Buchalter has rehired Anthony Callobre as a commercial finance partner in its Los Angeles office, the firm announced in Los Angeles.

Callobre represents credit providers, including commercial banks, finance companies, private debt and private equity groups, as well as borrowers in financial and strategic transactions. His practice focuses on a range of financing matters across the commercial and industrial sectors.

Adam Bass, president and chief executive officer of Buchalter, said Callobre’s experience in financing transactions and cross-border deals will expand the firm’s capabilities in commercial finance.

Callobre advises clients on transactions ranging from middle-market to investment-grade credits. His experience includes single-lender and syndicated credits, senior-secured and mezzanine facilities, leveraged and asset-based loans, fund financings, acquisition loans, and cross-border transactions. He also handles restructurings, debtor-in-possession financings, and Section 363 sales.

Buchalter is a full-service business law firm with more than 600 attorneys and offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The firm represents clients in practice areas including commercial finance, corporate law, health care, litigation, insolvency, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate, and tax and estate planning.

MILWAUKEE (Feb. 12, 2026) — Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has added Elizabeth C. Wamboldt as senior counsel in its Milwaukee office, where she will focus on privacy and cybersecurity law.

Wamboldt joins the firm’s Privacy & Cybersecurity practice, advising companies on data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology-related commercial matters. Her experience includes private practice and in-house roles, where she counseled organizations on complex technology transactions and regulatory compliance.

Linda Emery, a partner in the firm’s Privacy & Cybersecurity practice, said Wamboldt brings experience in technology transactions and data privacy law. Alec Fraser, managing partner of the firm’s Milwaukee office, said her background includes privacy program development, AI governance, and technology licensing.

Wamboldt has worked on drafting and negotiating technology-driven commercial agreements, including software licensing, cloud and software-as-a-service agreements, supply chain contracts, managed services agreements, and website and mobile application terms.

Before joining Michael Best, she practiced at a national law firm. She held in-house contracting roles at a healthcare technology company and a global healthcare organization. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional–United States and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Wamboldt earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is admitted to practice law in Wisconsin.

Michael Best is a law firm with more than 400 legal professionals, including more than 325 attorneys, serving clients in 18 offices across the United States.

iManage has released its Knowledge Work 2026 Benchmark Report, a global study of 3,185 business and technology decision-makers across 26 countries, finding that professional services firms with mature knowledge management practices outperform peers in AI adoption, financial performance, and client trust.

The report, based on the company’s Knowledge Work Maturity Model, assesses how organizations govern, connect, and activate knowledge across people, processes, and technology. Findings collected in October 2025 show that higher levels of knowledge work maturity correlate with stronger business outcomes across industries and geographies.

While 85% of organizations surveyed are piloting, implementing, or using artificial intelligence tools, only 17% have embedded AI into daily operations, according to the report. The data points to a gap between experimentation and sustained operational impact, as researchers describe it.

Organizations with higher knowledge work maturity were nearly twice as likely as less mature peers to report year-over-year revenue growth. They were more likely to self-report profitability and stronger financial performance.

Customer demand is also influencing AI strategies. Overall, 57% of respondents said clients affect their AI adoption decisions, rising to 74% among knowledge-mature organizations. Those firms were also twice as likely to deploy AI in client-facing tools.
The report found governance challenges remain a barrier. Nearly one-third of respondents said their organizations experienced a policy-impacting incident involving unregulated AI tools, and almost 30% reported delaying AI adoption due to security concerns.

Most respondents, 57%, said AI is primarily enhancing existing roles rather than replacing jobs. Knowledge-mature organizations were more likely to report productivity gains from AI-enabled workflows.

Despite 86% of decision-makers expressing confidence in their ability to find and reuse knowledge, professionals spend an average of 37 minutes per day searching for information, according to the study.

“What this data shows is that AI success isn’t about who experiments fastest — it’s about who has done the foundational work,” said Laura Wenzel, global insights director at iManage. She said organizations with mature knowledge environments are better positioned to deploy AI consistently and govern it responsibly.

Reena SenGupta, executive director at RSGI, said the findings underscore the need for law firms to invest in knowledge systems and AI infrastructure to remain competitive.

The report also found that 72% of organizations plan to invest in a new document or knowledge management platform within the next two years. However, it cautions that technology investment alone does not guarantee results without established governance frameworks.

The Knowledge Work 2026 Benchmark Report is intended to serve as a global benchmark for organizations evaluating their readiness to scale AI adoption.

