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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

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FOES - Openings are expected today in the mega IP and antitrust trial, Apple v. Qualcomm. A “monstrosity” is how Judge Gonzalo Curiel, the San Diego federal judge presiding over the jury trial, has described the case. While Apple alleges that chip-supplier Qualcomm engaged in illegal patent licensing practices regarding smartphone WiFi connection technology, Qualcomm argues that Apple and its contract manufacturer breached their contracts and owe billions in unpaid royalties. Apple says that at its core, ahem, the case is about fair competition in the licensing arena. Qualcomm argues that Apple has tried to destroy its business.

LEADER - Baker McKenzie lawyers and staff are remembering Paul Rawlinson, the law firm's global chairman who died unexpectedly on April 12. Rawlinson, an IP lawyer, achieved a number of career triumphs. But, as Dan Packel reports, a key part of his legacy was his public decision to step down from his leadership role in October, citing medical issues caused by exhaustion. He and his firm's relative openness about the reasons for taking leave helped stimulate a wider discussion about the mental and physical stresses of the profession.

PLEASE EXPLAIN - Judge Tanya Chutkan in D.C. federal court will hear today from government lawyers about how they plan to implement her order reinstating an Obama-era rule that expanded the collection of pay data from employers based on race, gender and ethnicity. The Trump administration scuttled the rule, and the EEOC earlier this month balked at putting the rule into effect, citing “significant practical challenges.”

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EDITOR'S PICKS

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McGuireWoods Extends Cannabis Lobbying, Picking Up California Trade Group

CFIUS Imposes 'Historic' $1M Penalty for Breach of Mitigation Agreement

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WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

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TIMING - Since the beginning of 2018, at least eight international firms have hired litigation partners who focus on regulatory work related to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Hong Kong's securities regulator. But as John Kang reports, regulatory lawyers in Hong Kong say SFC enforcement work has been in decline for several years, especially since the government agency installed a new enforcement chief in 2016. Still, silver linings for firms do exist from a steady demand in large, high-profile cases and compliance work.

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WHAT YOU SAID

“From a dean's standpoint, there is no greater tragedy than someone coming to law school—wanting to practice law—and not passing the bar.”

— THOMAS GEU, DEAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF LAW, WHICH HAS STRUGGLED WITH DECLINING BAR PASS RATES AMID A NATIONAL TREND IN LOWER PASS RATES.

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