Expert Analysis

• The Expanding Litigation Front Against The Data Center Boom

  

  A survey of environmental and land use claims raised in disputes over data center projects across the country shows that the outcomes of these disputes will have significant implications not only for the future of data center development, but for infrastructure projects in general, say attorneys at Arnold & Porter.

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  Taekwondo Makes Me A Better Lawyer

  

  Taekwondo has taught me to recognize when to fight for a position and when to focus on finding a solution, and that the best outcomes are often achieved by solving problems — all of which has improved my work as a bankruptcy lawyer, mediator and Subchapter V trustee, says Amy Denton Mayer at Berger Singerman.

• Student Loan Suit Draws Line On Testimony In Trust Litigation

  

  A recent interlocutory opinion from the Southern District of New York shows securitization experts can explain servicing practices but cannot substitute for authenticated loan-level ownership proof or intent evidence, signaling that parties in student loan trust cases should sharpen recordkeeping and tracing strategies, says attorney Stanley Tate.

• What To Know As Legal Duty To Consider AI Takes Shape

  

  While the U.K. Jurisdiction Taskforce’s recent statement on liability for artificial intelligence harms is nonbinding for both U.K. and U.S. lawyers, it highlights the importance of being able to distinguish between the availability of a tool and a professional obligation to use it, say Jonny Frank and Michael Costa at StoneTurn.

• Why Data Centers Must Focus On Water Stewardship

  

  Reducing overall water use is important for data center developers and operators, but comprehensive water stewardship — including cooling system operation, chemical treatment, wastewater discharge, maintenance activities and interactions with municipal water infrastructure — is rapidly becoming both a regulatory expectation and a business imperative, say attorneys at Baker Donelson.

• NY Ch. 7 Ruling Continues Cash Advance Recharacterization

  

  A New York bankruptcy court recently ruled in the Kossoff Chapter 7 proceedings that a merchant cash advance agreement was not a true asset sale, joining a growing number of decisions in concluding that such transactions are disguised loans and therefore subject to avoidance actions, says Schuyler Carroll at Manatt.

• What Cos. Should Do During Stay Of Nasdaq Delisting Rule

  

  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved — and subsequently stayed — Nasdaq's $5 million market value threshold for continued listing, giving companies additional time to evaluate financing opportunities, communicate with investors and consider strategic alternatives, says Joseph Lucosky at Lucosky Brookman.

• NY Bill Would Boost Litigation Risk For Cosmetics Cos.

  

  The Beauty Justice Act, now pending in the New York Legislature, would not only present compliance challenges for companies making cosmetics and personal care products, but could also be used by private plaintiffs to bring consumer fraud, false advertising, toxic exposure and product liability claims, says Kadeejah Kelly-Previl at Faegre Drinker.

• How To Structure Protective Order AI Provisions In IP Disputes

  

  A survey of protective orders in recent intellectual property litigation reveals best practices for drafting provisions on artificial intelligence use that maximize IP protection while balancing enforceability with efficient discovery, say Matthew Stephens and Bryce Tabbut at MoFo.

• Costco Chicken Case Highlights Food Labeling Lessons

  

  Recent litigation over allegedly deceptive food labels, including the ongoing proposed class action in a California federal court over Costco's rotisserie chicken, shows that plaintiffs rarely focus on single label statements in isolation — so product claims that comply with regulations could still incur litigation risk, says Brandy Alonzo-Mayland at Michelman & Robinson.

• Addressing Merchant Cash Advances In Subchapter V

  

  As regulatory enforcement continues and more small businesses turn to Subchapter V bankruptcy to manage merchant cash advance debt, counsel and trustees can take meaningful steps throughout the bankruptcy process to successfully counteract the potentially nefarious actions of MCAs, say Hannah Hutman at Hoover Penrod and Starria Cuffee at Stretto.

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  Being In A Band Made Me A Better Lawyer

  

  Playing shows in storied New York City venues and rehearsing with my bandmates in poorly ventilated rooms helped develop the professional qualities I rely on as a litigator, including an ability to collaborate with strong-minded equals and the determination to treat each client with singular focus, says Eliad Shapiro at Herrick Feinstein.

• Rethinking Corporate Travel Rules After Device Search Cases

  

  A recent New York federal court decision approving a warrantless seizure and search of company laptops and a pending Georgia federal court criminal case over a phone's data deletion underscore how little protection corporate personnel have at the border, necessitating a review of corporate travel programs, say attorneys at Gibson Dunn.

• Notable Q2 Updates In Insurance Class Actions

  

  After 2026's second quarter, there is more authority rejecting class certification on total loss valuation theories from courts at the federal circuit, federal district and state appellate level — along with a resolution of a novel issue of depreciation on a wildfire claim, says Kevin Zimmerman at BakerHostetler.

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  Law School's Missed Lessons: Surviving A Long Trial

  

  Most of law school trial advocacy is geared toward the sprint of trying a short case, but beyond managing a cross-examination or closing argument, effectively handling the marathon of a lengthy trial requires the ability to maintain composure, organization and credibility with the jury, says Mihir Elchuri at Hirschler.