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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

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IN OR OUT - A Senate confirmation vote is set for today on the federal judicial nominee in Texas who said that being transgender is a “delusion.” GOP Sen. Susan Collins has said she will oppose the confirmation of Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump nominee for the district that includes Dallas. Kacsmaryk currently is deputy general counsel at the First Liberty Institute, a conservative nonprofit religious organization.

IN THE WEEDS - Repeated misconduct by plaintiffs lawyers is what Monsanto says persuaded jurors to award $2 billion to a California couple in a trial over Roundup herbicide. Amanda Bronstad reports that in a bid for a new trial, Monsanto (now owned by Bayer) claims that inflammatory remarks from plaintiffs attorneys, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency having “blood on their hands” concerning its position on the safety of the ingredients in Roundup, should upend the verdict.

YEA OR NAY - Major U.S. law firms have plenty to say to the U.S. Trade Representative office, as their clients, including Toshiba, Best Buy, Spectrum Brands and many more, voice concerns about the Trump administration's proposed tariffs on nearly $300 billion worth of certain Chinese products. Mike Scarcella reports on comments submitted on behalf of Big Law clients to the U.S. trade office, as it has begun a series of public hearings on the tariff plan this week. Many companies contend Trump's proposal would unfairly harm U.S. companies and consumers.

26-Year Veteran Stephanie Graham Named General Counsel at Northwestern University

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WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

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FRESH START - Goodwin Procter's London office has hired a four-partner team from Taylor Wessing, led by international corporate co-head David Mardle. Meganne Tillay reports that the move comes after Mardle ran for managing partner at Taylor Wessing in its most recent election. Mardle joined Goodwin's London office this week after 16 years at Taylor Wessing.

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WHAT YOU SAID

“Paul can live his life down there. His kids can stretch their legs and go to school.”

—  ROBERT FOGG, A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER REPRESENTING PAUL CEGLIA, WHO AT ONE TIME CLAIMED HE WAS ENTITLED TO A MAJORITY STAKE IN FACEBOOK. AFTER BEING CHARGED WITH FRAUD, CEGLIA FLED TO ECUADOR, WHICH RECENTLY  REFUSED AN EXTRADITION REQUESTFROM THE U.S.

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