StudioFest says ‘Together’ film copied ‘Better Half’
Filmmakers of an upcoming horror movie, “Together,” are accused of “blatantly ripping off” a 2023 rom-com that allegedly features similar expressive story elements about a couple who become physically fused together during sex.Anthropic seeks dismissal of music labels’ lawsuit
Anthropic PBC, the artificial intelligence company behind the chat bot Claude, asked a federal judge in San Jose to dismiss a lawsuit by Capital Records, Universal Music and other music industry labels that claims using copyrighted material to train AI models violates the law.Google settles hiring, employment bias claims for $50M
Google agreed to pay $50 million to settle hostile and discriminatory workplace claims by 4,000 Black employees who claimed in a putative class action the company’s culture was biased against current employees and prospective hires.Exhibition bout sparks legal bout, boxer denies duping
Boxer Ryan Garcia rejected claims that he feigned an injury and duped a pay-per-view platform out of millions of dollars after canceling an overseas exhibition fight because, pursuant to approval terms in the contract, his promoter never authorized the bout.Trump administration seeks stay of judge’s block on mass federal layoffs
Attorneys for the Trump administration asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday to stay a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in San Francisco blocking the Office of Management and Budget or other federal agencies from ordering large-scale firings and layoffs without congressional approval.JAMS sees international case growth
Irvine-based JAMS said it saw a sharp rise in demand for its alternative dispute resolution services in 2024, handling 21,390 new matters – marking a 10% increase from the previous year.SoundHound AI faces merged stockholder lawsuits over goodwill claim
Stockholder litigation against SoundHound AI, an artificial intelligence company specializing in voice recognition, is heating up after a federal judge in San Francisco consolidated two investor lawsuits on Tuesday.Investors sue Coinbase, claim hidden crypto fees
A group of California and New York based cryptocurrency investors accused Coinbase Inc., a leading cryptocurrency trading platform, of concealing a transaction on its platform by operating a “bait and switch” scheme.Arizona lawmakers to hear testimony on family court system allegations
Committee Chairman Mark Finchem is calling on parents who say they have been harmed by Arizona’s family court system to testify at a special hearing at the Arizona Senate on today, May 12, at 9 a.m.$2.5 billion NCAA settlement to be renegotiated over roster limits
A federal judge in Oakland declined to approve settlement of the $2.5 billion lawsuit by student athletes against the NCAA that would bring sweeping changes to college sports.$100M Wells Fargo shareholder lawsuit settlement tentatively OK’d
A judge granted preliminary approval of a $100 million settlement in a shareholder derivative lawsuit accusing Wells Fargo officers and directors of neglecting risk management and regulatory compliance duties.Wells Fargo seeks dismissal of putative class action over ‘idle cash” sweep policy
Attorneys for Wells Fargo asked a federal judge in San Francisco to dismiss a consolidated putative class action accusing Wells Fargo Inc. of committing fiduciary violations by allegedly moving cash from customer accounts to high interest, bank-controlled accounts and underpaying clients their full interest earnings .
Eli Lilly sues telehealth companies over compounded weight loss drugs
Eli Lilly and Company launched a legal offensive Wednesday against three telehealth startups, accusing them in federal court in San Francisco of conspiring to market and sell unregulated versions of its popular weight loss drug tirzepatide.
AI takes center stage in the legal battle over digital creativity
Artificial intelligence (AI) developments are occurring at breakneck speed, and this article provides a snapshot of the current legal landscape.Why mediation briefs fail in negotiations and how attorneys can improve them
If you ask attorneys what their number one pet peeve is about how mediations are handled, a common response may be mediators who push a position that is supported by very little evidence, relying instead on arguments and unsupported briefing.Jury convicts OC Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson of second-degree murder
After proclaiming to police, “Convict my ass — I did it,” Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, bringing a dramatic end to a closely watched retrial that laid bare the volatile private life of the jurist.Arizona Gaming Department cracks down on unlicensed online gambling operators
The Arizona Department of Gaming has issued multiple cease-and-desist orders this week to unlicensed gambling operators accused of illegally targeting Arizona residents.Falun Gong-associated video platform accuses Wilson Sonsini of being a Chinese puppet
A copyright battle between YouTube and a New York-based video platform has erupted into a bitter courtroom clash marked by accusations of foreign influence, religious discrimination, and political conspiracy — with YouTube’s attorneys denouncing claims linking its lawyers at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati to the Chinese Communist Party as “beneath the dignity of the bar.”
