Big Law's Booze Chaperones, Slaughters Bans Ski Trips, Confidence Slides: The Morning Minute
Here's the news you need to start your day.
January 14, 2020 at 06:00 AM
3 minute read
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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING
DESIGNATED – U.K.-based Linklaters has launched a sober supervisor scheme in which partners and senior staff designate a person at the firm to remain sober to oversee work gatherings, as the legal industry comes under scrutiny for its boozy culture. Hannah Robert reports that the policy coincides with The Law Society of England and Wales' recently issued guidance on how to regulate the profession's alcohol intake. The drinking culture within the U.K.'s legal profession has made headlines from recent sexual misconduct hearings, including that of Freshfields partner Ryan Beckwith and Baker McKenzie's former London managing partner Gary Senior.
OPIOID SUITS – He obtained a $475 million judgment last year against opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, and now Oklahoma AG Mike Hunter has filed a new lawsuit against McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen Drug, which seeks to hold them responsible for the state's costs in dealing with the opioid crisis. As Amanda Bronstad reports, the lawsuit comes after Hunter's office has racked up more than $363 million in settlements with other companies tied to the opioid crisis.
FALLING – Confidence in the legal industry's economy is dropping among law firm leaders. Patrick Smith reports on a survey by Citi Private Bank, which finds that the confidence factor currently sits at slightly positive, down six points on a 200-point scale compared with July 2019. Confidence in the U.S. economy among law firm leaders dropped more significantly.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Another Ex-Kasowitz Partner Alleges Firm Underpaid Amid Cash-Flow Problems
Atrium Retreats from Legal Services in Sudden 'Restructuring'
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WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
NO MORE – U.K.-based Slaughter and May has banned work-subsidized ski trips, following an incident that resulted in a lawyer leaving the firm on the back of sexual harassment allegations. Krishnan Nair reports the ban comes after a risk review by the firm that sought to address inappropriate behavior at social events.
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WHAT YOU SAID
"He is not leaving any stone unturned."
— Ruben Castillo, partner at Akerman in Chicago, referring to Winston & Strawn chair Dan Webb, who has been appointed as special prosecutor by a Cook County judge to investigate the prosecution of former "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett. Castillo is part of a team of lawyers representing the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.➤➤ Sign up here to receive the Morning Minute straight to your inbox.
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