Faulty Drug Tests Lead to Child Custody Losses

A recent investigation by Shoshana Walter for The Marshall Project and Reveal has uncovered a disturbing trend in U.S. hospitals: mothers losing custody of their newborns due to unreliable drug tests. The full article paints a troubling picture of a widespread practice with far-reaching consequences. Hospitals across the country routinely employ quick, inexpensive urine drug … Read more

Council of Europe Adopts AI Convention

In a historic move, the Council of Europe has adopted a groundbreaking Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Signed in Vilnius on September 5, 2024, this Convention marks a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework for AI governance with a strong focus on protecting fundamental … Read more

Doomsday Clock: 90 seconds to Midnight

In a stark reminder of the challenges facing our world, the Doomsday Clock remains set at a mere 90 seconds to midnight. This sobering assessment, made by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, reflects the ongoing high risk of global catastrophe that we face today. The threats driving this dire prediction are multifaceted and interconnected. … Read more

Illinois Regulates AI in Employment Practices

In a groundbreaking move, Illinois has amended its Human Rights Act to address the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. These changes, set to take effect on January 1, mark a significant step forward in protecting workers’ rights in the age of AI. The amended Act introduces clear definitions for “Artificial Intelligence” and … Read more

Turning the Tables on Section 230

In a surprising twist of legal strategy, Ethan Zuckerman, a public policy professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. This innovative legal action aims to use Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act – typically a protective shield for tech companies – as … Read more

AI: Antitrust Case against RealPage

The United States Department of Justice, along with the Attorneys General of several states, have filed an antitrust lawsuit against RealPage, a leading provider of revenue management software for landlords. This legal action aims to address alleged anticompetitive practices that have potentially inflated rental prices for millions of Americans. RealPage, founded in 1998 and headquartered … Read more

Why People (and Lawyers) Use Legalese

When most people think of a contract, they envision a document filled with dense, complex language that seems far removed from everyday speech. This type of writing, often referred to as “legalese,” is typically associated with professional legal documents drafted by trained lawyers. However, a study by Eric Martínez, Francis Mollicab and Edward Gibson has … Read more

The Case Against Anthropic and Claude AI

In August 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against Anthropic PBC, a technology company recognized for developing advanced AI capabilities, notably its Claude family of large language models (LLMs). The lawsuit, spearheaded by authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber and Kirk Wallace Johnson, accuses Anthropic of unlawfully utilizing copyrighted materials—specifically, a vast collection of pirated … Read more

Simple Guide to Forming an LLC

While the do-it-yourself approach to forming a limited liability company (LLC) can be tempting for cost-conscious entrepreneurs, it’s important to recognize that this strategy may be penny-wise but pound-foolish. The nuances and details involved in forming an LLC can be complex and missing crucial elements may lead to complications down the road. This guide aims … Read more

IPOs – Negotiating the Terms

Navigating the complexities of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) requires meticulous attention to a myriad of provisions, each carrying significant implications for the company’s future as a public entity. The negotiation of these key provisions can be a delicate balancing act, involving the interests of the company, existing shareholders, underwriters and potential investors. Let’s delve … Read more

ABA Formal Opinion on AI

The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility has issued a formal opinion addressing the ethical considerations surrounding lawyers’ use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools in legal practice. Formal Opinion 512, released on July 29, 2024, provides crucial guidance for attorneys navigating this rapidly evolving technological landscape. At the heart of … Read more