consumers may find answers anywhere, but they'll only hire attorneys and services they believe in. This makes brand reputation the new competitive frontier. This shift coincides with a fundamental change in how people research everything—whether it's legal help, financial advice or shopping for a new pair of jeans. Historically, online search was the primary means of doing that, so companies relied heavily on SEO and paid search to capture high-intent traffic. But the game is changing. Search engines are increasingly incorporating AI-written responses directly into results and altering the traditional search experience. Instead of scrolling through links, users are getting instant answers, summaries, even step-by-step guidance from AI chatbots. For legal service providers, this means the organic search traffic that once fueled customer acquisition is declining—and will likely continue to do so. Additionally, social platforms like TikTok are becoming unexpected research hubs, especially for younger entrepreneurs seeking business advice. This is all to say that customers are in a new place—and legal tech needs to meet them there. Adapting to this new reality requires a new approach. For starters, legal tech companies must position themselves effectively within AI platforms. This means optimizing content for AI-driven search, ensuring their expertise is recognized by large language models and even partnering with AI providers to deliver verified legal guidance. Unlike traditional SEO, influencing AI models requires different measurement tools, content strategies and a deep understanding of how these systems prioritize information. AI-BOOSTING PERFORMANCE WITH AI AI can also help companies operate more efficiently internally. For instance, for marketing we now leverage AI tools that analyze search trends and competitor strategies to identify what content will perform best. These insights serve as valuable guidance for the creation of content and thought leadership that resonates with our market and aligns with our brand voice. This ensures we're providing genuine value to potential customers who are researching legal solutions. The optimization extends to paid media as well. Machine learning algorithms continuously test different ad variations, allocating budget to the best performers in real time. What used to take days of manual analysis now happens automatically, allowing our team to focus on strategies that deliver direct results to our business. Personally, I integrate AI across all aspects of my workday and encourage team members to do the same—from drafting and organizing messaging to conducting research, searching resources and summarizing data. As an organization, we're actively exploring how to leverage these technologies further to enhance productivity and reduce costs where possible. THE ROAD AHEAD As legal technology continues to evolve, the companies that will thrive are those that can reimagine how to serve people during life's most important moments. These organizations will build relationships lasting through every stage of their customers' personal and professional journeys. This is the true promise of our new era: the power to combine the best of what AI can do with what only humans can provide—judgment, empathy and deep understanding of what's at stake.