Online casinos sue law firms, claim coercive settlement tactics
Two consumer protection law firms were accused of trying to coerce settlements by improperly retaining clients and filing hundreds of “meritless arbitration demands” against two online casino gaming companies through a misleading recruitment campaign on social media.Rift over paternity of son led to shooting death, Judge Ferguson’s son testified
On day two of Orange County Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson’s retrial, his son testified that the family discovered six years ago that his older brother wasn’t Ferguson’s biological child — a revelation he said ignited years of conflict and helped set the stage for his mother’s fatal shooting.Firearms instructor spars with prosecutor in Ferguson murder trial
A firearms instructor who taught Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffrey M. Ferguson took the stand for the prosecution Wednesday—but clashed so frequently with the deputy district attorney that the judge repeatedly had to step in.Grant House reacts to what proposed House v. NCAA settlement means
After five long years, Grant House can breathe.
Arizona AG Kris Mayes joins lawsuit against John Deere amid fight for farmers’ right to repair
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, the Federal Trade Commission and other state attorneys general say John Deere’s repair methods are hurting local farmers and ranchersArizona lawmakers investigate family court system amid allegations of abuse and misconduct
Arizona lawmakers have opened a series of hearings into alleged misconduct in the state’s family court system, following public testimony from parents and children who said they experienced harm through court-ordered custody arrangements and therapeutic interventions.
Poll shows broad support for Axon Headquarters Project and SB 1543 among Arizona voters
A new poll shows widespread support among Arizona voters for the proposed Axon campus project and a related state bill, SB 1543, which would allow companies to build housing and hotels on international headquarters campuses.Supreme Court overturns 9th Circuit, unions fight Trump’s bargaining ban
The U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-2 on April 8 to pause U.S. District Judge William Alsup’s preliminary injunction ordering the U.S. government to rehire 16,000 laid off probationary employees.
As DOGE cuts hit Arizona veterans, Gallego pushes back with freeze on Trump’s VA nominees
Deep cuts at federal agencies are hitting Americans who served in uniform especially hard.Health insurance giants, Zelis accused of price-fixing ‘cartel’
Four of the nation’s largest commercial health insurance providers, including Aetna Inc. and The Cigna Group, and a leading medical bill repricing company were accused of forming a “cartel” that suppressed the actual price insurance companies paid to “out of network” providers who treated the defendants’ policy holders.Federal appeals panel grills lawyers over social media law
A 9th U.S. Court of Appeals panel grilled attorneys for social media companies and California on Wednesday about whether to preliminarily enjoin parts of a state law that would bar social media companies from sending unsolicited notifications to minors without the consent of a parent or guardian.
9th Circuit split on copyright fight over Sam Smith's 'Dancing With a Stranger'
A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel appeared divided Tuesday about whether a federal judge in Los Angeles was too hasty in dismissing a copyright lawsuit against star singers Sam Smith and Nordani that their 2019 hit single, “Dancing With a Stranger,” infringed a 2015 song.9th Circuit split on copyright fight over Sam Smith's 'Dancing With a Stranger'
A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel appeared divided Tuesday about whether a federal judge in Los Angeles was too hasty in dismissing a copyright lawsuit against star singers Sam Smith and Nordani that their 2019 hit single, “Dancing With a Stranger,” infringed a 2015 song.
