Egnyte Report Reveals 28% of Americans Unaware of Cyberattacks

Egnyte, a leader in secure content collaboration and governance, has released its latest report titled Hacked and Exposed: What Business Leaders Need to Know About Cyber Threats. The report’s findings highlight cybersecurity trends, with 28% of Americans going months without realizing they’ve been hacked, often targeting their financial accounts and leading to significant monetary losses.

According to a comprehensive survey of 1,301 U.S. heads of household, cybercriminals are utilizing increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit security vulnerabilities. These tactics include phishing emails, weak passwords, and social engineering strategies.

Kris Lahiri, Chief Security Officer and Co-Founder of Egnyte, stated, “The report not only underscores the prevalence of cyberattacks but also the concern that many people remain unaware of breaches for an extended period. This delay allows hackers to compromise multiple accounts.”

He emphasized the importance of reviewing and strengthening personal and professional security practices, such as diversifying passwords to reduce the risk of attacks.

The report also highlights the sectors most vulnerable to cyberattacks:

41% reported being financially hacked, making them the most vulnerable group in the study. 36% of individuals working in banking and finance experienced financial hacks, emphasizing the need for stronger cybersecurity.

31% of professionals were targeted by phishing and email-based attacks. Workers in office and healthcare settings also experienced high rates of cyberattacks, with 29% of office employees and 25% of healthcare workers reporting financial hacks.

Neil Jones, cybersecurity evangelist at Egnyte, remarked, “The findings regarding work location may surprise many. It’s often assumed that on-site offices provide better security. Still, our report suggests that organizations with remote workforces are more proactive in cybersecurity training, network security, and access control than those with only on-site employees.”




Adobe Acrobat Vulnerabilities Allow Remote Code Execution

Security researchers from Cisco Talos have discovered multiple vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information. These flaws primarily stem from issues in the software’s font handling functionality.

The identified vulnerabilities include out-of-bounds read flaws and a memory corruption issue, which could be exploited through maliciously crafted PDF files.

CVE-2025-27163 & CVE-2025-27164 may lead to sensitive information disclosure. Attackers could leverage these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to system data.
CVE-2025-27158 is a memory corruption vulnerability caused by an uninitialized pointer in Adobe Acrobat’s font processing. If exploited, this flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

The susceptibilities affect various versions of Adobe Acrobat, though specific impacted versions have not yet been disclosed in detail. If successfully exploited, these exposure could allow attackers to steal sensitive data from affected systems. It can remotely execute malicious code and gain unauthorized system access.

Given the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat for PDF management, these security issues pose a significant risk to individual users and businesses alike.

To protect against potential exploits, users and organizations should take immediate action. Adobe has released patches addressing these harms. Users are urged to apply the latest security updates promptly. Avoid opening PDF documents from untrusted or unknown sources. Implement endpoint security solutions and intrusion detection systems to mitigate exploitation risks.




Shareholder Tim McInturf Rejoins Littler in Houston

Littler, the largest law firm specializing in employment and labor law for management, has welcomed Tim McInturf back as a shareholder in its Houston office. He was part of Littler from 1999 to 2009, comes back after holding leadership roles at Quantlab Group and founding Tim McInturf Mediation.

“Tim’s unique combination of business executive experience and legal expertise offers valuable insights for our clients,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. His skill in tackling complex legal issues from a business perspective and his conflict resolution expertise add a lot to our team. We’re excited to have him back.”

McInturf brings years of experience in business leadership and dispute resolution. His legal career at Littler focused on employment litigation, including unfair competition, trade secrets, breach of contract, and wrongful termination. At Quantlab Group, a global trading company, McInturf spent 11 years in leadership. There, he worked as President, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel. In these roles, he guided the company’s strategy, culture, growth, and daily operations across multiple countries.

“Tim’s approach to client service focuses on strategic thinking, collaboration, and understanding the changing legal landscape in Texas and nationwide,” said Kelley Edwards, Littler’s managing shareholder in Houston. “With his background as a trial lawyer and trusted advisor, Tim will be valuable in addressing our clients’ biggest workplace challenges.”

