October 19, 2025


Week in Review: Legal Blunders and Strategic Moves Shape the Justice Landscape

In a week marked by both audacious strategies and sobering reminders, the legal world has not shied away from drama or controversy. Here's a look back at some of the most significant stories.

When Decorum Fails in the Courtroom: A lesson in courtroom etiquette was harshly served to an attorney who crossed the line of legal decorum, demonstrating that contempt can indeed have both legal and personal repercussions. This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining professional conduct, especially within the high stakes environment of legal proceedings.

San Francisco's DA Stands Against Excessive Force: In a bold reminder to the National Guard, the San Francisco District Attorney emphasized that excessive force remains unacceptable and punishable under the law. This proclamation is a critical reflection on the ongoing debate about law enforcement's role and limitations in maintaining public order.

Normalization of Extraordinary Presidential Powers?: Amidst discussions on national security and presidential authority, a conservative legal analyst initiated what could be seen as a troubling trend towards justifying presidential overreach. This development could have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of executive power in the United States.

FASORP Ends Bullying Lawsuit: In a turn of events, FASORP withdrew its lawsuit against the University of Michigan, citing a lack of substantial grounds to continue. This case highlights the complexities and sometimes, the futility of legal battles grounded in ideological conflicts rather than substantive legal claims.

Biglaw Firm's Strategic Retreat from Tokyo: The global legal landscape continues to evolve as another prominent Biglaw firm decided to close its doors in Tokyo. This strategic move points to shifting priorities within the legal industry, possibly driven by economic factors or a reevaluation of market strategies.

Political Consequences for Legal Figures: A lawyer entangled in a scandal involving racist texts found out the hard way that actions have consequences, even in the politically charged atmosphere of Washington, D.C. This serves as a stark reminder that professional conduct extends beyond the courtroom and into all facets of public and private life.

Clio's Ambitious Expansion: Legal tech giant Clio announced plans to significantly broaden its service offerings, potentially transforming the legal tech landscape by positioning itself as a comprehensive platform for legal professionals.

The Competitive Arena of Law School Admissions: As law school applications spike, prospective students are bracing for one of the most competitive admissions cycles in recent history. This surge in interest in legal education reflects broader trends in professional education and career planning amid economic uncertainties.

Annual Small Law Firm Survey: Lastly, the insights from our annual survey of small and midsize law practices are out, shedding light on the economic realities facing smaller legal firms in today's market.

As we reflect on these developments, the legal profession continues to face both challenges and opportunities for growth and reform. Each story not only shapes the immediate legal landscape but also sets the tone for future discussions and decisions that could have lasting impacts on the justice system and society at large.