Amid a fierce winter storm causing nationwide flight cancellations, the New York Bar Examination presses forward undeterred. Candidates affected by the weather have voiced concerns, but the state bar's decision stands firm: if you're snowed out, you're withdrawn, leaving many aspiring lawyers in a chilly predicament. This strict stance on such a crucial career milestone has sparked a heated debate about flexibility and fairness in the legal profession.

In other legal news, transparency in Biglaw is under the microscope as more Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) suits pile up. These cases aim to uncover details about 'Pro Bono Payola' deals where firms allegedly engage in less altruistic activities under the guise of pro bono work. The increasing scrutiny could lead to significant revelations about how law firms handle their supposed charitable work, potentially reshaping public perceptions and internal policies.

High-profile attorney Neal Katyal has stepped into the spotlight, advocating for clients seeking tariff refunds. Katyal suggests that if these refunds are issued, they should be passed on to consumers in the same manner the costs were initially transferred. This stance places a spotlight on corporate responsibility and the cascading effects of economic policies on everyday consumers.

Meanwhile, a former ICE lawyer's congressional testimony paints a grim picture of the agency's operations, describing them as 'dangerously broken.' This critical insider perspective supports ongoing calls for systemic reform and higher standards of accountability within immigration enforcement practices.

In corporate legal circles, Gibson Dunn faces a setback as it loses a lawsuit concerning the retirement pay of a former partner. The decision could influence how law firms structure and honor compensation agreements post-employment, a topic that already garners close attention given the high stakes.

On a technological note, Thomson Reuters' legal tech platform CoCounsel has hit a milestone with one million users despite recent setbacks. This achievement underscores the growing influence and essential role of technology in modern legal practices, promising more innovations and perhaps disruptions in how legal services are delivered.

Lastly, the upcoming State of the Union address is predicted to be particularly tense with recent Supreme Court decisions on tariffs poised to cast a long shadow over proceedings. The intersection of legal rulings and political agendas is set to make this a closely watched event, with potential implications for policy, partisan dynamics, and public discourse.

As these stories unfold, they highlight the ongoing challenges and evolutions within the legal sector, from ethical debates to technological advancements, setting the stage for a dynamic year in law and governance.