Major

Federal Jury Convicts Edwardsville Man of Major Meth Distribution Charges amidst Drug Bust Operation

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BENTON, Ill. — A federal jury has found a man from Edwardsville guilty on two counts related to methamphetamine distribution in Franklin and Perry counties, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois. The verdict came down on Wednesday for 59-year-old Kevin D. Stewart, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of the substance. The case also involved a co-defendant, Elizabeth J. Schwartzkopf, a 43-year-old resident of Pinckneyville, who had earlier pleaded guilty to similar charges in September. Schwartzkopf received … Read more

2025 Sees Surge in Major Trade Secret Awards as Courts Favor Plaintiffs Over Competitors

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BOSTON — Legal battles over trade secrets are making headlines in 2025 as courts deliver monumental monetary awards. A recent case saw a medical device company awarded $452 million for trade secret theft, though this sum was later reduced to $59.4 million in exchange for a permanent injunction. Another ruling saw Walmart found liable for misappropriating trade secrets belonging to Zest Labs, resulting in a $222 million judgment. Meanwhile, a notable $2.036 billion award for Appian Software against Pegasystems was vacated last year but is currently under review by the Virginia Supreme Court. As this … Read more

Environmental Groups Uncover Major Noncompliance: 30 Million Pounds of Chemicals Injected Without Disclosure in Colorado Fracking Operations

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DENVER — A recent report from environmental advocacy organizations has raised alarms about oil and gas companies allegedly failing to comply with a Colorado law mandating the disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing and drilling. This analysis suggests that nearly 30 million pounds of undisclosed chemicals have likely been injected into the ground across Colorado over the past 21 months. The report, released on May 20 by Physicians for Social Responsibility, Physicians for Social Responsibility Colorado, the FracTracker Alliance, and the Colorado Sierra Club, highlights significant noncompliance among operators, with Chevron and its subsidiaries … Read more

Kirkland & Ellis Expands Footprint with Major 13-Partner Raid from King & Spalding, Eyeing Growth in Mass Torts and Product Liability

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Kirkland, Washington — A notable shift in legal talent has occurred as Kirkland & Ellis welcomes a 13-partner team from King & Spalding, expanding its presence in major U.S. cities, including New York, Texas, and Los Angeles. The move reflects the firm’s strategic intent to enhance its capabilities in mass torts and product liability as demand in these areas continues to rise. The newly added partners are among nearly 30 lawyers transitioning from King & Spalding, a move that underscores Kirkland’s aggressive recruitment strategy. This development follows a significant group hire earlier in the year, … Read more