The Legal Intelligencer

01/17/2026

ICYMI. Leaders said the Am Law 100 firm—which has been in the region since 1999—is in "hiring mode." The most recent example of that commitment includes cryptocurrency and digital assets specialist Stephen Rutenberg, who arrived a month ago as a partner.

Leaders said the Am Law 100 firm—which has been in the region since 1999—is in hiring mode. The most recent example of that commitment includes cryptocurrency and digital assets specialist Stephen Rutenberg, who arrived a month ago as a partner.

01/16/2026

Federal Judge Sends Philips CPAP Suit to Kentucky State Court, Removing it From PA MDL

"The court concludes that the Graham complaint does not fall within the 'very limited circumstances' that would establish fraudulent joinder. Philips did not meet its heavy burden to show, as a matter of fact or law, that the claims against Gould’s are not colorable," Senior U.S. District Judge Jo...

01/16/2026

Tuesday Public Notices/Calendars

PublicationLegaltech News Reporting, and expert analysis of legal technology with a focus onwhat legal departments, law firms, and tech companies need to know

01/16/2026

US Supreme Court Accepts Monsanto's Roundup Petition

The U.S. Supreme Court, on Friday, agreed to hear Monsanto's petition over federal preemption, a key defense in thousands of Roundup lawsuits.

01/16/2026

Pa. Superior Court Rules Notarized Deed Not Enough to Grant Quiet-Title

“It has long been the law of this Commonwealth that the mere fact that a document has been notarized does not establish irrefutable proof that the document is genuine," the Court ruled.

01/16/2026

From professor Jules Epstein of Temple University Beasley School of Law: "Serious questions have been raised about the validity of their determinations of cause and manner of death."

🔗 https://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/2026/01/16/is-manner-of-death-not-real-science/

01/16/2026

ICYMI. Facing Talent Shortage, Insurance Defense Firms Are Mapping Out Succession Plans
http://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/2026/01/14/facing-talent-shortage-insurance-defense-firms-are-mapping-out-succession-plans/

01/16/2026

Randy Mastro, former first deputy mayor of New York City under Eric Adams along with a litany of other government roles, has joined Dechert.

Mastro, 69, also said he has felt a call to public service for much of his career but that he looks forward to "many years" of private practice at Dechert, stating that he intends to continue practicing law "until they carry me out."

Said Mark Thierfelder, Dechert's co-chair: “His proven track record in complex investigations and high-profile trials, along with his unique experience helping run one of the biggest cities in the world like a successful business, will be invaluable to our clients as we help them manage their capital and avoid business risk."

Reporter Ryan Harroff has details about Mastro's career and his move to Dechert: 🔗 https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2026/01/15/randy-mastro-heads-to-dechert-from-nyc-deputy-mayor-role/

01/16/2026

Jewish-affiliated campus organizations at the University of Pennsylvania and Jewish students, faculty and staff were the target of an EEOC inquiry related to antisemitism. The ACLU of Pennsylvania, the Democracy Defenders Fund and attorneys from Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller stepped in to deflect the request.

“Such compelled disclosure will be experienced as a visceral threat to the safety of those who would find themselves so identified,” Hangley Aronchick's filing read, “because compiling and turning over to the government 'lists of Jews' conjures a terrifying history.”

Matt Hammermesh of Hangley, who led Tuesday’s filing, encouraged EEOC’s line of work in general, but cautioned how the commission has gone about its UPenn investigation.

🔗 https://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/2026/01/15/aclu-of-pa-civil-attorneys-move-to-join-eeoc-action-against-upenn/

01/16/2026

The Big Transition: Advice for Incoming Law Firm Leaders in 2026

With a confluence of factors converging to reshape the industry, from artificial intelligence to private equity to a shifting talent model, today’s leaders have an opportunity to leave lasting imprint.

01/16/2026

People in the News—Jan. 16, 2026—Ballard Spahr, MBM Law

Twelve attorneys have been elected to Ballard Spahr’s partnership effective Jan. 1, including four in the firm's Philadelphia office: Lauren Engelmyer, Jennifer L. Feden, Elizabeth P. Weissert and Lesley Frieder Wolf.

01/16/2026

Is 'Manner of Death' Not Real Science?

Serious questions have been raised about the validity of their determinations of cause and manner of death. In some cases, deaths certified as accidental or natural by one pathologist have been labeled homicides by others when, upon reexamination, mistakes, omissions, or questionable conclusions wer...