November 18, 2025

In recent developments, the legal sector is witnessing a series of significant changes and debates. One of the foremost discussions revolves around Biglaw firms and their ongoing struggle with office attendance. Despite the shift towards remote work, many firms are pushing for more in-office days, hoping that setting higher expectations might result in increased physical presence, as reported by the American Lawyer.
The Trump administration is actively pursuing over a hundred cases under Section 111, colloquially known as the nation’s “Stop Hitting Yourself!” statute. This movement, covered by The Atlantic, highlights a continued focus on leveraging existing laws in novel ways to fortify the former president's policies.
On a related note, the Supreme Court is currently considering a case that could potentially align U.S. immigration law further away from international norms but support Trump’s stringent immigration policies, according to the ABA Journal. This case is a pivotal moment that could reshape asylum rights in the U.S., positioning domestic law in a contentious stance against global standards.
Conversely, a recent legal affirmation by a judge to keep immigration enforcement agencies out of state courthouses marks a victory for immigrant rights, as detailed by Reuters. This decision supports the protection of immigrants' access to justice without the threat of enforcement actions disrupting court processes.
In an intriguing turn towards technology, an attorney has expressed a preference for deploying artificial intelligence over hiring junior lawyers for handling certain legal tasks, a stance explored by Artificial Lawyer. This trend points towards a growing trust in technology’s ability to manage and execute legal responsibilities, potentially signaling a shift in how legal workforces are structured in the future.
Furthermore, the Department of Justice has endorsed a controversial plan to employ military lawyers as immigration judges, a report by Law360 states. This move has sparked discussions regarding the suitability and impartiality of such appointments in immigration courts.
Lastly, a study featured in the National Law Journal has stirred the legal community by comparing the performance of judges appointed under Trump to those appointed under Biden, leading to debates over the criteria used to evaluate judicial effectiveness.
These topics collectively paint a picture of a legal sector at a crossroads, dealing with changes that could have long-lasting impacts on how law is practiced and administered in the United States.