Donald Verrilli confirmed as U.S. solicitor general
White House lawyer Donald Verrilli Jr. was confirmed Monday night as the new U.S. solicitor general in a 72-16 Senate vote after lawmakers reached an agreement to avert a threatened filibuster and move...
View ArticleFederal health care mandate is constitutional
The individual mandate enacted as part of the federal health care reform law does not violate the Commerce Clause, the 6th Circuit has ruled. The decision affirms a ruling from a U.S. District Court in...
View ArticleObama voices support for anti-unemployment bias bill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has voiced support for legislation that would make it illegal for employers and employment agencies to unfairly discriminate against unemployed job seekers. The...
View ArticlePending NLRB shutdown means more uncertainty for labor lawyers
WASHINGTON – As one of the most contentious years in the National Labor Relations Board’s history ends amid even more controversy, the new year brings new problems for the agency as well as labor...
View ArticleRule extends minimum wage, overtime to home care workers
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has issued an administration order providing minimum wage and overtime protections to nearly 2 million home care workers. Though a bill that would extend such...
View ArticleObama makes controversial recess appointments
WASHINGTON – In a move that will almost certainly spur a legal challenge, President Barack Obama announced recess appointments to two federal agencies that have been the subjects of an ongoing battle...
View ArticleObama voices support for same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama said he believes same-sex couples should be able to marry, becoming the first U.S. president to publicly endorse gay marriage. Previously, Obama voiced support only...
View ArticleSolicitor General triumphs in health care case
Everyone has experienced a bad day at the office. And most lawyers have developed a thick skin against public criticism and mockery. But only one lawyer this year had to endure being called a “train...
View ArticleBill would allow lawsuits against gun makers
WASHINGTON – A bill that would allow civil negligence suits to be brought by victims of gun violence against firearm manufacturers, distributors, dealers and trade organizations has been introduced in...
View ArticlePatent attorneys prepare for ‘Ides of March’
Two key provisions of the federal patent reform law that are due to go into effect next month have prompted lawyers to change the advice they offer clients. President Barack Obama signed the...
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