Polsinelli has added trial lawyer Laura B. Angelini as a shareholder in its health care litigation practice in Boston, the firm announced.

Angelini joins the firm’s Boston office with experience defending health care organizations and executives in government investigations and enforcement matters nationwide. Her addition follows the recent hiring of Benjamin Wallfisch in Denver as part of the firm’s expansion of its health care litigation bench.

Angelini represents clients in civil, criminal, and administrative actions involving the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and HIPAA. Her cases often involve alleged Medicare and Medicaid billing violations, off-label promotion, drug diversion, and patient privacy breaches.

She advises pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers and distributors, hospitals, academic medical centers, behavioral health organizations, physician practice groups, and licensed professionals.

“Polsinelli has long been a leader in health care, and Laura’s arrival further expands that position,” said Chase Simmons, chairman and CEO of Polsinelli.

Sherri T. Alexander, chair of the firm’s health care litigation practice, said Angelini’s trial experience and background in government investigations will strengthen the firm’s ability to guide clients through regulatory scrutiny and complex litigation.

Angelini said the firm’s national health care litigation platform and collaborative approach influenced her decision to join. She said she plans to expand the firm’s white-collar presence in Boston.

Angelini earned her law degree from Boston College Law School and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Boston College.

Polsinelli’s health care litigation team represents clients in disputes and government investigations in litigation, arbitration, and administrative proceedings. The firm said the group includes former Department of Justice attorneys, former state Medicaid fraud unit attorneys, and former in-house counsel to private and publicly traded health care companies.

The False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement is set to intensify in 2026 as the Department of Justice (DOJ) expands its scope and courts navigate key legal challenges, according to the 2026 FCA Guide by Hogan Lovells, a global law firm.

The guide, marking its 10th anniversary, highlights significant developments from 2025 and outlines potential shifts in enforcement strategy. Jonathan Diesenhaus, a partner at Hogan Lovells and co-editor of the FCA Guide, anticipates continued high activity in the FCA space. “Initiatives and investigations launched in 2025 show that the Trump Administration plans to use the FCA aggressively to meet its policy goals,” said Diesenhaus.

In 2025, the DOJ launched several significant initiatives, including the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative, which designated the FCA as a primary tool to combat fraud, waste, and abuse. This marks a notable shift, with the current administration using the FCA to target a range of policy areas, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), gender-affirming care, and cyberfraud.

Mitch Lazris, also a Hogan Lovells partner and co-editor, echoed these expectations, predicting that FCA enforcement will continue to rise throughout 2026. “The use of the FCA in high-profile cases and emerging areas is likely to set the tone for the coming years.”

Legal experts are also closely monitoring how courts will assess the DOJ’s novel applications of the FCA. Michele Sartori, another partner at Hogan Lovells, emphasized the importance of upcoming court decisions. “With questions about the constitutionality of the qui tam provision and the ‘materiality’ standard, 2026 will be a pivotal year for how FCA cases are initiated and resolved.”

The FCA Guide details several areas of focus, including:

• New Priorities Under the Trump Administration: The report highlights how policy objectives are shaping case selection and investigative priorities.
• Rise in Qui Tam Cases: The surge in whistleblower-driven cases is being fueled by increasing tariffs and trade issues, as well as heightened interest in cyberfraud-related claims.
• State-Level Enforcement: With more states ramping up their own FCA enforcement, coordination with federal authorities is expected to strengthen.
• Healthcare Litigation: A trend of circuit splits in health care-related FCA cases could lead to more significant judicial review.

In 2025, the FCA achieved a record $6.8 billion in recoveries, with health care-related cases accounting for the bulk of the settlements. The surge reflects an increase in qui tam filings, which reached 1,297, compared to 980 in 2024. As a result, whistleblowers and relators are expected to continue playing a pivotal role in FCA litigation.

For companies and legal practitioners, Hogan Lovells will host a webinar on March 12 to discuss the key developments and anticipated trends in FCA enforcement for 2026.

Read the guide here.

Los Angeles, CA (February 9, 2026) — Stockdale Capital Partners has appointed Richie Dinets as its new Managing Director and General Counsel. In his new role, Dinets will oversee the legal, regulatory, and compliance functions for the real estate private equity firm, contributing to its strategic growth. He will also serve on Stockdale’s Management Committee.

Dinets brings over 15 years of experience in institutional private equity real estate, including seven years at Tishman Speyer, where he managed legal strategy for major West Coast markets with $9 billion in assets. His career also includes a robust foundation in private practice with top law firms like Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Morrison & Foerster, and Allen Matkins.

