Judge John Hackett Joins National Committees to Reform Juvenile Law

Judge John Hackett of Hillsboro, Illinois, has been appointed to serve on two prestigious committees focusing on juvenile law at the national level. This appointment marks a significant recognition of his contributions to the field and highlights his commitment to improving the juvenile justice system. Hackett’s new roles include serving on the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, which is dedicated to advancing effective court practices that cater to children and families. Additionally, he joins the National Association of Juvenile Court Judges, which works to enhance the quality of juvenile court processes nationwide. … Read more

Nandita Das Joins Star-Studded Jury at Busan International Film Festival as Competition Heats Up

Busan, South Korea — Nandita Das, a renowned actor and filmmaker from India, has been appointed to the competition jury at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), which announced its lineup on Wednesday. The jury will be led by acclaimed Korean director Na Hong-Jin, known for his impactful contributions to contemporary cinema. This year, BIFF has introduced a new competition section along with the inaugural "Busan Award." The winners of these awards will be disclosed at the festival’s closing ceremony. Na Hong-Jin, serving as the jury president, is celebrated for his films such as … Read more

Fresno Takes a Stand: Joins Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s Federal Grant Reductions

Fresno, California, is taking a significant step by joining a legal challenge against members of the Trump administration over reductions in federal grants. The decision reflects the city’s ongoing concerns regarding the potential impact these funding cuts could have on local programs and services. City officials in Fresno have voiced worry that the reduced federal funding might jeopardize essential services, particularly those aimed at vulnerable communities. The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by various municipalities seeking to combat what they describe as disproportionate cuts affecting key federal support for local initiatives. The coalition … Read more

Veteran Litigator Burt Snell Joins Kirkland & Ellis to Strengthen East Coast Litigation Team

PHILADELPHIA — Burt Snell, a prominent attorney specializing in product liability and mass tort litigation, has joined Kirkland & Ellis as a litigation partner. His new role aims to enhance the firm’s presence in East Coast litigation, following a significant tenure at Butler Snow. Snell spent nearly 14 years at Butler Snow, where he served as a partner. His impressive legal career also includes nearly a decade at Dechert, another well-regarded law firm. The announcement of his hiring was made on August 12. Kirkland & Ellis, a global leader in the legal industry, continues to … Read more