Burger King franchisee to pay $60K to settle pregnant ex-worker’s harassment, retaliation claims

Employers’ anti-harassment policies may overlook the power dynamics that enable abuse.

Roundup: Legal tech companies make news early in 2023

LiquidText, Evisort, Exterro, Everlaw, AbacusNext and Casepoint announced updates about their legal software businesses.

How avoiding 10b5-1 plans can yield better insider trading protection

Executives have used the plans to avoid scrutiny of their stock trades, but it might be better to bypass them now that they’re about to be regulated more.

About 1,400 misclassified drivers awarded $5.6 million: Labor Dept.

Parts Authority and Diligent Delivery Systems denied workers minimum wage, overtime pay and other benefits, the agency said.

Don’t let over-analysis slow system launches, says legal ops pro

Waiting until you’ve fully tested a tool or process can keep you from benefiting from data that only comes in from actual use.

‘Take a deep breath’ in response to FTC noncompete ban, attorneys say

Despite the hurdles the proposed rule faces, employers still may need to pay attention to how it interacts with state and local laws.

Diversity of outside law firms not tracked by most GCs, survey finds

Meanwhile, those legal chiefs who do closely monitor the make-up of their external law firms said they have seen some DEI progress.

US to jack up fees for big mergers

The coming hikes will likely trigger sticker shock at affected companies in the beginning but aren’t likely to prevent deals from happening, antitrust lawyers said.

DOJ: Even problem-plagued companies can get cooperation credit

In an update to the Department of Justice’s corporate enforcement policy, recidivist companies and those with other aggravating factors have a path to lower penalties.

Recession-proofing: Reduce revenue loss from poor contract management

Implementing a CLM strategy can serve as a self-funding transformation project by making companies more agile and better able to handle economic uncertainty.

‘Too-big-to-manage’ banks could be broken up, OCC says

The size and complexity of a bank is the core problem, not “the weaknesses of its systems and processes or the unwillingness or incompetence of its senior leaders,” Acting Comptroller Michael Hsu said.

In-house job market to stay strong, recruiters say

Especially for lawyers who keep their profiles updated and are disciplined about networking, opportunities remain even if openings are down from last year.

How software can help businesses bring immigration work in-house

The Formally technology platform walks legal teams through the steps necessary to hire and retain immigrant employees in the U.S.

Surging cyberthreats, data concerns remain top dispute risks for organizations

A survey from Baker McKenzie shows a heightened risk of legal challenges amid a rise in sophisticated cyber attacks, along with concerns about regulatory responses. 

EEOC enforcement plan targets systemic racism, AI

Subject matter priorities EEOC identified include eliminating barriers in recruitment and hiring, as well as protecting vulnerable workers and persons from underserved communities from employment discrimination.

Law firm rates rose nearly 5% in 2022 even as demand slowed

Firms appear to be counting on rate increases to maintain profitability in 2023, but there are signs of client pushback, a report found.

Protecting privilege when conducting a pay audit

As companies analyze the compensation they offer employees and applicants in response to pay transparency laws, it’s important to make it a legal, rather than a business, review.

In tough economy, assignments in lieu of bankruptcy could grow

Assignments for the benefit of creditors (ABCs) can liquidate company assets in weeks without the liability risk of a distressed sale.

DOL: Home healthcare firm to pay $3.8M in back wages, damages

“DOL was ruthless and hell-bent on driving TriMED out of business,” owner Beverly Jordan says. 

CLM provider Agiloft launches new training program for contract pros

The contract lifecycle management company said its university-style offering will help legal professionals develop business-critical skills.

2023 outlook: Slower economy will pressure GCs to cut spend, operate more efficiently

General counsel are expected to rely on legal operations specialists to help them increase in-house departments’ value to the broader organization.    

JPMorgan shuts down college-aid site Frank amid legal dust-up

The bank is suing the startup’s founder for exaggerating her platform's customer base ahead of JPMorgan’s 2021 purchase.

Ex-McDonald’s CEO to pay $400,000 for false statement

Stephen Easterbrook’s civil penalty to the SEC for misleading the board on his physical relationships with employees pales next to the $105M in equity he agreed to return to his former company.

Some California tech firms post wide pay ranges in wake of new law

Just shy of 50% of California tech companies are in compliance with the new salary range law, according to a new tracker.

How to use software to strengthen data privacy compliance

Exterro says its Smart Data Inventory solution helps companies keep up with evolving laws, including by indicating when privacy impact assessments are required.