Dinets has advised clients on significant acquisitions, joint ventures, development projects, and financing strategies across multiple real estate sectors.

At Stockdale, Dinets is expected to lead legal strategies, support transaction execution, manage outside counsel relationships, and enforce the firm’s governance and compliance practices. His expertise will also help shape the firm’s long-term strategic initiatives.

“Richie’s deep transactional experience and ability to navigate complex real estate structures make him an exceptional addition to our senior leadership team,” said Dan Michaels, Managing Partner at Stockdale. “His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to scale our platform and pursue compelling opportunities across our target markets.”

Dinets, a graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, holds a B.A. in Political Science, International Relations, and Economics from UC San Diego.

ArentFox Schiff has launched a Longevity & Healthspan Industry Group, a cross-sector initiative focused on advising companies involved in longevity, wellness, and preventive health, the firm announced.

The group is designed to support businesses operating across health care, biotechnology, consumer wellness, and technology as interest in anti-aging and healthspan innovation continues to expand. It will provide legal guidance on regulatory compliance, reimbursement strategies, data privacy, intellectual property, corporate transactions, and government relations.

Gayland O. Hethcoat II will lead the group. He said companies in the longevity space face a complex and evolving regulatory environment that requires coordinated legal and strategic support.

The firm said the group will draw on capabilities from its health care, life sciences, regulatory, privacy, patent, corporate, and government relations practices. Areas of focus include biotechnology and life sciences, precision diagnostics, direct-to-consumer testing, imaging centers, wearable health technology, digital health platforms, longevity clinics, nutrition and cosmetic companies, fitness and performance brands, medical travel, senior living operators, and longevity-focused investors.

Anthony V. Lupo, chairman of ArentFox Schiff, said the firm is the first Am Law 100 firm to establish longevity as a dedicated industry group, positioning it to advise clients developing new approaches to health, wellness, and human performance.

In addition to Hethcoat, the group includes Karen Ellis Carr, Abha Kundi, Jo-Ann Marchica, Marc E. Rivera, Michael Scarpati, Jill A. Steinberg, Michelle R. Bowling, and Shoshana Golden, with additional support from Black K. Thelander and Starshine S. Chun.

Eversheds Sutherland has added veteran trial lawyer Peter Meier as a partner in its Litigation Practice Group in Silicon Valley, continuing the firm’s expansion in California.

Meier, who brings over 25 years of litigation experience, joins Eversheds after a long tenure at Paul Hastings. He has served as lead counsel in complex real estate, environmental, construction, and commercial disputes, representing clients in federal and state courts, as well as arbitration and mediation proceedings.

The firm highlighted Meier’s role in managing high-profile cases, including guiding the developer of San Francisco’s Millennium Tower through litigation involving more than 400 claims and helping negotiate a global settlement. He has also worked on disputes involving large-scale infrastructure projects and energy systems.

Firm leaders said Meier’s addition supports Eversheds Sutherland’s strategic goal of strengthening its West Coast platform. His former colleague, Silicon Valley practice head Bradford Newman, said Meier’s hiring is part of a broader effort to attract top-tier legal talent.

Meier said he was drawn to the firm’s collaborative culture and growth trajectory in California.

Fenwick has relocated its San Francisco office to One Front Street, occupying floors 31 through 33 in downtown San Francisco. The relocation marks the law firm’s continued presence in the city.

The new office features open-concept workspaces and adaptable meeting rooms. Its central location provides proximity to public transit, dining, and other urban amenities.

This move follows a series of expansions by Fenwick over the past year. In April, the firm opened a Boston office with a team of more than 20 professionals to bolster its life sciences, intellectual property, and corporate practices. In December, Fenwick also moved its Washington, D.C., office to support growth in regulatory, antitrust, and investigations work.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to enhance the firm’s national platform and expand legal support for clients at all stages of development.

Blank Rome LLP has expanded its national hospitality and real estate capabilities with the addition of five veteran attorneys from Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP. The incoming partners, Jim Butler, David Sudeck, Mark Adams, Jeff Myers, and Joe Mellema bring decades of experience in hospitality law, real estate, finance, and litigation.

Jim Butler and David Sudeck, who previously co-chaired their former firm’s hospitality group, will now lead Blank Rome’s Hospitality Practice alongside existing co-chair Christy Reuter. Butler, Sudeck, and Myers will operate from the firm’s Los Angeles office, while Adams and Mellema join from the Orange County office.

