As the year draws to a close, the legal sector is buzzing with activity, commencing with Cravath's announcement that marks the start of the much-anticipated Biglaw bonus season. Traditionally a leading indicator for bonus trends across top law firms, Cravath’s move has set the stage, prompting peers to quickly align or even try to outdo the benchmarks set. More on this development can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/cravath-starts-biglaws-bonus-season-with-year-end-and-special-bonuses/).

In a stark contrast to financial windfalls, Lindsey Halligan, known for her steadfast loyalty to Trump, has yet again failed to meet already low expectations, setting a new benchmark for legal mishaps. Her latest blunder has been detailed [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/lindsey-halligan-officially-more-stupid-than-you-imagined/).

Meanwhile, in a less traditional celebration of the holiday season, a Top 50 Biglaw firm has decided against bonuses, opting instead to increase mandatory office hours. This move ensures that associates will spend more time under the office’s fluorescent lights, a decision that has surely stirred up mixed feelings amongst the workforce. Further details are available [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/top-50-biglaw-firm-announces-increased-in-office-attendance-mandate-instead-of-bonuses/).

In the courtroom, Judge Jerry Smith has made headlines with his controversial handling of a Texas redistricting case, invoking theories that have caught the eye of the legal community and beyond. The implications of his decisions and their potential treatment by the Supreme Court are explored [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/judge-jerry-smiths-soros-fueled-tantrum-is-the-wildest-thing-youll-read-this-week/).

On the disciplinary front, former MAGA judge Josh Kindred has been disbarred following a prolonged series of ethical controversies, marking an expected yet significant end to his legal career. Read more about his disbarment [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/former-maga-judge-josh-kindred-finally-gets-the-disbarment-he-so-richly-deserves/).

In a bizarre turn of events, a DoorDash driver faces felony charges after sharing a video of a naked, unconscious man on social media. This incident highlights the severe consequences of viral content gone wrong. The full story is documented [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/doordash-girl-hit-with-felony-charges-for-sharing-video-of-naked-passed-out-man-on-social-media/).

Lastly, the legal industry is also witnessing the potential formation of a new transatlantic powerhouse as Ashurst and Perkins Coie discuss merging. This proposed union could reshape the competitive landscape of international law practices. Insights into this development can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/11/the-next-transatlantic-biglaw-heavyweight-ashurst-ties-the-knot-with-perkins-coie/).

As the legal world turns its eyes to these unfolding stories, the end of 2025 promises to be as eventful as it is transformative.