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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

FRIDAY FIREWORKS? - The tragicomedy known as the 2020 U.S. presidential election could soon morph into a courtroom drama, and Pennsylvania is poised to play a starring role. As Max Mitchell reports, voting challenges began percolating up to the state's Commonwealth Court yesterday, but several observers said they don't expect to see a major uptick in litigation until at least Friday, once all of Pennsylvania's ballots are counted.

THE BLUNDER YEARS - Yes, 2020 has sucked for many associates, but it could be worse. It could be 2008. Or heck, 2009.  Back then, many law firms responded to the Great Recession by drastically chopping down their associate ranks—a move that proved shortsighted in the ensuing years when those same firms found themselves lacking experienced senior associates. As Dylan Jackson reports, experts contend that associates are actually in a much better position today than they were a decade ago, even if may not feel like it in the moment. For example, this time around, firms have avoided mass layoffs, instead implementing furloughs and pay cuts. And many have leaned heavily on reducing partner draws rather than taking it all out on their younger attorneys. "This is the first time I've seen multiple firms freeze partner pay in the first round," said Tim Corcoran, a law firm compensation consultant. "It's definitely a gesture that they know they can't starve their business of talent."

DIRTY TRICKS - Diabolical, if true: The Federal Trade Commission sued the operators of dozens of websites Wednesday in Ohio Northern District Court in connection with an alleged COVID-19 consumer scam. The agency accuses the defendants of using online ads to lure customers to fraudulent websites that purported to sell Clorox and Lysol products but which never delivered any of the products that were paid for by consumers. Lawyers have not yet appeared for the defendants. The case is 5:20-cv-02494, Federal Trade Commission v. Unknown Parties Deceiving Consumers. Stay up to date on major litigation nationwide with Law.com's Legal Radar.

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