The team is recognized for advising on thousands of hotel and mixed-use projects globally, including complex franchise agreements, acquisitions, restructurings, and innovative financing structures such as C-PACE and EB-5. Their work spans every stage of the asset lifecycle and involves clients ranging from developers to lenders and operators.

The addition strengthens Blank Rome’s coast-to-coast hospitality and real estate practices, particularly in key markets like New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. The move aligns with the firm’s strategy to grow its international hospitality platform and expand capabilities in complex transactions and high-stakes disputes.

Christy Reuter highlighted the team’s ability to address clients’ needs across disciplines, particularly in litigation and IP protection. The new partners echoed the sentiment, noting Blank Rome’s collaborative culture and national litigation strength as key reasons for the move.

Each attorney brings specialized expertise. Butler is known for strategic hospitality counsel and industry leadership. Sudeck for complex financing structures. Adams is renowned for litigation, especially involving hotel agreements. Myers has transactional hospitality law expertise and Mellema for intellectual property and business disputes involving technology and AI.

For a quick firm update, see Blank Rome New York real estate counsel hire.

Z2Data is hosting a webinar to help trade, supply chain, and procurement professionals better understand and manage country-of-origin (COO) and country-of-diffusion (COD) data in global commerce.

The session will examine how incorrect or misunderstood origin data can lead to tariff overpayments, audit issues, and missed design opportunities. Organizers say many teams wrongly assume their COO and COD information is sufficient, only to find gaps during critical sourcing or compliance reviews.

The webinar will cover distinctions between COO and COD, the challenges of interpreting COD, how to determine substantial transformation, and how to locate reliable origin data. Participants will also learn strategies for using this data to mitigate tariff exposure and make earlier, smarter decisions during product design phases.

The event is tailored for professionals in trade compliance and sourcing, offering tools and insights to develop actionable plans for origin management.

iManage has released an update to its Ask iManage assistant, introducing AI-powered search capabilities. These features allow users to ask natural-language questions and receive cited answers across the entire iManage Work platform.

The new features, now available to all Ask iManage subscribers. It expand the assistant’s functionality from analyzing user-selected document sets to providing platform-wide intelligence. Users can initiate queries without pre-selecting documents and receive structured, contextual answers sourced from governed firm content.

Ask iManage now follows a three-step process: interpreting intent from questions, retrieving relevant content, and generating cited responses. This allows users to validate answers and pivot into deeper analysis such as comparisons and redline reviews directly within the document management system.

The tool can handle a variety of real-world legal and operational queries, including past litigation outcomes, transactional clause comparisons, and risk management evaluations. Responses are grounded in the firm’s historical work and include citations for verification.

Elaine Bienvenu, Director of Information Technology at Jones Walker LLP, noted that the update changes how attorneys interact with firm knowledge by offering immediate insights from natural-language questions.

The AI system is integrated into iManage Work with native enforcement of permissions and security policies. According to CEO Neil Araujo, the update represents a major step in providing intuitive and governed AI solutions for legal professionals.

The expanded Ask iManage is available at no additional cost to current subscribers, with new customers receiving the enhanced version by default. Ask iManage demonstrates iManage’s AI capabilities in action, securely accessing and reasoning across governed content to deliver trusted answers.

These same underlying AI services enable third-party applications to access iManage content through the iManage’s Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Chicago-based law firm Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) announced the addition of Jeffrey D. Glickman as a partner in its Private Wealth practice group. Glickman specializes in estate planning, trust administration, and wealth transfer strategies, with a background that includes accounting and tax law.

Licensed in Illinois and Florida, Glickman advises clients on constructing estate plans that align with both business and personal goals. His experience includes drafting various trust types such as revocable, irrevocable, and charitable trusts and handling modifications through settlement agreements and trust decantings.

NGE Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber highlighted Glickman’s tax-focused approach as a complement to the firm’s existing strengths, noting his expertise in guiding corporate trustees and business owners through complex planning processes.

Glickman, a former CPA and tax accountant, earned his law degree cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law. He also holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He is an active member of the Chicago legal community, participating in the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Estate Planning Council.

About NGE

Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is a leading law firm trusted by entrepreneurs, public companies, private businesses, and their owners to handle sophisticated legal matters. For forty years, NGE has built enduring partnerships with clients across the globe, delivering personalized counsel and practical solutions tailored to each unique need.

