The hottest Legal Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Discretion and absolution

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Free will Contracts Legal
  1. Discretion is about freedom, choice, individuality, and happiness, but often made to seem complex by lawyers.
  2. Absolute discretion means you either have it or you don't, while reasonable discretion is bound by obligations like acting in good faith.
  3. Having an absolute discretion where a reasonable one would suffice can lead to unnecessary complications and inefficiencies in business relationships.

‘Don’t Get It Twisted!’: Furious Lawyer Alina Habba Lets Fly Unhinged Rant After Trump Loss

The Washington Current • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Trump Court Verdict
  1. Alina Habba, a lawyer for Trump, went on a rant after a court ordered him to pay $83.3 million for defaming a writer.
  2. The judge in the case had admonished Habba for her behavior in court, even threatening jail time.
  3. Habba expressed support for Trump amidst claims of injustice in the legal system.

💥New Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing - Terraform Labs Pte. Ltd.💥

PETITION • 19 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Bankruptcy Blockchain Litigation Cryptocurrency Legal
  1. Terraform Labs Pte. Ltd. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware after issues with its stablecoin, Terra USD.
  2. The company faces litigation from various parties including a class-action suit and SEC fraud claims.
  3. The bankruptcy filing is aimed at allowing the company to continue its business plan in the face of legal challenges.
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Funding Mr Bates

Net Interest • 36 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Finance Legal Entrepreneurship Investing Litigation
  1. A TV series sparked public attention in the UK by shedding light on the Post Office scandal and the struggle of subpostmasters for justice.
  2. Litigation finance, as seen in the case of Mr. Alan Bates, is an important avenue for funding legal battles when individuals lack resources.
  3. Specialist funders, like Therium, provide financial support for legal cases in exchange for a share of the compensation if the case is won, creating a growing industry of litigation financing.

The Marshall Islands DAO LLC: Strange crossbreed or desirable offspring from the union between a DAO and an LLC?

The Otonomist • 39 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
💼 Business Legal Blockchain Governance
  1. The Marshall Islands offers unique benefits for setting up LLCs, like separate liability and high asset protection.
  2. Mixing DAOs with LLCs may create legal challenges, as the nature of DAOs conflicts with traditional corporate structures.
  3. In the future, DAOs may gain legal personhood and limited liability, evolving similarly to how LLCs became a popular corporate form in the US.

Jaws, ChatGPT, and the future of the legal profession

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Legal Technology impact Language Models
  1. Emerging technologies like ChatGPT may impact the legal profession, but the role of human lawyers is crucial in providing context, understanding, and legal advice.
  2. The motivation for lawyers to maintain complexity and ineffability in legal work stems from the belief that convoluted contracts indicate prudence and value, even with the availability of simplification tools.
  3. Client expectations, fear of change, and adherence to precedent contribute to the resistance towards significant simplification in legal practices despite advancements in technology.

I know why 'developers' job rejection emails hurt.

kelsey’s Substack • 6 HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Hiring Feedback Legal Improvement
  1. Companies often send generic rejection emails to job candidates without offering detailed feedback, which frustrates engineers who are job hunting.
  2. Legal risk is often cited as a reason for not providing feedback, but in reality, offering honest technical feedback can actually reduce legal risks by showcasing transparent evaluation based on skills.
  3. Candidates may not always appreciate feedback, especially if it is not well-constructed. However, by making changes in how feedback is worded and emphasizing key areas, companies can turn feedback into a positive learning experience for candidates.

Auto Industry Wins More Delays In Massachusetts Auto Repair Case

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Policy Elections Government
  1. A federal judge's decision in Massachusetts allows more delays in enforcing the automobile right to repair law, leaving voters in the state waiting for over 2 years and facing further postponement.
  2. Arguments and requests from the Auto Industry and Massachusetts's Attorney General center on details like the wording of ballot measures, compliance with federal laws, and potential impacts on vehicle safety and security.
  3. The ongoing case also involves a new Attorney General taking office, raising the possibility of a different stance on enforcing the right to repair law, potentially leading to changes in the enforcement process.