Firms challenge $24M fee split in Roundup weedkiller MDL
Two law firms that represented plaintiffs in the Roundup weedkiller multidistrict litigation asked a federal judge in San Francisco to refund their contributions to the $24 million common benefit funds given to lead counsel.John Eastman appeals judge's disbarment recommendation
John Eastman, the former attorney to President Donald Trump and dean of Fowler School of Law, appealed a judge’s recommendation for his disbarment on Wednesday, arguing that he had a factual basis for questioning the integrity of the 2020 presidential election when he encouraged former Vice President Mike Pence not to certify the results.Apple Watch customers seek final approval of $20M settlement
The three-year battle centers on the plaintiffs’ claims that the tech giant knowingly sold them defective watches with batteries that “swelled” and broke the screen, causing injuryHow far is too far? SCOTUS signals limits on presidential power
The buzz has died down around the United States Supreme Court’s unsigned order in Department of State v. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition denying the Trump administration’s request to stay a district court order.Google settles $28M class action over alleged pay disparities
Google has agreed to a $28 million class settlement with employees after a judge found the company violated employment laws related to race and ethnicity, uncovering pay disparities among similarly situated workers.Paul Hastings wins arbitration for client in N95 mask supply case
Paul Hastings attorneys secured an arbitration victory for a client who was accused of improperly canceling a bulk N95 mask supply agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic.All baking soda is non-GMO; suit says Whole Foods labels misled
A lawsuit accuses Whole Foods of misleading consumers by marketing its baking soda as “non-GMO”—a claim the plaintiff argues is inherently deceptive since baking soda, a mineral compound, is not derived from any organism and cannot be genetically modified.
9th Circuit's Sandra Ikuta to take senior status, pending Trump's replacement
9th Circuit Judge Sandra S. Ikuta, a leading conservative on the appellate court, will take senior status as soon as President Donald Trump’s replacement for her is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a court spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.
Federal judge allows SpaceX to expand retaliation claims against Coastal Commission
A federal judge on Friday allowed SpaceX to strengthen its retaliation claims against the California Coastal Commission after finding the company’s initial pleadings did not sufficiently prove how the alleged wrongdoing caused a legitimate harm.Judge sets retrial date for Orange County judge who killed wife
A Los Angeles County judge has tentatively scheduled the retrial of Orange County Judge Jeffrey Ferguson to begin April 7. Judge Eleanor J. Hunter held a telephonic hearing with attorneys Thursday following a hung jury in Ferguson’s first trial.Biotech giant Geron Crop accused of false Rytelo hype
They seek damages after the company’s stock price fell 32% in a single day on Feb. 26.9th Circuit upholds conviction of former Uber security chief
An attorney for Uber’s former deputy general counsel and chief security officer, whose obstruction conviction for covering up a data breach during an FTC probe was upheld by the 9th Circuit, said he will seek en banc review.Jury: Starbucks must pay $50M for coffee spilled in customer's lap
The Starbucks Corporation must pay $50 million to a delivery driver who suffered disfiguring burns to his genitals when he spilled an unsecured drink in his lap, a Los Angeles jury decided on Friday morning.US judge orders reinstatement of fired probationary employees
Senior U.S. District Judge William Alsup issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday ordering six federal government departments to immediately reinstate probationary employees fired last month.