Upon his return to Littler, McInturf will represent employers in cases involving unfair competition, non-compete agreements, and trade secrets. He will also defend clients against claims of discrimination and retaliation. With a background in helping businesses create strong workplace cultures, he will advise employers on managing workplace issues and developing policies for hiring, performance management, training, and employment contracts.

“I’m thrilled to rejoin Littler, a firm that has played a major role in shaping my career,” McInturf said. “The knowledge I have gained since then has deepened my understanding of business leaders’ challenges. I look forward to using that experience to help our clients solve their problems. It’s exciting to collaborate with both old and new colleagues to provide the effective solutions our clients expect.”

McInturf earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and his B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Business and Economics at Houston Christian University. He has previously served as president of the Texas General Counsel Forum, Houston Chapter.

About Littler

Littler has over 1,900 attorneys worldwide, offering local workplace solutions on a global scale. The firm’s diverse team and advanced technology foster a culture of innovation, helping employers prepare for current challenges and future changes.




Metaplanet Secures ¥2 Billion Loan to Expand Bitcoin Holdings

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese hotel developer and bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has announced plans to borrow ¥2 billion ($13.5 million) to increase its bitcoin (BTC) holdings.

Metaplanet holds 2,888 BTC and has implemented a long-term acquisition strategy to accumulate 21,000 BTC by 2026. The firm claims it holds more bitcoin than any publicly traded Asian company.

Before adopting its bitcoin-focused investment strategy in 2024, Metaplanet experienced six consecutive years of financial losses. However, the company has since turned profitable, emerging as one of the best-performing equities in 2023.

CEO Simon Gerovich reaffirmed the company’s commitment to increasing its BTC holdings, stating that Metaplanet will be “buying the dip.”

This latest move underscores Metaplanet’s confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset and reflects a growing trend of corporate investments in cryptocurrency.




Trump Urges GOP to Challenge Rep. Massie Over Shutdown Vote

President Trump has urged a primary challenge against Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) due to Massie’s opposition to a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown. The CR proposes increased defense spending and reduced non-defense spending below 2024 levels.

Massie, known for his conservative views, has pledged to vote against the Trump-supported CR. He argues that the measure perpetuates “waste, fraud, and abuse” in government spending.

Massie expressed his position on social media: “Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week.”

President Trump criticized Massie for his consistent opposition to CRs despite previous support for similar measures. Trump labeled Massie as an “automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything” and called for a primary challenge against him. He compared Massie to former Representative Liz Cheney, who lost her primary after opposing Trump. ​

The CR, backed by the conservative House Freedom Caucus, aims to prevent a government shutdown if approved by both the House and Senate. However, if more than two Republicans vote against the measure, it may not pass.

Representatives Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Cory Mills expressed uncertainty about their votes, while Massie remains a firm “NO.”

Despite threats to his re-election, Massie remains defiant. He emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, stating that previous challengers attempting to outflank him on MAGA grounds failed to gain significant support.

Massie asserted that his constituents value “transparency and principles over blind allegiance.” ​




​Doctors Counter Misinformation Amid Texas Measles Outbreak​

The recent measles outbreak in West Texas has escalated, with cases nearing 230 across Texas and New Mexico. Healthcare professionals like Dr. Ana Montanez from Lubbock are actively working to dispel misinformation and encourage vaccinations. Some parents, influenced by anti-vaccine groups like Children’s Health Defense, have turned to high doses of vitamin A as a preventive measure.

However, experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize that vitamin A does not prevent measles and can be harmful in excessive amounts. The outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations and at least one death, underscoring the critical need for accurate information and immunizations to protect public health.

 




Trump’s Childhood Cancer Claim Sparks Debate – What the Science Says

Former President Donald Trump recently made a striking claim regarding childhood cancer rates, stating they have surged by 40% since 1975. This statement has drawn attention to long-term trends in pediatric cancer cases, prompting discussions about the accuracy of the data and the factors influencing these statistics.