Worst reasonable efforts

The Jolly Contrarian • 2 HN points • 14 Jun 24
💼 Business Legal Contracts Outsourcing Insurance Customer Service
  1. The concept of 'worst reasonable efforts' is a satirical take on the idea of performing at the minimal acceptable level in contracts and agreements.
  2. Many organizations, such as for-profit insurers, airlines, and rental companies, often operate on the premise of providing 'worst reasonable efforts' to customers.
  3. The prevalence of 'worst reasonable efforts' in modern society highlights the sacrifice of quality for scale and the acceptance of mediocrity in various aspects of life.

March 5, 2024 (Tuesday)

Letters from an American • 11 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Election Legal Immigration Money
  1. The Biden administration has put an $8 cap on credit card late fees, which is expected to save Americans around $10 billion a year.
  2. There is a new 'strike force' aimed at fighting unfair pricing practices by certain corporations to prevent consumer exploitation.
  3. Super Tuesday marked a crucial day for primary elections, where Trump is expected to secure the Republican presidential nomination amidst tensions with challenger Nikki Haley.

Chiếc iPad trong vụ án Nguyễn Đức Chung

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 59 implied HN points • 31 Dec 21
🌍 World Politics Legal Technology Privacy Government Corruption
  1. The importance of digital evidence, like an iPad, in legal cases and the challenges of accessing and verifying such data.
  2. The complex legal implications around passwords, access to personal devices, and email privacy in investigations.
  3. The limitations of access to Gmail and iPad data by law enforcement, highlighting the need for strong security measures to protect personal information.

The history of inhouse legal

The Jolly Contrarian • 59 implied HN points • 23 Oct 21
💼 Business Legal Banking Management Consulting Operations
  1. In-house legal departments in banks have evolved over time from negligible involvement to becoming key players in managing legal relationships and adding value to the organization.
  2. The rise of magic circle law firms marked a period where law firms charged high rates for extensive legal work, benefiting from banks' willingness to pay for legal protection in their big financial deals.
  3. Management consultants stepped in to help banks reduce legal spend, resulting in the development of legal operations teams within organizations to optimize legal processes and costs.

Should AI replace judges?

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🕹 Technology AI Legal Ethics Regulation Innovation
  1. AI can serve as an accurate, knowledgeable, unbiased, and cost-effective arbitrator, potentially resolving disputes with speed and efficiency
  2. Despite current limitations, the legal profession should be open to AI innovations, recognizing the benefits it can bring to streamlining legal processes
  3. There may be challenges and ethical considerations in implementing AI as arbitrators, but these can be addressed through thoughtful regulation and technological solutions

The Fragility of Artificial Intelligence

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
🕹 Technology AI Energy Society Data Legal
  1. Artificial Intelligence is more fragile than commonly believed due to reasons like energy dependency, disconnection from society, and possible data limitations.
  2. AI's reliance on energy and the vulnerability of power grids present significant risks that could impact its operation and sustainability.
  3. The potential for legal battles around AI tool usage, limits in accessing new data, and the concept of the 'Splinternet' could contribute to AI fragility.

When ChatGPT Hits Culture, What Happens?

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🕹 Technology AI Economics Legal Data Ethics
  1. When new AI tools like ChatGPT integrate into society, there is initial fear and resistance, like with any groundbreaking technology in history.
  2. The economic impact of AI tools like ChatGPT will lead to financial shifts and adoption challenges in industries, triggering legal issues and the need for protected data.
  3. As generative AI technology evolves, society and culture play a key role in shaping how these tools are used and integrated, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to these changes.

Musk’s Legal Drama, OpenAI’s Sassy Comeback, Talk-to-ChatGPT's Special & More

HackerPulse Dispatch • 8 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Legal Partnerships Models Voice technology
  1. Elon Musk sues OpenAI over claims of prioritizing profit over public interest in developing AGI tech.
  2. OpenAI responds to Musk's legal action, highlighting their commitment to building widely-available AI tools for various sectors like healthcare and language preservation.
  3. Significant advancements in AI technology include Anthropic's introduction of the Claude 3 Model Family and OpenAI's new feature allowing ChatGPT responses to be read aloud.

