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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December 29, 2021 | National Law Journal

Another Federal Appeals Court Switches to Remote Arguments Amid Omicron Spike

The Seventh Circuit is one of two federal appeals courts this week to announce a return to remote oral arguments.

By Avalon Zoppo | Scott Graham

3 minute read

December 28, 2021 | National Law Journal

As Omicron Variant Surges, Federal Appeals Courts Weigh Return to Remote Arguments

Some federal appeals courts are closely watching COVID-19 case numbers to determine if operational changes are needed.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 28, 2021 | National Law Journal

In Concurrence to Her Own Opinion, Judge Urges 9th Circuit to Reconsider 'Cy Pres' Settlements

"I am therefore not convinced that cy pres awards to uninjured third parties should qualify as an indirect benefit to injured class members, and I am concerned that 'the 'cy pres' remedy ... is purely punitive,'" wrote Ninth Circuit Judge Bridget Bade.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

December 23, 2021 | National Law Journal

Biden Nominates South Carolina Judge Michelle Childs for DC Circuit

Childs would replace Judge David Tatel, who announced he would take senior status in February

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

December 23, 2021 | Texas Lawyer

5th Circuit Won't Revive Walmart's Suit Against DOJ Over Opioid Prescription Practices

Walmart sought clarification of pharmacists' obligations to refuse to fill suspicious opioid prescriptions under the Controlled Substance Act.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 22, 2021 | National Law Journal

More Big Law Firms Join Nursing Homes, Hospitals in Fight Over Liability for COVID-19 Deaths

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and DLA Piper are among the firms involved in various appellate litigation.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

December 21, 2021 | National Law Journal

Harvard Professor Found Guilty of Lying About Ties to China

Prosecutors said the scientist signed a Thousand Talents Program contract in 2012 and Wuhan University of Technology awarded him $50,000 a month plus $1.5 million to create a research lab at the school.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

December 17, 2021 | National Law Journal

Rejection of Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Deal Could Tee Up SCOTUS Review of Liability Releases

"The decision may embolden other judges who have had concerns about non-debtor releases but are typically told, playground style, 'but everyone is doing it,'" said law professor Melissa Jacoby.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read