Black Thursday: DLA Piper announced yesterday that 80 associates and 100 staff members would be laid off across the firm’s 26 U.S. offices.The move comes during a week in which several national firms, including Hogan & Hartson and Dechert, shed lawyers and support staff. Nationwide, more than 400 legal jobs were slashed at private firms on Thursday alone. Legal Times has the story
Vaccine Cases: By finding that vaccines do not play a role in causing autism, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims handed a significant defeat today to thousands of parents who blame the injections for their childrens’ disorders, reports The BLT. But while the rulings may prove to be a major hurdle for their cause, lawyers for many of the plaintiffs say they their legal efforts may only just be starting. They are already contemplating possible appeals, and talking about suing the pharmaceutical companies directly.
In the Running: Patton Boggs' DeMaurice Smith and former NFL players Troy Vincent and Trace Armstrong are the three finalists to be the next executive director of the players' union, sources familiar with the search told The Washington Post last night. Smith is also rumored to be in the running for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Gimme Shelter: The Justice Department is seeking expanded powers to prosecute offshore tax evasion and other financial crimes, including those related to the mortgage industry and potential misuse of government bailout money, The New York Times reports. The efforts, which have gained traction in recent weeks, could give the agency tougher prosecutorial tools to combat fraud amid the economic downturn.
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