Goodwin Associates Sets New Office Mandate Starting next year, Goodwin Associates, a top 20 BigLaw firm, is making a significant change to its work policy. Employees will now be required to be present in the office from Monday through Thursday, rain or shine. This move signals a shift back to pre-pandemic norms and emphasizes the firm's belief in the value of in-person collaboration. For more details, click [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/new-years-forecast-for-this-top-20-biglaw-firm-four-days-in-the-office-rain-or-shine/).

Controversial Court Decision Affects Protestors A recent ruling from the 7th Circuit Court has sparked controversy by loosening oversight on border patrol activities, including interactions with protestors in costumes. This decision has raised concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the handling of peaceful protests. Read more about the case [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/seventh-circuit-loosens-oversight-on-border-patrol-with-predictably-terrible-results/).

A Missed Deadline Costs Millions In a shocking turn of events, Justin Baldoni's legal team missed a crucial deadline, which has potentially cost their client $400 million in a lawsuit involving actress Blake Lively. This case highlights the critical importance of timely legal action and the costly consequences of oversight. Learn more about the fallout [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/justin-baldoni-blows-deadline-to-save-400-million-blake-lively-lawsuit-proving-silence-isnt-always-golden/).

Florida Seeks ABA Accreditation Alternative Following in the footsteps of Texas, Florida is actively exploring alternatives to the American Bar Association's accreditation for its law schools. This push towards alternative accreditation paths could reshape legal education in the state. For further insight, click [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/florida-still-stumbling-through-trying-to-replace-aba-accreditation/).

Judicial Transparency on the Rise In a victory for transparency, Judge Schofield has mandated the unsealing of documents from two significant cases. This decision is part of a broader push towards greater openness in the judiciary, allowing the public insight into crucial legal proceedings. Details can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/another-day-another-fake-maga-prosecutor/).

These stories highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the legal and business landscapes, where decisions made in courtrooms and boardrooms can have far-reaching effects on individuals and communities alike. As these situations continue to develop, the implications will undoubtedly provide critical learning and discussion points for professionals and the public.