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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November 20, 2024 | National Law Journal

Amir Ali, MacArthur Justice Center Director, Confirmed to DC District Court

The U.S. Senate also confirmed Rebecca L. Pennell to the Eastern District of Washington.

By Avalon Zoppo

1 minute read

November 18, 2024 | National Law Journal

US Magistrate Judge Embry Kidd Confirmed to 11th Circuit

Kidd, confirmed on a 49-45 vote, will be President Joe Biden’s second appointee to the federal appeals court that covers Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

November 18, 2024 | National Law Journal

Amazon, SpaceX Press Constitutional Challenges to NLRB at 5th Circuit

The oral arguments represented the latest legal attack from corporations against the 89-year-old National Labor Relations Board, buoyed by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling this year in SEC v. Jarkesy.

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

November 15, 2024 | National Law Journal

5th Circuit Judge Jones Slams Proposal for Greater Amicus Brief Funding Disclosure

“I urge any of you who are defenders of the First Amendment," said Edith Jones. "It's a case called NAACP v. Alabama, which says that that violates the First Amendment—that kind of compelled disclosure.”

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

November 15, 2024 | Law.com

Judges Question 9th Circuit’s Unique Binding Dicta Rule. The Criticism Isn't New.

The rule allows panels to treat “well-reasoned” dicta as precedential.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read

November 14, 2024 | National Law Journal

Senate Democrats Advance 4th Circuit Pick Ryan Park’s Nomination

Park, North Carolina's solicitor general, was moved out of the committee in a 11-10 vote along party lines.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

November 13, 2024 | National Law Journal

Trump Picks William McGinley as White House Counsel

McGinley was assistant to the president and White House cabinet secretary during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

November 12, 2024 | National Law Journal

Will the 9th Circuit Still be Center Stage in Trump Policy Challenges?

Lawyers challenging Trump’s second-term policies might eye the First Circuit, in addition to the Ninth, said University of Pittsburgh law professor Arthur Hellman.

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

November 11, 2024 | National Law Journal

Biden Squeezes in U.S. District Court Nominee for New York Before Term Ends

The president also renominates district court judge in Guam.

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

November 07, 2024 | National Law Journal

11th Circuit Revives Project Veritas' Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN

"Veritas committed one infraction—it violated a policy regarding the publishing of private information, but CNN falsely accused it of violating a completely different policy—spreading misinformation," the appeals court stated. "This distinction is not an inconsequential detail."

By Avalon Zoppo

4 minute read

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