According to figures from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the incidence of childhood cancer has indeed risen significantly over the past decades. While improvements in medical diagnosis may partially explain the increase, researchers also point to potential environmental and genetic factors. The most common forms of childhood cancer, including leukemia and brain tumors, have seen notable growth in incidence rates.

Experts emphasize that while more children are being diagnosed with cancer, survival rates have also improved dramatically due to advancements in medical treatments. The five-year survival rate for pediatric cancer patients has increased substantially, offering hope amid the rising case numbers.

However, the discussion around this issue remains complex. Scientists continue investigating whether external environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, or unknown risk factors contribute to the rising cancer rates. Meanwhile, public health officials stress the importance of ongoing research and policy measures to protect children’s health and well-being.

As Trump’s statement fuels conversations about childhood cancer trends, the focus remains on addressing the causes behind these numbers and ensuring better prevention and treatment strategies for the future.




Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act Reintroduced

On March 4, 2025, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) reintroduced the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), aiming to enhance online privacy safeguards for minors. ​

COPPA 2.0 prohibits digital platforms from directing targeted ads at children and teenagers.​ This law requires companies to limit the collection of personal data from minors and mandates the deletion of such data. It restricts internet companies from gathering data from users aged 13 to 16 without explicit permission.​

Senator Markey has persistently championed this legislation since its initial introduction in 2011. In the previous Congress, COPPA 2.0 was incorporated into a broader children’s online safety bill, which the Senate approved with a 91-3 vote in July. However, the House of Representatives did not proceed with a vote on the bill.​

The reintroduction has garnered support from numerous children’s advocacy groups, teacher unions, privacy organizations, and medical associations. Senator Cassidy emphasized the bill’s significance: “COPPA 2.0 is the tool that will give parents the peace of mind they need and keep their children’s personal information secure.”​

Advocates highlight the increasing surveillance of children across social media and gaming platforms, where companies collect data to track, profile, and influence young users. Katharina Kopp, deputy director of the Center for

Digital Democracy, noted, “Children’s surveillance has only intensified across social media, gaming, and virtual spaces, where companies harvest data to track, profile, and manipulate young users.”​

The continuation of COPPA 2.0 underscores a continued legislative effort to strengthen online privacy protections for minors in the digital age.




CISA Warns of Exploited Flaws in Cisco, Microsoft, Hitachi & Progress

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added five security vulnerabilities affecting Cisco, Hitachi Vantara, Microsoft Windows, and Progress WhatsUp Gold to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. This action signals that these flaws are actively exploited in the wild, posing significant risks to affected systems.

One of the vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-20118, affects Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers. This command injection flaw exists in the router’s web-based management interface, allowing authenticated remote attackers to gain root-level privileges and access sensitive data. Cisco has not provided a fix since these routers have reached their end-of-life status, leaving organizations vulnerable.

Two security flaws in the Hitachi Vantara Pentaho BA Server, CVE-2022-43939 and CVE-2022-43769, have also been flagged. The first vulnerability arises from an authorization bypass issue, enabling attackers to access resources through non-canonical URL paths. The second flaw allows attackers to inject malicious Spring templates into configuration files, leading to arbitrary command execution. Both issues were addressed in security updates released in August 2024.

An older vulnerability, CVE-2018-8639, affecting Microsoft Windows Win32k, has resurfaced as an active threat. This flaw, which allows local privilege escalation through improper resource handling, was initially patched in December 2018 but is still targeted in modern attack campaigns.

Another high-risk vulnerability, CVE-2024-4885, affects Progress WhatsUp Gold, a widely used network monitoring software. This path traversal vulnerability enables unauthenticated, remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw was patched in June 2024 with version 2023.1.3, but ongoing exploitation attempts have been observed.

CVE-2023-20118 is being leveraged to conscript vulnerable Cisco routers into a botnet called PolarEdge. At the same time, the exploitation of CVE-2024-4885 has been detected globally. Security researchers from the Shadowserver Foundation and GreyNoise report that attack attempts have originated from Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

CISA has identified active exploitation of vulnerabilities. To ensure their systems are safeguarded, they have mandated that Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies implement mitigations by March 24, 2025. Organizations using affected products are strongly urged to take action. They should apply the latest patches or implement alternative security measures, which will help prevent potential attacks.