More than one-third of the firm’s attorneys are recognized in the latest Best Lawyers in America listing. NGE represents numerous Fortune 100 companies, as well as many of the nation’s most respected private enterprises.

The firm is also a valued advisor to startups and growth-stage companies, offering strategic counsel that evolves with their business.

Eversheds Sutherland has rehired Taylor Kiessig as a partner in its Tax Practice Group in Washington, D.C., following his tenure as Special Counsel at the IRS Office of Chief Counsel (International).

Eversheds Sutherland announced the return of Taylor Kiessig to its Tax Practice Group, where he will focus on federal and international tax matters. Kiessig previously worked at the firm from 2014, was promoted to partner in 2018, and then joined the Internal Revenue Service.

At the IRS, Kiessig contributed to key international tax guidance and policy initiatives. His recent public service included recognition through the IRS Chief Counsel National Award and participation in the 2024 Treasury Legal Team of the Year. His work emphasized technical guidance and regulatory development in cross-border taxation.

In his new role, Kiessig will advise companies across industries including technology, energy, and financial services on international tax compliance, planning, and structuring. His responsibilities include counseling clients on audit readiness and the implications of evolving global tax rules.

The firm highlighted Kiessig’s dual experience in private practice and government service as a strategic asset amid increased scrutiny in international tax law. His return follows the firm’s recent expansion in tax capabilities, which included 29 new attorneys in 2025 and three new tax partners effective January 2026.

SEATTLE – Buchalter has expanded its White Collar and Labor and Employment practice with the addition of Kristina Maritczak as a partner in the firm’s Seattle office.

Maritczak brings experience advising clients on human resources, employment matters, enterprise risk management, and regulatory compliance. She also focuses on crisis management involving reputational risk, whistleblower investigations, fraud, and cybersecurity.

Before joining Buchalter, Maritczak served as a Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel, advising clients on policy development and risk reduction strategies aligned with business goals. She has also coordinated interdisciplinary teams on international matters and currently serves on nonprofit boards while developing a teen financial literacy program.

Buchalter President and CEO Adam Bass said Maritczak’s experience strengthens the firm’s Pacific Northwest presence. Seattle Managing Partner Bradley Hoff added that her expertise broadens the office’s labor and employment capabilities.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Littler has appointed Brendan Fitzgerald as co-chair of its Labor Practice Group, the firm announced on January 23. Fitzgerald, a shareholder based in Littler’s Columbus office, joins current co-chairs Jonathan Levine and Brooke Niedecken, succeeding Tanja Thompson.

Fitzgerald advises employers on a wide range of labor-management issues, including National Labor Relations Board proceedings, labor arbitrations, and collective bargaining. He also counsels multinational corporations on strategies to address global labor campaigns.

With over 250 attorneys, Littler’s labor practice supports clients across industries, including nearly half of the Fortune 100. It is involved in union negotiations and high-profile labor litigation.

Fitzgerald, who earned his law degree from Ohio State University, contributes regularly to discussions on labor trends and was a lead contributor to Littler’s 2025 Labor Survey Report.

Thompson will continue her leadership role as managing shareholder of Littler’s Memphis office.

January 21, 2026 – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management, has appointed William J. Anthony (New York) as chair of its Board of Directors for 2026. He succeeds Michael Wilder (Chicago), who has completed his three-year term limit but will continue serving as a board member.

In addition to Anthony’s appointment, Littler named three new members to its Board: Kimberly J. Doud (Orlando), David B. Jordan (Houston), and Robert C. Long (Chicago/Columbus).

“On behalf of the firm, I congratulate Will on his appointment and express my gratitude to Michael for his leadership over the past three years,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “I look forward to working with Will as he leads the firm’s strategic priorities. Kim, David, and Bob bring valuable knowledge and perspectives that will benefit our growth.”

Anthony, who has been a board member since 2024, is recognized for his expertise in complex class and collective litigation. He also advises organizations on a range of employment matters and frequently speaks on workplace law issues. His leadership extends to various firm committees and professional organizations.

“It is an honor to step into the chair role, and I look forward to collaborating with Erin and the board to continue our firm’s success,” Anthony stated.

For more information, visit Littler’s website.

Blank Rome LLP has announced that William “Will” S. Weltman has joined the firm’s Chicago office as a partner in its Business Litigation group, bringing expertise in complex litigation and private equity counseling.

