Court Revives Claim to Art: Amanda Bronstad looks at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruling that breathed new life into a dispute over claims of art taken by the Nazis. "A panel concluded the claims, brought under a California law, did not infringe the federal government's exclusive power to conduct foreign affairs — the so-called foreign affairs doctrine," according to the report.
Second Thoughts on False Claims: Advocates for amending the False Claims Act -- a powerful tool for the U.S. Justice Department -- are pitching reforms on Capitol Hill, Andrew Ramonas reports. Among those lawyers who are pushing for change was a familiar face at the Justice Department: David Ogden, a former deputy attorney general under Eric Holder Jr. "I hope you look at [the FCA amendments] hard, think about them and do the right thing," Ogden said at a recent discussion on the Hill.
Banks Draw Out Their Knives: Legal challenges to the new Volcker Rule appear certain, Jenna Greene reports this week. "When federal financial regulators last week adopted the massive Volcker Rule, it didn't mean their work was finished. If anything, lawyers say the work is just beginning," Greene writes. One lawyer remarks: "The implications [for] banks are so widespread that it is highly likely there will be challenges to the final rule on a number of grounds."
Voting Rights Fee Fight: "Following a bitter legal battle before the U.S. Supreme Court over the scope of the Voting Rights Act, the challengers are again fighting the federal government — this time over legal fees," Zoe Tillman reports this week. The U.S. Justice Department is fighting the challengers' request for $2 million in fees.
Moving On: Todd Ruger reports on how Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has dealt with the potential -- now confirmed -- departure of star appellate partner Patricia Millett. Millett was confirmed this month to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The Senate also confirmed Georgetown law professor Nina Pillard to a slot on the D.C. Circuit. A third nominee, U.S. District Judge Robert Wilkins, awaits a confirmation vote.
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