As we usher in 2026, Cooley LLP, a prominent Biglaw firm, is setting a stricter tone for the new year by increasing its in-office attendance requirement for associates. Starting January, associates will now need to be present in the office four days a week, up from the previously mandated three. This move underscores a growing trend among top law firms aiming to bolster collaboration and mentorship through more frequent face-to-face interactions.

In other unsettling legal news, a former Biglaw partner faces severe allegations and legal repercussions as he pleads no contest to charges of abusing his late wife. The charges are part of a broader investigation into her untimely death, which has shaken peers and ignited a discussion about personal conduct and professional responsibilities within high-stakes legal environments.

Adding a lighter, albeit bizarre, twist to the legal landscape, a police officer recently found himself in a precarious position after attending a Zoom court session improperly dressed—or, more accurately, undressed. The officer appeared without pants, showcasing the unexpected pitfalls of virtual court proceedings and highlighting the need for professionalism in all formats, virtual or otherwise.

Meanwhile, a public university in Florida finds itself at the legal crossroads of public safety and free speech. The institution expelled a student following an antisemitic tweet, sparking a lawsuit that questions the limits of free speech on campus. This case could set a significant precedent for how educational institutions manage hate speech and maintain a safe environment for all students.

On a lighter note, Above the Law is hosting its 16th annual Legally Themed Halloween Contest. Participants are encouraged to submit their most creative, spooky, or humorous legally-inspired costumes. This event offers a fun respite from the often serious tone of legal news and allows legal professionals to engage in community-building and lighthearted competition.

As these stories unfold, the legal community continues to navigate the complexities of law practice, ethics, and personal conduct, reflecting broader societal challenges and the evolving landscape of professional expectations in the legal sector.