Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo

Avalon Zoppo is an appellate courts reporter for The National Law Journal. Contact her at [email protected]. On Twitter: @AvalonZoppo.

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December 12, 2024 | National Law Journal

NC Solicitor General Park Withdraws His 4th Circuit Nomination

Ryan Park's chances for confirmation were reportedly tanked in a deal Democrats struck with Republicans over President Joe Biden’s remaining judicial picks.

By Avalon Zoppo

2 minute read

December 12, 2024 | National Law Journal

Divided 5th Circuit Shoots Down Nasdaq Diversity Rules

The 9-8 majority said the rules were not in line with the purpose of the federal 1934 Securities Exchange Act, which they said is to protect investors from fraudulent and speculative practices and promote competition in the securities market.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 12, 2024 | National Law Journal

House Passes Bill to Add Federal Judgeships in Face of Biden Veto Threat

The measure had broad support when the Senate passed it in August, but Democrats have largely withdrawn their support after Trump’s election win in November.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 11, 2024 | National Law Journal

‘Really Deflating’: Judges React to Biden Threat to Veto New Judgeships Bill

“One of the things that is really getting lost in this is who's really being affected outside of the judges themselves," said U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley of the Eastern District of California. "It’s really the litigant. It's an issue with people having access to the courts and being able to have their cases heard in a timely fashion.”

By Avalon Zoppo

6 minute read

December 10, 2024 | New York Law Journal

2nd Circuit Revives Connecticut Lawyers' Challenge to Anti-Discrimination Ethics Rule

“At this stage in the proceedings, Appellants have alleged plausibly that they intend to engage in speech proscribed, at least arguably, by a recently enacted, focused regulation," Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston wrote for the panel.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 09, 2024 | National Law Journal

2nd Circuit Revives Connecticut Lawyers' Challenge to Anti-Discrimination Ethics Rule

“At this stage in the proceedings, Appellants have alleged plausibly that they intend to engage in speech proscribed, at least arguably, by a recently enacted, focused regulation," Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston wrote for the panel.

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 09, 2024 | National Law Journal

'Stake Out My Space': Attorneys, Law Professors Flock from X to Bluesky

Texas appellate attorney Raffi Melkonian, who has been called the Dean of Appellate Twitter, said he began seeing more ads, bots and hateful content on X in recent years, to the point that he said he has blocked dozens of accounts a day.

By Avalon Zoppo

7 minute read

December 06, 2024 | International Edition

Court Upholds Law Forcing Sale or Ban of TikTok in the US

“[T]he Government’s aim is to preclude a foreign adversary from manipulating public dialogue," Judge Douglas Ginsburg wrote for the appellate court. "To that end, the Act narrowly addresses foreign adversary control of an important medium of communication in the United States.”

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 06, 2024 | National Law Journal

DC Circuit Upholds Law Forcing Sale or Ban of TikTok in the US

“[T]he Government’s aim is to preclude a foreign adversary from manipulating public dialogue," Judge Douglas Ginsburg wrote for the appellate court. "To that end, the Act narrowly addresses foreign adversary control of an important medium of communication in the United States.”

By Avalon Zoppo

3 minute read

December 06, 2024 | National Law Journal

Beat the Clock: 4th Circuit Sets Uniform Oral Argument Time

“The 15-minute limit was a relic of when the Fourth Circuit heard a greater volume of oral arguments,” appellate attorney Steven Klepper stated in an email.

By Avalon Zoppo

5 minute read