In a remarkable shift in workplace culture, one of the leading Biglaw firms, Arnold & Porter, has set a new standard by requiring its employees to report to the office just three days a week. This decision places Arnold & Porter ahead in the ongoing debate about work-life balance in high-pressure legal environments, making it a more attractive option for legal professionals who value flexibility. More on this can be found in their recent announcement [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/top-biglaw-firm-opts-for-three-day-office-mandate-in-a-four-day-world/).

Contrastingly, another top-50 Biglaw firm, Dechert, has decided to impose a stricter attendance policy, specifically targeting junior associates who are now expected to be in the office four days a week. This policy aligns with the partners' schedule, ensuring all hands are on deck for the majority of the workweek. Details on this development are available [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/top-50-biglaw-firm-increases-its-office-attendance-requirement-to-four-days-just-for-junior-associates/).

In other news, a recent legal tussle has emerged over intellectual property and compensation. An expert has filed a lawsuit demanding $30,000 for the use of a report she authored, which was subsequently included in public filings without her consent. This case highlights ongoing issues surrounding the rights to publicly filed documents. Read more about the conflict [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/expert-sues-jan-6-lawyers-for-attaching-her-publicly-filed-report-without-paying-30k/).

Adding to the week's notable shifts, former Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Lina Khan has joined Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, signaling potential upheavals in the financial sector. Khan, known for her stringent stance on antitrust matters, might be setting the stage for significant regulatory changes. Insights into this development can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/former-ftc-commissioner-lina-khan-joins-zohran-mamdanis-transition-team/).

Lastly, the Department of Justice has openly disregarded a judicial order regarding the turnover of discovery documents, a move that questions the federal agency's respect for judicial authority. This bold stance by the DOJ could have far-reaching implications for its relationship with the judiciary. More details are available [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/doj-gives-judge-heads-up-they-have-zero-plan-to-actually-listen-to-him/).

In summary, this week in the legal world has seen a mix of groundbreaking shifts in workplace policies, contentious legal battles over intellectual property, strategic political appointments, and concerning developments between federal agencies and judicial authorities. Each of these stories not only highlights individual events but also paints a picture of the evolving dynamics within the legal sector.