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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September 20, 2021 | National Law Journal

DC Circuit Raises Free Speech Concerns With Judiciary Rule Barring Political Activity

The rule limits what judicial branch employees, who often don't handle cases, can say and do outside of work.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

September 17, 2021 | The Legal Intelligencer

'My Boss Is Not the President Who Appointed Me.' 3 Appellate Judges Defend Judiciary's Independence

Third Circuit Judges Stephanos Bibas, Cheryl Ann Krause and Marjorie Rendell stressed during a National Constitution Center event Friday that political beliefs don't steer decision-making on the bench.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

September 16, 2021 | National Law Journal

A Federal Judge Is Appearing at the Same Event as a Lawyer Who Pushed Election Fraud Claims. Here's What Ethics Experts Are Saying

One expert said he personally didn't think "it's a good idea to be involved in a program with someone who definitely was untruthful with what he said at the rally, and also someone who brought forth complaints of fictitious fraud in the election."

By Avalon Zoppo | Jacqueline Thomsen

8 minute read

September 15, 2021 | National Law Journal

Appeals Court Cites Reporter's Tweet in Reviving Devin Nunes's Defamation Lawsuit

The panel found a reporter's retweet of the story with additional commentary, once the defamation lawsuit was served, could establish actual malice.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 14, 2021 | Law.com

Prosecutors Play Secret Recording of Ex-Willkie Co-Chairman Gordon Caplan in College Admission Bribery Trial

"If there's a way to get her what we need to get her on testing, she is not a good test taker, and it's $75,000, you're telling me you can get that done. Consider that a done deal with us," Caplan said in the recording presented to a jury.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

September 14, 2021 | National Law Journal

Pressure Grows for Justices to Review Judge-Made Bankruptcy Rule

Critics say "equitable mootness" is constitutionally questionable because it denies appellants the right to an appeal on the merits.

By Avalon Zoppo

8 minute read

September 13, 2021 | Law.com

Defense Attorneys Say 'Varsity Blues' Parents Were Victims of a Fraudster

The parents, represented by White & Case and Nixon Peabody, are the first to go to trial in the college admissions scandal.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

September 07, 2021 | National Law Journal

Who's Representing 'Varsity Blues' Parents in the First Admissions Scandal Trial?

White & Case and Nixon Peabody will represent a former casino and hotel executive, and a private equity firm founder in the Boston trial.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

September 03, 2021 | National Law Journal

Former GOP Fundraiser Elliott Broidy Can Sue PR Firm for Alleged Hack, DC Circuit Rules

The judges found the PR firm and its employees are not entitled to immunity after claiming to be working on behalf of Qatar.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

September 01, 2021 | National Law Journal

Dissents in Denial of En Banc Reviews Fuel Concerns Judges Are Airing Partisan 'Dirty Laundry'

Legal experts anecdotally said they believe the number of dissents from en banc review are growing.

By Avalon Zoppo

8 minute read

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