Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

December 05, 2016 |

In a recently filed lawsuit, a small California company called Olaplex alleges it is living every startup's worst nightmare. Olaplex says it revealed its intellectual property to an industry giant interested in acquiring it, but then talks fell through and the larger rival launched suspiciously similar products. Intellectual property lawyers say the case highlights some of the risks associated with mergers and acquisitions.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

9 minute read

December 01, 2016 |

Wells Fargo & Co general counsel James Strother, who planned to retire at the end of this year, will stay on indefinitely as top lawyer in order to deal with the aftermath of the bank's recent fake accounts scandal. Strother turned 65 earlier this year, triggering the company's mandatory age-based retirement policy for members of the operating committee.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

5 minute read

November 30, 2016 |

A small business in New Mexico recently made headlines by suggesting it doesn't want employees who support President-elect Donald Trump. Can private businesses fire employees because of their political preferences? Employment lawyers say it depends, but would advise against it.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

7 minute read

November 29, 2016 |

A small business in New Mexico recently made headlines by suggesting it doesn't want employees who support President-elect Donald Trump. Can private businesses fire employees because of their political preferences? Employment lawyers say it depends, but would advise against it.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

6 minute read

November 28, 2016 |

"I focus on the talent in the firms."

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

12 minute read

November 28, 2016 |

The restaurant chain Hooters should give its general counsel and chief legal officer, Claudia Levitas, a round of applause. By testifying in court, she helped persuade a judge that Hooters is a family-friendly establishment worthy of a liquor license.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

4 minute read

November 23, 2016 |

An eleventh-hour ruling has spared companies from having to adjust salaries to comply with new overtime pay rules slated to go into effect Dec. 1. While many companies welcome the surprising decision, others were left scrambling, employment lawyers say.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

9 minute read

November 22, 2016 | International Edition

General counsel Kenneth Richieri to retire after 33 years at company

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

2 minute read

November 21, 2016 |

The New York Times Co. announced Monday that Diane Brayton will succeed Kenneth Richieri as the company's top lawyer on Jan. 1, 2017. Richieri, who has held the general counsel role since 2006, will retire on Dec. 31, 2016.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

4 minute read

November 21, 2016 |

A report from law firm Eversheds and market researcher Winmark Ltd found 64 percent of in-house counsel cite budget as a barrier to technology.

By Jennifer Williams-Alvarez

5 minute read