Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.

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January 08, 2024 | National Law Journal

Fifth Circuit Seems Doubtful Doctors Can Challenge ACA's LGBTQ Bias Protections

Physicians say law does not bar discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 05, 2024 | National Law Journal

Judge Seems Wary of Retrial for Michael Avenatti Over Holdout Juror Instruction

Avenatti's attorney argued that U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman's instruction had singled out and coerced the holdout, warranting a new trial.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

January 04, 2024 | National Law Journal

Judiciary Rules Panel Weighs Unified Bar Admissions Proposal for US District Courts

"I've never understood why a requirement of admission to the bar of the state in which the federal district court sits makes a lot of sense," said New York University School of Law Dean Troy A. McKenzie.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 04, 2024 | National Law Journal

Fact or Opinion? 2nd Circuit Raises Bar for Investor Fraud Suits

Court upholds dismissal of Philip Morris investors' claim that the cigarette giant made false statements regarding its clinical studies.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 02, 2024 | National Law Journal

'Clear Misinterpretation': Dissent Slams 9th Circuit's Rehearing Denial in Gas Ban Case

Judicial dispute was prompted by decision that the federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act preempts local environmental ordinance.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

December 28, 2023 | National Law Journal

Five Legal Issues to Watch in the Federal Appeals Courts in 2024

Anti-terrorism efforts, venue, drug pricing, defamation and air pollution appear to be heading to the Supreme Court.

By Avalon Zoppo

7 minute read

December 26, 2023 | National Law Journal

'Outlandish Outcome': 9th Circuit Reverses Ex-Congressman's Conviction Over Wrong Venue

"The Constitution plainly requires that a criminal defendant be tried in the place where the criminal conduct occurred," appeals court says.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 26, 2023 | National Law Journal

US Trial Courts Issued More Pro-Employee Harassment Rulings After #MeToo, Study Says

By contrast, the report also found that the probability of plaintiff success in harassment cases on appeal decreased after the #MeToo movement began.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 26, 2023 | Law.com

The Biden Judicial Pick Who Was a Plaintiff in Major LGBTQ Parental Rights Case in Israel

Nicole Berner has been nominated for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

December 20, 2023 | National Law Journal

Circuit Consensus: Climate Claim Suits Against Big Oil Belong in State Courts

U.S. appeals court have uniformly rejected the companies' reference to a federal common law of interstate air pollution.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

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