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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

QUESTIONS – The uncertainty surrounding the next bar exam is the source of much consternation among soon-to-be law students, state licensing authorities and exam developers. California has yet to announce a decision about its July bar exam amid much discussion among stakeholders, while New York has said it will administer the test in "early September," a move that every law school dean in the state gave a collective thumbs down to. The deans are concerned that a September exam may not be possible for public health reasons, and they want 2020 grads to be able to practice for up to 18 months under the supervision of a licensed attorney. In addition, any decisions by the states will require buy-in from the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which develops the test. 

TIRED – It's exhausting being a working parent—no secret there. More exhausting? Working as a lawyer from home while clients are freaking out and among kids who are supposed to be "e-learning." As Samantha Stokes reports, it's tough for moms and dads right now amid the pandemic, but as more of the domestic responsibilities generally fall on women, it's an even harder hit. Ever resourceful, however, they are developing some steely coping mechanisms. 

SHUFFLE – With an anticipated surge in bankruptcy work, lateral movement among practitioners is brisk in Big Law. The latest move is the departure of Greenberg Traurig's longtime bankruptcy partner Mark Bloom and his colleague Paul Keenan. Dylan Jackson reports that several sources say the pair is going to Baker McKenzie. The duo's exit comes just a week after Greenberg Traurig formed a "strategic alliance" with Bruce Zirinsky, the former head of its bankruptcy practice who had left for his own firm in 2015.

EDITOR'S PICKS

Business Is Brisk for Mediators as COVID-19 Cools Courts

Chinese Masks and Ventilators From Ford: How Hogan Lovells Lawyers Worked to Fill a Void

Norton Rose Fulbright Offers Reduced Hours to Staff, Defers Partner Pay and Bonuses

COVID-19 May Boost E-Signature Adoption in Reluctant Mortgage Ecosystem

Class Action Filed Against Marriott After Latest Data Breach Revelation

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

PULLING BACK – Litigation funder Burford, publicly listed in the U.K., has canceled its final 2019 dividend and will reallocate bonus payments back into the business. As Krishnan Nair reports, the funder assures its investors that it has "more than sufficient" liquidity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHAT YOU SAID

"[I]t oddly only feels like the starting line of a new race."