The current enforcement landscape is a new and complicated playing field in which both Republican and Democratic AGs are eyeing business as prime enforcement targets. Business leaders and general counsel, particularly those with business operations in multiple states, would do well to pay attention to the competing enforcement priorities.
Exit Interview: Leigha Simonton
The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Texas officially leaves office on Sunday, the day before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. In a wide-ranging discussion with The Texas Lawbook, Leigha Simonton reflects on her two years as chief federal prosecutor in a district that sprawls across 100 counties, and her long years of public service that led her to the job.
Labor, Employment, M&A, Tax and Energy — What to Expect in the Second Trump Administration
In a recent CLE event hosted by The Texas Lawbook and the Houston chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, lawyers from Bracewell, Talen Energy and Vopak gathered to discuss various topics related to the different areas they are keeping a keen eye on as the change of presidential administrations inches closer to the Jan. 20 inauguration date.
Fraud in Healthcare, Crypto Led Texas White-Collar Dockets in 2024
The year’s biggest fraud prosecutions confirmed what federal authorities have long known: If there’s a way to steal from Medicare, other government healthcare programs, and private insurers, someone will find it.
Experts: Antitrust, Employment, International Trade and Energy — What to Expect Under Trump 2.0
In a CLE event hosted by The Texas Lawbook, lawyers from Akin, Baker McKenzie and Capital One discussed various topics related to how they are preparing themselves and their clients for the transition between administrations in January when Donald Trump assumes office in his second term as president.
Real Estate Developer Pleads Guilty in Dallas City Hall Corruption Scandal
Sherman Roberts, president and CEO of City Wide Community Development Corporation, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiring to commit bribery. Roberts is accused of bribing two former Dallas City Council members in exchange for their support of his real estate projects.
DOJ’s Updated Corporate Compliance Guidance Gives Companies More Reasons to Focus on AI and Technology
Tracking themes apparent in other recent guidance issued by DOJ, companies now have more reason to focus on AI and the effective use of emerging technologies and data analytics, even when engaging in M&A deals, to enhance corporate compliance programs. Perhaps most significantly, the DOJ now asks companies to demonstrate how they are utilizing newly available technology such as AI and whether the companies have adequately prepared for the risks associated with using such technologies.
Who Qualifies as an ‘Officer of the United States?’ The Answer May Surprise You
Courts have historically wrestled with who qualifies as an “Officer of the United States”— a term that is used five times in the Constitution and its amendments. Considering that the federal government employs nearly 3 million people, some of the confusion is warranted. But not all. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court faced the question of whether the president qualified as an officer of the United States. The Court ultimately decided the case on different grounds without clarification on this point.
A federal district court in Florida ruled three weeks ago that any individual who files a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act is an officer of the U.S. and that the FCA’s qui tam provisions are unconstitutional because whistleblowers are not appointed by the executive branch.