The Mortgage Meltdown: Fannie, Freddie Looked Inward for Help

By Marisa McQuilken

How high-profile in-house lawyers at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac scrambled to keep their companies from crumbling in the face of a financial meltdown by reviewing a Treasury Department plan that would allow the mortgage giants access to billions of dollars in public money.

Chief Judge Candidates Hit the Trail

By Jeff Jeffrey

The last true battle for chief judge of D.C. Superior Court involved seven judges promising to take the court in a new direction in the face of a financial meltdown and scrutiny from Congress. This year's race for chief judge, which kicked off when Judge Rufus King III announced in May that he would not seek a third, four-year term, marks a return to the pre-2000 way of selecting a chief and shows the court is in a much better place than it was eight years ago.

Arent Fox's New Den

By Marisa McQuilken

In May, Arent Fox committed to 225,000 square feet at 1000 Connecticut Ave. N.W., a trophy building planned for a desirable site next door to the firm's current home. The law firm will be the 12-story building's lead tenant, occupying at least floors 2 through 8. The space comes with bragging rights: big signs, first crack at expansion, and a chance to dictate some of the building's finishing details.

Judges Vow to Move Fast on Gitmo Cases

By Joe Palazzolo

In the first hearings since the Supreme Court's decision in Boumediene v. Bush, two judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia last week expressed their resolve to move the Guantánamo Bay cases as quickly as possible. But unresolved issues pending in the appeals court and deep disagreements over the government's evidence in the cases underscored the challenges the judges face in bringing about a swift resolution.

Are Banks Still Off Limits?

By Jeff Horwitz

With the onset of the credit crunch last August, the financial rationale behind not suing banks has begun to falter. Transactional work has slowed, and unlike in previous financial crises, many of the biggest cases won't pit borrowers against lenders. Instead, they involve alleged misrepresentation in the sale of mortgage-backed securities and related products. Often, banks are on both sides. That means top firms that have shied away from such cases are now considering waiving the rule, though so far, more firms have stuck with defending banks, not suing them.

Leading Lobbyists in Government Affairs

Many in Washington dabble in policy work, but few have had the success of these lobbyists in shaping federal law. They are the masters of K Street, explaining, influencing — and sometimes even reversing — the thinking of Capitol Hill's top legislators. Regardless of what shake-ups the November elections bring, it's a safe bet these 11 will land on their feet.

Listen to George

By Michael I. Meyerson

America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not the first time we've had to negotiate the treacherous crossroads of religious intolerance and military success, writes Michael Meyerson. George W. Bush would do well to learn the lessons provided by George Washington, who handled similar difficulties with sensitivity and courage.

In-House Counsel: Best-Laid Plans

Focusing on core competencies is a good idea with complications, writes Rees Morrison. Plus, inside Stolt-Nielsen's clash with the Antitrust Division.

From the Archives: Seven Vie for Chief of Court

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By Tom Schoenberg

To mark our 30th anniversary, we've reached into our archives to highlight key events and players who made a difference since we made our debut. A version of the following article appeared in the July 17, 2000, edition...