Welcome back new and returning readers of Labor of Law, our weekly look at news and trends affecting the L&E community.. On the clock this week: US solicitor faces tough questions in age-discrimination fight | SCOTUS is pitched to review California arbitration ruling | Two pharma companies quarrel over noncompetes | Baker Hostetler partner gets Trump nod for Texas federal bench

Tips and feedback are welcome. I'm Mike Scarcella in Washington. You can reach me at [email protected] and on Twitter @MikeScarcella. And reach Marcia Coyle at [email protected]. Thanks for reading!