Global firm launches strategic communications business
Hogan Lovells is to launch a strategic communications business to assist clients with their ability to avoid conflict, and communicate with the public and in legal proceedings.
The global business will provide integrated communications advice to clients alongside the firm’s legal services and will be led by Mark Irion, former president of communications and public affairs firm Levick and former CEO of Dukto Worldwide.
Hogan Lovells partner Mike House says the new initiative is “an entirely new way of thinking about how law firms can provide clients with a comprehensive approach when matters emerge at the intersection of policy, law, and media.”
Irion will begin hiring team members and pairing them with ‘media savvy’ lawyers across the firm’s global reach.
White & Case announces record entrants for moot court competition
The world’s largest moot court competition kicks off in Australia next month and will have a record number of participants.
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition has been running for 58 years and is sponsored by global law firm White & Case. This year will have 645 teams in 95 countries.
Thousands of students will explore a case concerning human rights and refugee issues and will be judged by experienced lawyers who give up their time for the competition.
"Jessup participants have gone on to careers as high-level government officials, activists, judges, and as lawyers in leading law firms around the world," said White & Case Chairman Hugh Verrier. "The Jessup is a great way for law students to build practical skills that carry over into successful international legal careers."
The competitions begin in Australia from 7-11 February.
Trump sacks AG while ABA praises lawyers for helping immigrants
US President Donald Trump has sacked the federal acting attorney general following her directive to federal attorneys not to uphold his executive order on immigration.
Sally Yates, who was appointed by President Obama, made the directive on Monday and was replaced that evening by Dana Boente who says that the Department of Justice’s lawyers will now defend the immigration ban.
Meanwhile, the American Bar Association has praised lawyers who have flocked to airports across the US to help immigrants affected by the ban.
In a statement, Linda A. Klein, ABA president said: “Our nation must protect the rights secured by the U.S. Constitution, including those of noncitizens.”
She added that “every sovereign nation has the right to secure its borders, any specific enforcement efforts must avoid sweeping bans based on religion or national origin.”
Concluding the statement with praise for lawyers, Klein said: “The legal profession in the United States and the ABA are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of those in need of protection.”