Bitcoin Surges 20% Following Inclusion in U.S. Strategic Reserve

On Monday, Bitcoin’s value experienced a significant surge, increasing by over 20% from its previous lows. This rise follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will be included in a new U.S. strategic reserve. ​

In a Sunday Truth Social post, President Trump stated that his January executive order on digital assets would establish a stockpile comprising Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. This marks the first public disclosure of the specific cryptocurrencies to be included. Trump emphasized that Bitcoin and Ether would be central to this reserve. ​

The announcement led to a notable market reaction. Bitcoin rose from $78,273 on Friday to approximately $94,154 on Monday.​ Ether increased by 20% over the weekend, reaching $2,482.​ XRP surged by 38%.​ Solana climbed to 20% and Cardano jumped 78%.

Chris Weston, head of research at Australian online broker Pepperstone, commented that Trump’s disclosure provided a positive shock to the crypto market, offering a much-needed catalyst to counter recent bearish trends.
However, some analysts urge caution. Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG, noted that while the announcement has boosted prices, concerns remain about the funding sources for cryptocurrency purchases. The bullish impact might be limited if the reserve is funded through seized cryptocurrencies rather than new market purchases. ​

This development has reinvigorated a market experiencing declines due to unmet expectations regarding regulatory changes. The upcoming White House Crypto Summit, scheduled for Friday, is anticipated to influence market sentiment further.




First U.S. Measles Death in 10 Years Reported in Texas

A measles outbreak in West Texas has led to the first U.S. measles-related death in a decade, with over 130 reported cases across Texas and New Mexico. The outbreak began in early February in a rural Mennonite community in Gaines County, Texas, and has since spread to about ten counties, including nine cases in eastern New Mexico.

The majority of cases involve unvaccinated children. Patients have exhibited high fever, red, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, and a facial rash. Treatments have included supplemental oxygen, fever medications, and IV fluids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles has a mortality rate of 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases.

Health officials emphasize the importance of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. Given measles’ highly contagious nature, additional cases are expected.

Ensuring children receive the MMR vaccine is crucial in preventing further spread. Communities should stay alert for measles symptoms and seek medical attention if needed. Coordinated efforts between state health departments and the CDC remain essential for managing and containing the outbreak.




Trump Unveils $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa for Wealthy Immigrants

President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative offering a ‘Gold Card’ visa for $5 million, granting permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for affluent foreign nationals. This program attracts successful individuals who contribute economically through job creation and tax payments. The ‘Gold Card’ is set to replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has faced criticism for fraud and inefficiency.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the new visa will require thorough vetting to ensure applicants are exceptional global citizens. The administration anticipates selling up to one million of these visas, potentially generating significant revenue to reduce the national deficit.

This strategic move underscores the administration’s focus on leveraging immigration policy to stimulate economic growth and address fiscal challenges.




DBS Bank to Cut 4,000 Jobs as AI Replaces Human Roles

DBS Bank, Singapore’s largest financial institution, plans to cut 4,000 jobs over the next three years as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on tasks traditionally handled by humans.

According to a DBS spokesperson, the workforce reduction will occur through natural attrition as temporary and contract roles phase out over time. Permanent employees will not be affected by the workforce reduction.

Outgoing CEO Piyush Gupta announced that the bank will also create 1,000 AI-related jobs, positioning DBS as one of the first major banks to reveal specific AI-driven workforce changes.

DBS employs between 8,000 and 9,000 temporary and contract workers, with a total workforce of around 41,000. However, the bank has not disclosed how many job cuts will occur in Singapore or which specific roles will be affected.

According to Gupta, DBS has been integrating AI for over a decade. The bank now operates more than 800 AI models across 350 use cases, and its expected economic impact will exceed S$1 billion ($745 million) by 2025.
As part of its leadership transition, current Deputy CEO Tan Su Shan will replace Gupta, who will step down at the end of March.

The increasing use of AI has raised concerns about its impact on jobs worldwide. In 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that AI could affect nearly 40% of global employment. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that AI might worsen income inequality.

However, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey expressed a different perspective, stating that AI is unlikely to become a “mass destroyer of jobs.” He emphasized that while risks exist, AI also offers significant potential for the future of work.




Apple Intelligence May Soon Integrate Google’s Gemini AI

Apple is reportedly advancing its AI capabilities by planning to integrate Google’s Gemini AI into its Apple Intelligence platform. This development was hinted at in the recent iOS 18.4 beta update, which includes backend code referencing both “Google” and “OpenAI” as third-party models for Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence allows Siri to utilize OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more contextual responses. The potential addition of Gemini would offer users an alternative AI model, aligning with Apple’s strategy to provide diverse AI options. Apple’s software executive, Craig Federighi, suggested this approach during an interview at WWDC24.

While the exact timeline for Gemini’s integration remains uncertain, the code findings in iOS 18.4 beta suggest it could arrive in a future update, possibly in iOS 18.4 or later. Apple is also looking for partnerships with other AI providers, including Anthropic’s Claude, to expand its AI.

In the meantime, iPhone users can access Google’s Gemini AI through a standalone app on the App Store. This app enables interactions with Gemini’s AI features directly from their devices.

Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through AI integration reflects its ongoing efforts to stay competitive in the evolving AI landscape.




U.S. Department of Justice Drops Immigration Case Against SpaceX

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the dismissal of its case against SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, which was accused of discriminatory hiring practices against certain immigrants. This decision, filed in a Brownsville, Texas court, concludes the case with prejudice, preventing future similar claims.

In August 2023, during President Joe Biden’s administration, the DOJ filed an administrative complaint against SpaceX. The complaint alleged that from 2018 to 2022, the company discouraged asylum recipients and refugees from applying for jobs and refused to consider their applications.

According to the DOJ, SpaceX’s job postings and public statements showed a hiring preference for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The company cited U.S. export control laws as the reason for this restriction. However, the DOJ argued that these laws did not require hiring limitations. However, the DOJ contended that these laws did not mandate such hiring limitations.

SpaceX has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a November 16, 2023 court filing, SpaceX stated that export control laws impose “strict limitations on whom it can employ.” The company emphasized following “strict policies and procedures” to comply with these regulations. It also asserted that these measures help prevent unlawful discrimination.

In response to the administrative complaint, SpaceX initiated legal action to block the proceedings, challenging the legitimacy of the DOJ’s administrative judges. The company argued that these judges were improperly appointed by the U.S. Attorney General and wielded powers that should be reserved for officials appointed by the President. A federal judge had temporarily halted the DOJ’s case to consider these arguments. Subsequently, in January 2025, the DOJ indicated a potential reevaluation of the case, leading to the recent decision to dismiss it entirely.

This development occurs amidst broader discussions regarding the authority of federal agencies and their internal enforcement mechanisms. Both Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have expressed criticism of federal agencies’ powers, including those related to immigration enforcement. Notably, Musk serves as a top adviser to President Trump. It leads a commission focused on identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within the federal government.

The dismissal of this case marks an important moment in the ongoing debate on corporate hiring practices. It also highlights discussions on federal regulatory authority and interpreting export control laws in employment.




U.S. Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

A U.S. appeals court has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting automatic birthright citizenship. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the administration’s emergency request to lift a nationwide injunction issued by a federal judge in Seattle. This executive order, signed on January 20, directed U.S. agencies to deny citizenship to children born in the United States if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

The 9th Circuit’s decision marks the first appellate review of this policy, which is anticipated to be ultimately resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. Similar blocks have been instituted by judges in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, with appeals in progress.

The Justice Department argued that the Seattle-based U.S. District Judge John Coughenour’s ruling was overly broad, as it imposed a nationwide injunction at the request of four Democratic-led states. However, the three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit declined to stay the injunction and scheduled arguments for June.

U.S. Circuit Judge Danielle Forrest, appointed by Trump during his first term, concurred with the decision. He emphasized that a hasty ruling could undermine public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality. She noted that the government’s proposed exception to birthright citizenship lacks judicial precedent.

