The annual New Year's uptick in lateral hiring looks especially promising in Washington this year. Although the market for lateral partners stayed active in the economic downturn, the early weeks of 2010 are proving more busy than usual. At least 22 firms have announced pickups of senior partners since Jan. 1.
Washington law offices had one bright spot last year: government contracts. Rand Allen, who heads the government contracts practice at Wiley Rein, called 2009 the "best year ever" and said the group added "probably a couple dozen new clients."
The hiring of Robin Raphel for a position at State overseeing nonmilitary aid to Pakistan suggests that, despite the Obama administration's public stance, it is still willing to employ former lobbyists in important posts.
A Caribbean fight over the home of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum has attracted the attention of Capitol Hill and a flotilla of high-powered K Street lobby shops.
When a D.C. jury convicted Taylar Nuevelle last week of charges that she had stalked her former girlfriend, Magistrate Judge Janet Albert, it brought closure to the public half of a drama that has played out for more than a year at the D.C. Superior Court. For Albert, the remaining question is what happens to the judicial misconduct complaint lodged against her by Nuevelle after their 2008 breakup.
Obama's new proposals spark questions about who should be covered by rules.
A nomination to the D.C. Superior Court has stretched into the longest-running judicial fight of the Obama presidency, held back by what one Republican senator calls the nominee's "history of very leftist activism."
Acronym weariness for the D.C. Circuit; Arnold & Porter's pro bono boom; DOJ has eye on utility company suits in new budget; Grindler fills in as DAG; Obama's staff on the case in Citizens United aftermath; Smith finally sees confirmation; and a Georgetown blogger aspires to be First in this week's column.