OPM director ordered to testify in case involving mass firings of probationary employees
A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered Office of Personnel Management’s acting director, Charles Ezell, to appear at an evidentiary hearing Thursday in a case involving the firing of federal probationary employees that has been challenged by public employee unions.Supreme Court sends Nazi-looted art case back to 9th Circuit
In light of a California law passed last year, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday vacated a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of a Spanish foundation that it should get to keep a 19th century painting by Camille Pissarro that a San Diego family’s Jewish ancestor surrendered to the Nazis in 1939 to escape Germany.Disney had no access to animator's screenplay to copy 'Moana,' jury finds
A lack of concrete evidence to prove a legitimate access breach between an independent animator and Disney’s animation studios doomed his case that “Moana” was a stolen product of his unproduced screenplay, jurors found Monday, after deliberating for 2 ½ hours.Orange County DA to review cases decided by Judge Jeffrey Ferguson
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said Monday that he would review “any and all cases” decided by Judge Jeffrey Ferguson, who admitted during his murder trial that he drank heavily during work hours.Arizona Senate advances immigration bills
The Arizona Senate has approved three bills aimed at increasing state support for federal immigration enforcement efforts. The measures, sponsored by Republican Sen. John Kavanagh, now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
College athletes seek final OK of $2.7B NCAA settlements
Plaintiffs’ attorneys representing college athletes in two antitrust lawsuits against the National Collegiate Athletic Association and its major member conferences asked an Oakland federal judge on Monday to grant final approval of the settlement agreements, worth $2.5 billion and $200 million, and pushed back on challengers’ claims the agreements are unfair.Lawsuit claims "pheromone" perfumes are a scam
A complaint filed in federal court in Sacramento makes a novel claim: The nose does not know.'Moana' director testifies film was his own creation
A Disney filmmaker who co-wrote and directed “Moana” told a Los Angeles federal jury on Tuesday that the film was created independently with no outside influence except for Polynesian folklore that he wanted to bring to life through animation.Jury in Orange County judge's murder trial resumes deliberations
The jury in the murder trial of Orange County Judge Jeffrey Ferguson resumed deliberations on Tuesday and requested a readback of transcripts.Drivers sue Uber, saying it didn't prevent assaults by passengers
Following thousands of complaints and years of litigation claiming sexual assaults by Uber drivers on passengers, a new mass tort lawsuit has added more trouble for the rideshare app - but this time it is the Uber drivers who say they have been sexually assaulted by passengers.Monday, May 19, 2025
Photo by Owen Alfonso/Cronkite Borderlands Project
Friday, May 16, 2025
Arizona Housing Coalition announces 2025 annual award recipients
AFC commends progress on Federal School Choice, looks forward to further steps
ASBA launches statewide SCALE program to empower Arizona entrepreneurs
The next cancer breakthrough? Some lawmakers want to ban it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Secretary Rollins leads trade delegation to United Kingdom
Arizona agencies call for volunteers during National Foster Care Month
NIL in high school? Arizona’s next-gen athletes balance books and brands in a new era of sports
Next steps remain unclear for deported migrants in Panama City
Monday, May 12, 2025
What is an IRA? Everything you need to know
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Secretary Rollins applauds EPA’s decision to allow summer sale of E-15 nationwide
Agriculture Secretary Rollins enforces border policies, secures aid for farmers in first 100 days
National fallen firefighters memorial weekend will honor and remember 140 firefighters
Monday, April 28, 2025
Being tough on crime includes addressing child abuse
Congress can fix America’s broken patent system with this one reform
America can’t afford to play favorites in the quest for energy independence
Friday, April 25, 2025
USDA reasserts SNAP work requirements, limits waiver use
APS proposes one-time bill credit on may 2025 bills
AZHCC to host 71st Annual Black & White Ball honoring business leaders
High suicide rates in ‘tough guy’ construction trade prompt industry to start talking
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Do the El Salvador deportations leave due process in the dust?
Trump has left Strategic Petroleum Reserve nearly half-empty, despite dip in oil prices
Friday, April 18, 2025
Is Arizona’s lack of measles cases a fluke, given its low vaccination rate?
$5M Gift to Fund Scholarships for Students at New ASU Medical School
Trucks with uranium cross Navajo Nation, reviving long-standing fears
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Federal funding cut halts Arizona public health projects
FEMA updates flood maps in Cochise County
Sedona named among USA Today’s “10 Best Small Towns in the West”
Monday, April 14, 2025
Arizona museums, libraries could lose $3.8M in grants from federal cuts
ASU Powwow bridges generations amid threats of Indigenous cultural erasure
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
NOAA cuts could hamper forecasts, raising extreme weather risks
New Phoenix mural raises HIV/AIDS awareness
Deportation by executive fiat: Trump’s dangerous overreach of power
Monday, April 7, 2025
Arizona battles rising wildfire threat as state grows hotter, drier
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Arizona Tribal Gaming Contributions Reach $30.8 Million in Q3
Eviction only allowed after five business days
College athletes push for more conversations about mental health, but are coaches listening?