The White House and the Justice Department have not provided immediate comments on the ruling.

Opponents of the executive order, including Democratic state attorneys general and immigrant rights advocates, contend that it violates the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. They reference the 1898 Supreme Court case, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed birthright citizenship irrespective of parental immigration status.

Judge Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, initially blocked the order on January 23. He described it as “blatantly unconstitutional.” He later extended this block into a preliminary injunction. During a hearing on February 6, Coughenour criticized the administration’s attempt to revoke citizenship rights via an executive order. He equated this to a constitutional amendment.

If implemented, the executive order would deny citizenship to over 150,000 children born annually in the United States, as estimated by the state attorneys general.




Elon Musk Proposes $5,000 ‘DOGE Dividend’ Checks for Taxpayers

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has suggested distributing “DOGE dividend” checks to American taxpayers, aiming to return 20% of the savings achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) back to the public. Initially put forward by Azoria CEO James Fishback, this proposal could provide approximately $5,000 to each of the 78 million households that pay federal income taxes, contingent upon Musk’s ambitious goal of reducing government spending by $2 trillion.
Politico

However, implementing such a rebate program would require congressional approval, and budget experts caution that lawmakers might prefer to allocate the funds toward reducing the national debt or extending existing tax provisions. Additionally, the legality of DOGE is currently under judicial review, adding another layer of complexity to the proposal.
Politico

Musk, who President Donald Trump appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, aims to streamline federal operations and cut wasteful expenditures. The department, operating outside the formal government structure, seeks to achieve significant structural reforms by July 4, 2026.
Reuters

While the idea of government-issued checks is not new—similar stimulus payments were distributed during Trump’s first term—the feasibility of funding such rebates through anticipated government savings remains uncertain. The proposal’s success hinges on achieving the projected $2 trillion savings and obtaining the necessary legislative approvals.




LITTLER AWARDED TOP FIRM FOR DIVERSITY BY YALE LAW WOMEN+

(June 8, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been named the Top Firm for Diversity in the Yale Law Women+ (YLW+) Top Firms Report 2023. Through the report, YLW+ aims to raise awareness of inequities within the legal profession and highlight the progress being made in the industry. YLW+ honors individual firms for excelling in categories that relate to overall workplace equity. Littler also received an honorable mention in the Advancement category.

“We take great pride in our culture that prioritizes inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D), and we are thrilled to receive this recognition from YLW+ for our ongoing efforts,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, and Paul Bateman, Chief Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Officer, in a joint statement. “This recognition underscores the importance of cultivating a workplace where individuals are empowered to succeed. Through our intentional IE&D initiatives, we strive to provide an environment where attorneys can achieve their careers goals, from leadership to partnership and everything in between.”

Littler was selected for the Diversity award based on an assessment of the firm’s overall attorney diversity, hiring and retention outcomes and initiatives (such as summer diversity programs), and diverse representation in firm leadership.

The report noted that “Littler excels in attracting and, more importantly, retaining diverse attorney. The firm is also a leader when it comes to promoting diverse attorneys to leadership positions.”

In the Advancement category, Littler was rated based on training, mentorship, and review policies, with a focus on how the firm creates equitable opportunities for associates to interact with supervisors and shareholders. Additionally, how Littler facilitates advancement opportunities for diverse attorneys, such as through affinity networks and promotion outcomes, was also considered.

Littler supports the development and advancement of women and diverse attorneys at every level of the firm through several innovative and meaningful IE&D initiatives, including its award-winning Career Advocacy Program, SOAR Program, Women’s Leadership Initiative and affinity groups, among others. As a result, numerous attorneys serving in firm leadership positions – including on the firm’s board of directors, as office managing shareholders and as practice and industry group chairs – identify as women or diverse. Additionally, 100% of the members serving on Littler’s Management Committee, the firm’s highest governing body, are women or diverse.

Over the past year, Littler has received several other recognitions for its diversity efforts, including recently being named one of the top five best law firms for women and diversity by Seramount. A full list of the firm’s accolades, as well as a comprehensive overview of Littler’s ongoing IE&D programming and initiatives can be found in the firm’s 2022 Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Annual Report and on Littler.com.

