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WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

INEXTRICABLE EXPENSES - Do law firms have the resources to pay for the technological innovations they feel they need to compete, while also having the kind of office space that encourages attendance (despite the technology that makes it unnecessary for some)? Maybe. As, Law.com's Patrick Smith reports, the idea that real estate and technology spending are inversely related is not necessarily correct. In fact, it's becoming increasingly clear that the two line items—which trail only talent on the overall cost hierarchy—have a more complex relationship. Essentially, firms' success in linking the two will determine how vibrant their workplaces are going forward.

CASES OR CONTROVERSIES? - Alternative facts, fake news, virtual reality, artificial intelligence—in an era when "truth" is in the eye of the beholder, it's only fitting that SCOTUS has come under fire from critics who say the justices are deciding sweeping legal issues based on questionable factual assertions, or as some put it, "fake cases." Cornell Law School Professor Michael C. Dorf told Law.com's Jimmy Hoover that this trend is partially fueled by a supermajority of GOP appointees who have shown an interest in advancing the law in a conservative direction. However, Dorf also noted that this is neither a brand new phenomenon nor one limited to the ideological right. "All of the justices are willing to manufacture standing where they want it," Dorf said. "It's just that right now, it's the conservatives who have the majority."

ON THE RADAR - Aretec Group Inc., doing business as Cetera Holdings, has agreed to acquire tax-focused financial planning and wealth management firm Avantax Inc. for a total enterprise value of approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction, announced Sept. 11, is expected to close by the end of 2023. Aretec was advised by a Willkie Farr & Gallagher team led by partners Manuel Miranda, Jeffrey Poss and Thomas Sharkey. Avantax Inc., which is based in Coppell, Texas, was represented by Sidley Austin and Haynes and Boone. The Haynes and Boone team was led by partner Dan Malone. A Latham & Watkins team led by partner Robert Katz counseled PJT Partners, acting as financial advisor to Avantax. Stay up on the latest state and federal litigation, as well as the latest corporate deals, with Law.com Radar.