Building CAUSL - Episode 1: The Woes of Admin Work

CAUSL Effect • 19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Administration Finance Legal
  1. Starting a company involves a lot of administrative work. It might seem boring, but it's essential to get things off the ground properly.
  2. It's important to consider using professionals, like accountants and lawyers, to handle complicated tasks. They can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
  3. Having a website and creating a business plan are important steps. They can make your business look more professional and help you plan your goals.

Everyone Drop What You're Doing and Acknowledge How Right I Was About the Trump 14th Amendment Case

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Supreme Court Judiciary Election Bipartisan
  1. The Supreme Court navigated a complex legal situation regarding the Trump 14th Amendment case, ultimately preserving his spot on the ballot.
  2. The conservative justices utilized Section 5 of the 14th Amendment to achieve the desired outcome while staying within the text.
  3. The liberal justices, with Amy Coney Barrett, argued against interpretations that could undermine federal power outlined in the 14th Amendment.

The hedge funds strike back

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 19 Feb 21
💰 Finance Legal Risk management
  1. Hedge funds made a comeback after a ruling in a unique case involving an accidental large payment from Citibank to hedge funds on behalf of Revlon, leading to legal battles and appeals.
  2. The case highlighted issues with operational errors, system design complexity, and the application of legal concepts like restitution in contract disputes.
  3. Exploring books on human error investigations and accidents shed light on organizational risks, system failures, and the human factors behind accidents in various industries.

America's Legal Soap Opera

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 2 HN points • 21 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Propaganda Corruption Autocracy Accountability
  1. The current American political landscape is likened to a soap opera, with slow-moving plots and recurring characters, reflecting a stagnant and repetitive nature of governance.
  2. The Department of Justice and the media are compared to soap operas, exploiting legal cases involving Trump as entertainment while avoiding true accountability and manipulation of public perception.
  3. Despite the chaos and corruption in American politics, individuals are advised to question propaganda, demand justice, and avoid stereotyping others, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and empathy.

Covid Litigation Conference II Update: Presenting Live from Las Vegas!

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 5 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
  1. The Covid Litigation Conference II is happening in Las Vegas, where lawyers discuss COVID related legal issues, like vaccine mandates and wrongful terminations.
  2. Experienced attorneys like Robert Barnes and Tricia Lindsay will be part of the conference, shedding light on the legal battlefield surrounding COVID.
  3. The conference also aims to address illegal and fraudulent activities related to COVID that have affected people in the US, indicating a move towards justice and accountability.

Air Canada wants Personhood for AI

GOOD INTERNET • 3 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Legal Ethics Corporations
  1. Air Canada argued that its chatbot is a separate legal entity responsible for its own actions, sparking debates about AI personhood.
  2. AI systems are not legally considered persons; corporations developing AI are responsible for their actions.
  3. Recognizing legal personhood for AI could make AI accountable for its actions and open up possibilities for lawsuits.

Lawyers, Coins and Money

Malt Liquidity • 5 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Trading Legal Court Proceedings Fraud
  1. During the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried and Alameda Research, evidence pointed towards potential fraud and mismanagement of funds, shifting the focus from trading competence to potential fraudulent activities.
  2. The testimony of key witnesses, Gary Wang and Caroline Ellison, revealed damning details about the misuse of customer funds, false financial statements, and manipulation within the organization.
  3. The trial shed light on the complex dynamics involving a hypercompetent coder, a junior trader, and a manipulative leader, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the financial sector.

Frozen, lockdown valentine

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
💼 Business Legal Technology Culture Emergence
  1. Software solutions for legal problems may look good in theory but can underwhelm in practice.
  2. Real-life legal problems are often unique and complex, making them challenging for chatbot resolutions.
  3. Cultural change within an organization is difficult due to emergence of properties not shared by individual components.