December 8, 2025


First They Stood Up, Now You Have To Come In: Legal and Pop Culture Shocks This Week

In a week filled with headline-grabbing stories from the legal corridors to the White House, the landscape of law, entertainment, and technology is buzzing with unexpected turns and significant changes. Here’s a breakdown of the week’s most intriguing developments:

Jenner & Block's New In-Office Policy Shakes Up Work Norms

Starting March 1st, 2026, associates at Jenner & Block will need to mark their presence in the office for four days a week. This decision underscores a growing trend where major law firms are reevaluating remote work policies that were widely adopted during the pandemic. As industries across the globe attempt to foster collaboration and regain pre-pandemic operational rhythms, the move by Jenner & Block might set a precedent for others in the legal sector to follow. More details on the policy shift can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/12/first-this-firm-defeated-trumps-executive-order-now-its-ordering-lawyers-to-spend-more-time-at-the-office/).

Controversy at Harvard: Law Professor Deported After Incident

In a startling development, a Harvard Law professor has been deported following an incident involving the shooting of a pellet gun near a synagogue. While the local synagogue has not pressed charges, the event has sparked a broader conversation about antisemitism and the responsibilities of academic figures in maintaining community standards. The complexities of this case are still unfolding, and further details are available [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/12/harvard-law-professor-arrested-by-ice-following-shooting-incident/).

DOJ's Weakening Case Against James Comey

The Department of Justice’s case against former FBI Director James Comey has encountered yet another setback, with critical evidence reportedly becoming inaccessible. This development raises questions about the handling of sensitive information and the future of this high-profile case. Insights into this weakening legal battle can be explored [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/12/doj-locked-out-of-comey-evidence-it-never-should-have-had/).

White House's Unabating Fascination with Sabrina Carpenter

In lighter news, the White House continues to show an unusual level of interest in pop star Sabrina Carpenter, now shifting focus from her musical talents to her comedic endeavors. This ongoing fascination provides a humorous break from the usual political discourse and can be read about [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/12/sabrina-carpenter-wins-musical-feud-with-the-white-house-they-move-on-to-her-comedy-career/).

Alina Habba's Premature Exit

In an intriguing legal twist, Alina Habba has resigned from a position she never legally held. This bizarre scenario unfolds amid discussions about the legal ramifications and the implications of such a precedent in professional settings. The full story can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/12/alina-habba-quits-job-she-never-legally-held/).

AI Revolutionizing Legal In-House Work

Lastly, the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping how legal work is conducted within corporate environments. With AI tools becoming more accessible, companies are increasingly bringing legal tasks in-house, challenging external law firms’ traditional billing models and service offerings. This shift could significantly alter the legal landscape, as discussed in detail [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/12/biglaws-worst-enemy-isnt-ai-its-clients-using-ai-to-stop-paying-them/).

As the week rolls to an end, these stories highlight the dynamic intersection of law, technology, and culture, each unfolding with its own set of implications