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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

EVERYONE EVERYWHERE - Last week in this space, we told you about how the pitch for fully remote lateral hires has become more difficult as overall demand has decreased. But, in a competitive lateral market for patent litigation associates, Fish & Richardson is using remote flexibility to land talent in regions far away from a firm office, Law.com's Dan Roe reports. And, thanks to a backlog in trials and market uncertainty driving disputes, demand is booming for Fish & Richardson's patent litigation practice, said Corrin Drakulich, global head of litigation. Already, the firm has hired nine lateral associates this year, and it plans to hire another nine by the end of the year. "We still try to meet the needs of an office, for example, if they need additional bodies to help out, but we don't want to miss out on a great candidate with a great tech background who is a strong cultural fit just because they don't live near an office," Drakulich said. "We have made hires where someone doesn't live near a Fish & Richardson office, and we find other ways to connect."

SCOTUS-BOUND? - The U.S. Supreme Court's 2022-2023 term wrapped up in June with major rulings on affirmative action, student debt relief and voting rights. But what other legal issues percolating in the lower courts might elicit high court review? From tort claims against the federal government to bankruptcy protections to transgender health care, Law.com's Avalon Zoppo examines some of the questions dividing judges on the federal appeals courts.

ON THE RADAR - O'Reilly Automotive was sued by the State of Washington over alleged pregnancy-based employment discrimination on Aug. 16 in Washington Superior Court for King County. The court action claims that O'Reilly has a practice of refusing requests for reasonable accommodations from pregnant employees, including flexible restroom breaks, weight lifting restrictions to 17 pounds or less and the ability to sit. The complaint contends that the policy of denying accommodations has resulted in the constructive discharge of pregnant employees. Counsel have not yet appeared for the defendant. The case is 23-2-15318-9 SEA, State Of Washington v. O'Reilly Auto Enterprises. Stay up on the latest state and federal litigation, as well as the latest corporate deals, with Law.com Radar.   

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