Team

Alston & Bird Expands Chicago Litigation Team, Poaches Seasoned Sidley Austin Duo

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Chicago, IL – Alston & Bird’s burgeoning Chicago office has further bolstered its legal team by recruiting two prominent attorneys from Sidley Austin, highlighting the firm’s aggressive expansion strategy. The recent hires, which include specialsits in mass tort and toxic tort practices, enhance the young office’s litigation capabilities significantly. Kara McCall and Beth Chiarello, both seasoned lawyers within the Am Law 50-ranked Sidley Austin, have transitioned to Alston & Bird, operational since July last year. Their decision to move was confirmed on Thursday, reflecting a significant shift in their professional trajectories and an ongoing trend … Read more

Groundbreaking Jury System Research Wins Prestigious Civil Justice Scholarship Award for Law Professor Valerie P. Hans and Team

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Cornell University law professor Valerie P. Hans, along with two distinguished colleagues, received the prestigious 2025 Civil Justice Scholarship Award from the National Civil Justice Institute. This recognition is awarded for influential scholarly work in the realm of civil justice. Hans is honored alongside Professor Richard Jolly of Southwestern Law School and attorney Robert Peck from the Center for Constitutional Law. The trio’s winning article, “Democratic Renewal and the Civil Jury,” published in the Georgia Law Review, examines the pivotal role of the civil jury in enhancing civic engagement and upholding democratic values in contemporary … Read more

Threats Against Justice: French Authorities Probe Death Threats to Legal Team in Marine Le Pen Corruption Trial

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Paris, France — French authorities are investigating threats made against legal officials presiding over a corruption trial involving far-right leader Marine Le Pen, which has the potential to bar her from the 2027 presidential election. The threats have targeted a judge and two prosecutors, escalating tensions in a case that has already highlighted deep political divisions within the country. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the National Rally (RN) party, is a central figure in the next presidential race, leading in current opinion polls for the April 2027 election. She, along with her party and … Read more

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Call for Gag Order Against Justin Baldoni’s Legal Team Amidst Media Storm

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Hollywood actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have taken legal action seeking a gag order against attorney Bryan Freedman, representing Justin Baldoni. This step comes after a controversial video surfaced, depicting Lively and Baldoni during a film scene, which Lively claims demonstrates her discomfort, despite its intended portrayal of mutual interaction. The video, unveiled by the legal team of Baldoni, who is both the director and an actor in the movie “It Ends With Us,” captures various takes of a dance sequence between Baldoni and Lively. According to Freedman, the release was to counteract allegations … Read more