October 23, 2025


Donald Trump's Lasting Influence on the Third Circuit and Other Legal Insights

Like Him Or Not, His Appointing Spree Is Prolific: Donald Trump may no longer be in the White House, but his legacy certainly continues to resonate, particularly in the judiciary. A striking example is the transformation of the Third Circuit Court, where six of the eight Republican judges now presiding were appointed by him. This significant shift not only underscores Trump’s enduring impact on the judicial landscape but also highlights the strategic placements that could influence legal rulings for decades. [Read more about the transformation](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/10/third-circuit-has-been-utterly-transformed-by-donald-trump/)

It Is Getting Harder For Some Republicans To Blame Everything On Biden: As the rule of law becomes a hotter topic among conservatives, some Republicans are finding it challenging to align their previous unfettered support for Trump with emerging legal and ethical concerns. This recalibration suggests a complex political landscape where the blame previously placed squarely on current administrations might be shifting. [Explore the conservative dilemma](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/10/rule-of-law-conservatives-awkwardly-embrace-resistance/)

OpenAI Asks Family For Funeral Attendance List And Videos: In a move that has raised eyebrows and concerns about sensitivity, OpenAI reportedly requested a grieving family to provide a guest list and multimedia from a funeral as part of preparations for a lawsuit. This approach, while perhaps legally motivated, has sparked discussions on the need for more PR-friendly methods in handling such delicate matters. [Details on the request](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/10/openai-asks-grieving-family-for-funeral-guest-list-pictures-videos/)

An Obvious Thing Worth Mentioning: In an era where technology profoundly affects every aspect of life, including the legal sector, judges are now admitting to using artificial intelligence to assist in their judicial duties. This revelation not only opens up debates on the ethical implications and reliability of AI in legal proceedings but also marks a significant shift in how legal work is conducted. [Judges' admission on AI use](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/10/judges-admit-the-obvious-concede-ai-used-for-hallucinated-opinions/)

Some Short Advice For A Long Career: For those embarking on a career in law, seasoned advice can be invaluable. From encouraging young lawyers to engage with poetry to reinforcing the importance of continual reading and learning, these pearls of wisdom are designed to foster both personal growth and professional excellence. [Read the career advice](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/10/what-ive-learned-random-thoughts-for-young-lawyers/)

From judicial transformations influenced by political figures to the integration of AI in legal processes, the landscape of law continues to evolve, presenting new challenges and opportunities for legal professionals and institutions alike.