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Avalon Zoppo

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 12, 2022 | National Law Journal

Senate Confirms Gabriel Sanchez to 9th Circuit

During his nomination hearing, Republicans repeatedly pressed Sanchez on his work in Gov. Jerry Brown's office, overseeing the adoption of regulations implementing California's Proposition 57.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

January 12, 2022 | National Law Journal

Sentencing Commission's Lone Member Urges Biden to Make Nominations

"I hope in the near future the Commission will be able to resume its important function in our criminal justice system," Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett said this week.

By Avalon Zoppo

7 minute read

January 11, 2022 | National Law Journal

Judge 'Reluctantly' Recuses From Amazon Case Over Wife's Stockholdings

"Perception of the fair administration of justice—both by the public and by the parties in the case—is of the highest importance to the court," Judge Liam O'Grady said in the order.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 10, 2022 | National Law Journal

These Big Law Firms Are Backing the Equal Rights Amendment

"Ratification of the ERA sends a powerful message about the nation's commitment to sex equality," said Paul Weiss lawyers.

By Jacqueline Thomsen | Avalon Zoppo

9 minute read

January 10, 2022 | National Law Journal

Harvard Not Obligated to Pay Legal Fees of Professor Convicted of Hiding Ties to China, Court Rules

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rejected Lieber's argument that the university's indemnification policy required it to cover his legal fees in a criminal matter.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 07, 2022 | National Law Journal

In Setback for Abortion Clinics, 5th Circuit Hints It Will Punt SB8 Case

The panel seemed poised to certify a question regarding enforcement of the abortion law. Judges Edith Jones and Stuart Kyle Duncan appeared to support Texas' request, while Judge Stephen Higginson opposed it.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 06, 2022 | National Law Journal

'Almost Insane': Judge Criticizes Call for Recusal in Handling Amazon Case

"The idea that I would steer this case in Amazon's favor because I felt that my wife's $22,000 investment in Amazon's stock would be at risk if I didn't is almost insane," the judge said Thursday.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

January 05, 2022 | Law.com

More Federal Courts Abandon In-Person Operations Amid Omicron Spike. Here's Where

Most federal appeals courts and some district courts have responded to the surge in coronavirus cases by postponing in-person hearings and updating mitigation measures.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

January 04, 2022 | National Law Journal

Amicus Disclosure Rule Change Could Trigger Recusals, Lawyers Say

"It does seem to me important for judges to know if the real power behind the throne is something that would require their recusal, require them to think about that or check their stock ownership," a D.C. Circuit judge said.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

December 29, 2021 | National Law Journal

How a 3rd Grade Teacher and Former Bookkeeper Beat Big Law and the Federal Government

The D.C. Circuit sided with two pro se litigants challenging a decision that allowed an energy company to raise customers' rates.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read