Federal Judge’s Controversial Hiring Boycott Against Columbia Grads Raises Ethical Concerns Amid Complaints of Judicial Misconduct

Minneapolis, Minnesota — A federal judge faces a judicial complaint after allegedly participating in a hiring boycott aimed at graduates of Columbia University. The complaint, lodged against the judge who remains unnamed under the rules of judicial conduct, stems from his signature on a letter sent to the university’s president in May 2024, alongside twelve other federal judges. The letter criticized Columbia University for what the judges described as an increase in campus disruptions, anti-Semitism, and hostility toward diverse viewpoints following the October 7 terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. The signatories expressed their diminished … Read more

Justice Department Halts DEI Lawsuits, Citing Lack of Intentional Discrimination in Police and Fire Department Hiring

The Department of Justice recently terminated a series of lawsuits concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within various police and fire departments nationwide, previously initiated under the Biden administration. The discontinuation stems from an evaluation of aptitude tests, which some argued discriminated against minority groups. These lawsuits argued for race-based hiring quotas following identifiable statistical disparities in test performances by race and gender among applicants. However, the DOJ found these cases lacked evidence of intentional discrimination. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the need for public safety roles to be filled based on skill and … Read more

Hiring Freeze Paused at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Amid Pending Litigation

Washington, D.C. – Plans for layoffs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have been temporarily suspended as a federal judge evaluates a lawsuit filed by the agency’s union. The halt is a significant moment for the bureau, which has faced scrutiny over proposed staffing cuts under the current administration. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents the workforce at the CFPB, initiated legal action to contest the layoff of dozens of employees. This move was in response to what they argue is a breach of federal labor laws and their collective bargaining agreement. The … Read more

Armstrong Teasdale Bolsters Litigation Force by Hiring Trio from Troutman Pepper in NYC

New York, NY – Armstrong Teasdale LLP, a prominent law firm, has recently bolstered its litigation team by bringing on board three seasoned attorneys from Troutman Pepper Locke LLP. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in handling mass torts and complex commercial litigation. The trio of lawyers, who were previously part of a respected New York City law practice, brings with them a wealth of experience and expertise that is expected to significantly strengthen Armstrong Teasdale’s capacity in key areas of high-stakes litigation. This includes a focus on disputes that involve large-scale … Read more