Monday, March 24, 2025
Behind the scenes: Arizona Diamondbacks preview Chase Field upgrades, new food items for 2025 season
3 UBS advisors in Arizona recognized on Forbes Best-In-State List
Friday, March 21, 2025
Uncertainty looms for those who depend on Medicaid in Arizona
Goodyear, Glendale to hold all-mail election on May 20, 2025
LPGA Ford Championship set to celebrate golf, community and culture in Gila River Indian Community
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025
Arizona's public health feels the weight of federal orders
IRS highlights free tax filing options for 2025
Arizona Senate Committee seeks federal assistance on fire insurance crisis
Taxpayers urged to claim over $1 billion in refunds before april 15 deadline
Friday, March 7, 2025
Mayors push for local control over short-term rentals in northern Arizona
Change Labs offers Navajo entrepreneurs tools for business success
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
May 22
Stay Ahead of the Curve at the 2025 Insurance Law Institute - Attending the Insurance Law Institute is the best way to ensure you’re completely up to date on the latest developments in insurance law. This full-day program offers practical instruction on emerging issues in coverage and claims litigation — and the opportunity to engage with leading attorneys and subject-matter experts shaping Arizona insurance law.
This year’s agenda includes:
The Ethics of Generative A.I.
Meredith Vivona, Ethics Counsel, State Bar of Arizona
Jennifer Fite, Lawyer Assistance Program Director, State Bar of Arizona
Learn the basics of what artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence is, how it is trained, the risks and benefits of using GAI and the ethical implications of doing so. This session will include best practices information on competence and confidentiality when using AI.
Third-Party Bad Faith
Brian Rubin, Thomas, Rubin & Kelley, P.C.
This presentation will provide an overview of the legal framework governing third-party bad faith claims in Arizona, with discussion of insurer duties, key case law, and how liability exposure arises. Strategies for navigating time-limited demands, Stipulated Judgments, and Damron/Morris Agreements will also be covered.
First-Party Bad Faith
Troy Froderman, FR Law Group, P.L.L.C.
Explore the current standards governing first-party bad faith claims, including breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Topics include unreasonable delay, undervaluation, and improper claim denials, with practical insight on evaluating exposure and defending against such claims.
Criminal Charges & Insurance Coverage for Personal Injury/Wrongful Death Matters
Patrick J. McGroder IV, Beus O’Connor McGroder, P.L.L.C.
This session examines the overlap between criminal investigations/charges and personal injury/wrongful death cases. Attendees will learn more about the criminal process and how liability insurance coverage may play an essential role in the parallel proceedings. Mr. McGroder will discuss several real-life scenarios where insurance coverage is directly linked to criminal matters and the underlying civil claims and why lawyers should become proactive from the beginning.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage and Updates
Parker Bunch, The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A.
An update on current trends, legislative developments, and case law affecting UM/UIM coverage in Arizona. The session will also explore common issues that arise in evaluating coverage, stacking, offsetting, and arbitration under UM/UIM policies.
Homeowners Insurance and 2022 ISO Form Updates
Jordan R. Plitt, The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A.
This session covers the major changes to ISO’s 2022 homeowners forms and their potential impact on policy interpretation and coverage litigation. Discussion will include revisions to exclusions, endorsements, and definitions, with insight into how these changes may shift coverage analysis going forward.
Seminar Co-Chairs:
Jordan Plitt, The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A.
Steven Plitt, The Cavanagh Law Firm, P.A.
Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.
