State & Local

UN Dives Into Murky Waters Of Taxing Digital Services

Kevin Pinner

The United Nations has its sights set on cross-border services in the digital economy as its framework convention on tax takes shape, but it remains unclear how countries will define that broad and hotly contested topic as they work toward a treaty.

New Jersey Legislation To Watch: A Midyear Report

Ryan Harroff

New Jersey proposals for a corporate transit tax and mandatory business showdowns during sweltering weather have generated concerns from industry sectors fatigued by rising costs, while the rise of artifical intelligence and corresponding legislation appears to have united those fearing the digital-age hazard of "deepfakes."

Tax Pros Navigate Chaos, Rewards In Climate Law's 2nd Year

Kat Lucero

Energy tax attorneys have been knee-deep in project finance deals for the past year since the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 triggered a flurry of clean energy investments, but the work, they say, has been fulfilling as part of broader efforts to save the environment.

Replacing The Stigma Of Menopause With Law Firm Support

A large proportion of the workforce is forced to pull the brakes on their career aspirations because of the taboo surrounding menopause and a lack of consistent support, but law firms can initiate the cultural shift needed by formulating thoughtful workplace policies, says Barbara Hamilton-Bruce at Simmons & Simmons.

Planning Law Firm Content Calendars: What, When, Where

During the slower month of August, law firms should begin working on their 2025 content calendars, planning out a content creation and distribution framework that aligns with the firm’s objectives and maintains audience engagement throughout the year, says Jessica Kaplan at Legally Penned.

Specific Attacks On A Vague Tax Law: SALT In Review

From legal assaults on California's vague new sales-factor law to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's record on tax policy, RSM's David Brunori offers his thoughts on noteworthy state and local tax news.

Law Firms Should Move From Reactive To Proactive Marketing

Most law firm marketing and business development teams operate in silos, leading to an ad hoc, reactive approach, but shifting to a culture of proactive planning — beginning with comprehensive campaigns — can help firms effectively execute their broader business strategy, says Paul Manuele at PR Manuele Consulting.

The Big Issues A BigLaw Associates' Union Could Address

A BigLaw associates’ union could address a number of issues that have the potential to meaningfully improve working conditions, diversity and attorney well-being — from restructured billable hour requirements to origination credit allocation, return-to-office mandates and more, says Tara Rhoades at The Sanity Plea.

It's Time For A BigLaw Associates' Union

As BigLaw faces a steady stream of criticism about its employment policies and practices, an associates union could effect real change — and it could start with law students organizing around opposition to recent recruiting trends, says Tara Rhoades at The Sanity Plea.

How Justices Upended The Administrative Procedure Act

In its recent Loper Bright, Corner Post and Jarkesy decisions, the U.S. Supreme Court fundamentally changed the Administrative Procedure Act in ways that undermine Congress and the executive branch, shift power to the judiciary, curtail public and business input, and create great uncertainty, say Alene Taber and Beth Hummer at Hanson Bridgett.

Trump's Best Hush Money Appeal Options Still Likely To Fail

The two strongest potential arguments former President Donald Trump could raise in appealing his New York hush money conviction seem promising at first, but precedent strongly suggests they will still ultimately fail — though, of course, Trump's unique position could lead to surprising results, says former New York Supreme Court Justice Ethan Greenberg, now at Anderson Kill.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, Is My Counterclaim Bound To Fall?

A Pennsylvania federal court’s recent dismissal of the defendants’ counterclaims in Morgan v. Noss should remind attorneys to avoid the temptation to repackage a claim’s facts and law into a mirror-image counterclaim, as this approach will often result in a waste of time and resources, says Matthew Selmasska at Kaufman Dolowich.

3 Leadership Practices For A More Supportive Firm Culture

Traditional leadership styles frequently amplify the inherent pressures of legal work, but a few simple, time-neutral strategies can strengthen the skills and confidence of employees and foster a more collaborative culture, while supporting individual growth and contribution to organizational goals, says Benjamin Grimes at BKG Leadership.

Going The Extra Miles: SALT In Review

From a dispute about the borders of Florida's airspace to proposals that would exempt tips from taxes, RSM's David Brunori offers his thoughts on noteworthy state and local tax news.

E-Discovery Quarterly: Rulings On Hyperlinked Documents

Recent rulings show that counsel should engage in early discussions with clients regarding the potential of hyperlinked documents in electronically stored information, which will allow for more deliberate negotiation of any agreements regarding the scope of discovery, say attorneys at Sidley.

Loper Bright Limits Federal Agencies' Ability To Alter Course

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to dismantle Chevron deference also effectively overrules its 2005 decision in National Cable & Telecommunications Association v. Brand X, greatly diminishing agencies' ability to change regulatory course from one administration to the next, says Steven Gordon at Holland & Knight.