Weltman, who specializes in contractual, trade secret, and technology disputes, also works with high-net-worth individuals and family offices in trust and estate litigation. His arrival marks a significant addition to Blank Rome’s growing Chicago office, which has expanded to over 30 attorneys since its 2019 opening.

Weltman joins Blank Rome from Reed Smith LLP, where he represented private equity clients across various industries, including food, consumer products, and hospitality. He will continue advising clients on international litigation, technology disputes, and cross-border matters, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in these areas.

Blank Rome’s Chicago office has grown rapidly, adding notable partners like Ferlillia V. Roberson, Allison N. Powers, and Emily L. Hussey, reflecting the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions to clients across industries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Will to the team,” said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Chair and Managing Partner. “His strategic approach to litigation and in-house perspective will be invaluable to our clients.”

Weltman is also dedicated to pro bono work, especially in civil rights and criminal justice reform.

He graduated as valedictorian from the John Marshall Law School and he served as Editor-In-Chief of The John Marshall Law Review. He earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University.

Buchalter, a national law firm, has strengthened its intellectual property (IP) practice in Denver with the addition of Steven Weigler as an IP Partner, the firm announced Thursday. Joining Weigler is Associate Marie Dutton, who will form a new team to enhance the firm’s intellectual property law expertise.

Weigler, a recognized leader in IP protection, brings extensive experience advising clients on brand strategy and intellectual property matters. His background includes work with high-profile businesses, ranging from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Weigler’s dual experience as both an entrepreneur and corporate counsel positions him to assist clients in the SaaS and eCommerce sectors with complex legal needs.

“Joining Buchalter was a natural next step for us,” said Weigler. “The firm offers a national platform and comprehensive resources that align with my clients’ growing business needs.”

Dutton, who holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University and a J.D. from the University of Missouri, specializes in intellectual property law. She previously worked as a Legal Extern at Venture Partners and at the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Buchalter’s Denver office Managing Partner, Rob Hinckley, praised the new hires. “Steve and Marie’s deep expertise in both the business and technical aspects of intellectual property will be a major asset to our clients,” he said.

About Buchalter

Buchalter is a full-service business law firm representing local, regional, national, and international clients in a multitude of practice areas and their subspecialties, among them: Bank and Finance, Corporate, Health Care, Litigation, Insolvency and Financial Law, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Real Estate, and Tax and Estate Planning.

Buchalter is approaching 600 attorneys with offices in California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

For more information about the firm, visit: buchalter.com.

U.S. corporations faced heightened exposure to cybersecurity, data privacy, and employment litigation in 2025. Those risks expected to grow in 2026 amid shifting enforcement priorities and rising jury verdicts, according to a new survey released Tuesday by Norton Rose Fulbright.

The law firm’s 21st Annual Litigation Trends Survey, based on responses from more than 400 general counsel and in-house litigation leaders, found that 38% of organizations reported increased cybersecurity and data privacy exposure last year, the largest single area of rising risk. Employment and labor disputes followed, cited by 31% of respondents.

Overall dispute exposure remained elevated in 2025, consistent with levels seen the year before. Corporate counsel surveyed said they expect litigation pressure to intensify this year, particularly in technology, consumer markets, and retail. Respondents identified regulatory investigations, antitrust, and intellectual property disputes as key risks for technology companies. At the same time, employment matters were highlighted for retail businesses.

Regulatory proceedings declined in 2025, with 56% of organizations reporting involvement in at least one, down from 70% in 2024. The report attributes the decrease to reduced federal enforcement activity, though respondents described a more fragmented outlook ahead. More than 8 in 10 said state enforcement increased as priorities diverged from those of federal regulators.

Use of artificial intelligence in litigation continues to expand, according to the survey. Seventy-eight percent of respondents support AI use by outside counsel, up from 73% a year earlier, and more than 60% said their organizations use customized generative or agentic AI tools. At the same time, 59% said managing litigation risks related to AI remains a challenge.

Confidence in litigation preparedness declined, with 29% of respondents saying they feel “very prepared” to handle litigation over the next 12 months, down from 46% the prior year.

Concerns over extensive jury awards also grew: 77% cited increasing worry about verdicts exceeding $10 million. In comparison, 58% expressed concern over awards topping $100 million.

The survey found that 28% of respondents experienced class actions in 2025, up from 25% in 2024, with cybersecurity and data privacy class actions accounting for 40% of those cases. ESG-related class actions nearly doubled year over year. Average litigation spending among companies with at least $1 billion in revenue fell slightly to $4.1 million.

The full report is available at litigationtrends.com.