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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

SCARY HOURS - Associate mental health and wellbeing are deteriorating at an alarming rate, thanks in large part to billable hour requirements compounding the many additional stressors that have been brought about by the pandemic over the past year-plus. The ever-present pressure on associates to hit their annual billable targets has not been relieved at many firms, exacerbating the mental toll of working remotely, quarantining and worrying about the health impact of COVID-19. Are alternative fee arrangements and additional time off the cure? As we explore in this week's Law.com Trendspotter column, it comes down to execution and expectations. But getting those right is easier said than done.

SELF-DRIVING LEGAL DEPARTMENT - Yesterday, we noted in this column that Tesla is facing a class action accusing the company of enticing consumers to purchase solar roof panels, then increasing the agreed upon prices by significant amounts. But Law.com's Phillip Bantz brought up an interesting point we didn't mention: the company, best known for its electric cars, is currently staring down this litigation with no GC. In the past two years, four top lawyers have parted ways with the company, due at least in part to the fact that trying to rein in CEO Elon Musk can feel a little bit like being John Ritter in "Problem Child." In late April, Alan Prescott stepped down as acting GC to join autonomous vehicle sensor and software firm Luminar Technologies Inc. At this point, it's unclear who is leading Tesla's legal department.

TRIAL BALLOON? - COVID cancellations continue to stir up new litigation. Canon USA, the U.S. arm of the popular camera maker, sued the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Monday in New Mexico District Court over a sponsorship agreement dispute. The complaint, brought by Dorsey & Whitney; and Modrall, Sperling, Roehl, Harris & Sisk, accuses the defendant of refusing to return a $250,000 sponsorship fee owed due to the cancellation of the 2020 Balloon Fiesta amid the pandemic. Canon also claims that, though it has not agreed to sponsor the 2021 event, the defendant has been falsely promoting Canon as a sponsor, using the camera maker's trademark in marketing materials. Attorneys have not yet appeared for the defendant. The case is 1:21-cv-00410, Canon U.S.A., Inc. v. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Inc. Stay up on the latest deals and litigation with the new Law.com Radar.