About Littler

With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For more information, visit www.littler.com.

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Rob Blank Invited to Join the American Board of Trial Advocates

Tampa, Fla., June 2, 2023 –RumbergerKirk partner Rob Blank has been selected to join the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), a national organization of experienced trial lawyers and judges. The organization and its members are dedicated to protecting and promoting the right to a civil jury trial as provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and preserving the independence of the judiciary.

Blank joins fellow RumbergerKirk partners Bud Kirk, Dan Gerber and Scott Sarason as members of this distinguished, invitation-only organization. Members must have a minimum of five years of active experience as a trial lawyer, tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion and practice with civility, integrity and professionalism.

“I am deeply honored to be invited into ABOTA. This is an organization which shares the exact same values I have always strived to achieve as a trial lawyer,” said Blank. “I have admired the local ABOTA lawyers and judges throughout my career and am thrilled to now be a part of this select group of professionals,” he added.

Blank, a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, concentrates his practice in the defense of product liability and casualty cases. He defends automobile manufacturers, industrial equipment manufacturers, power tool manufacturers, commercial food equipment manufacturers and beverage companies against claims of alleged product defect resulting in catastrophic injury and/or wrongful death. He also defends theme parks, water parks, trucking companies, beverage companies, retailers and other businesses against various tort claims.

“In an era when civil trials are becoming less frequent, Rob continues to take cases to trial with excellent results for his clients. He has built a robust trial practice over the last 30 years and his amazing success is a result of his extraordinary work ethic and dedication to his clients,” said Frank Sheppard, managing partner at RumbergerKirk.

Learn more about ABOTA

RumbergerKirk provides litigation and counseling services in a wide range of civil practice areas including product liability, commercial litigation, construction, real estate, intellectual property litigation, securities litigation, labor and employment law, bankruptcy, insurance coverage, professional liability and administrative law. Offices are located in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee and Birmingham, Alabama.




Govenda Launches D&O Questionnaire Suite

Govenda Launches D&O Questionnaire Suite

D&O Suite™ Transforms Disclosure and Assessment Processes for Faster Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Pittsburgh, PA, Sept. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Just in time for D&O season, Govenda introduces D&O Suite, a complete online system that includes everything needed to conduct Director and Officer (D&O) Questionnaires, Board and CEO Assessments, and other processes that entail gathering sensitive information.

D&O questionnaires can be cumbersome—and are dreaded by board members, administrators and counsel alike. Govenda’s D&O Suite eliminates the need to navigate multiple systems, and automated or customizable reminders minimize the time spent prompting members to complete their questionnaires. D&O Suite offers the right blend of technology and included services to get companies up and running without expensive consultants and unnecessary delays.

“Every year we hear how tedious D&O questionnaires are for board members and how frustrating it is for General Counsel and Corporate Secretaries to keep track of progress across the organization,” said Marion Lewis, CEO and Co-Founder of Govenda. “We created D&O Suite to eliminate those burdens for everyone.” Lewis continued, “Govenda’s New D&O Suite includes everything in one system, instead of spread out across lots of emails and confusing network folders.”

D&O Suite, built on Govenda’s leading Board Success Platform™, is designed to work alongside any existing board portal, enabling rapid implementation of secure board of directors evaluations and providing valuable insights into completion and progress rates. All services required to refresh and update your questionnaires are included. D&O Suite is available today and can be up and running in less than one week.

For more information about the Govenda D&O Suite™, visit www.govenda.com/do-suite.

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About Govenda

Govenda is the first and only Board Success Platform™, allowing everyone involved in the board process access to everything they need, whenever they need it. This groundbreaking platform is simple, secure, and built with the board member experience in mind. It allows companies to focus on good governance instead of fighting with bad software. Named to the 2020 and 2021 Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Companies List, Govenda is female-founded and female-led. It serves C-suite and corporate governance executives and board members who lead companies in healthcare/pharma, financial services, manufacturing, higher education, and other industries worldwide.

Media Contact:
Alanna Leeks
Govenda
613-383-2300
aleeks@govenda.com