Insights on

In a significant win for the energy industry, the Maryland Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of three municipal lawsuits alleging that energy companies engaged in deceptive practices related to the promotion of fossil fuels.

On April 10, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) agreed to pay more than $17 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements as set forth in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Washington has joined the growing list of states that ban almost all employee noncompete agreements.

In a significant decision, the Delaware Supreme Court reversed the dismissal of Payscale, Inc.’s breach of contract claims arising from Erin Norman’s alleged violations of the noncompete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions contained in the incentive equity agreement that she signed as an employee.

AFS Partner Todd Angkatavanich will teach a course on Chapter 14 of the Internal Revenue Code during the first session of Class III of the New England Fellows Institute in Newton, MA, on April 16, 2026.

Lucas Rock wrote for SupplyChainBrain on how the US government is using Section 301 investigations to encourage its trading partners to strengthen, adopt, and enforce their own forced labor prohibitions.

Environmental Partner Mike Showalter will speak about the EPA’s shifting enforcement approach at a free webinar hosted by the Washington Legal Foundation on April 21, 2026.

Last month, the US District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a 2013 policy issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) regarding the Section 340B Drug Pricing Program “GPO prohibition” and hospital replenishment (virtual inventory) practices.

Chairman Anthony V. Lupo was featured in The Business of Fashion’s “The Fashion Marketer’s Guide to AI” on how brands can navigate the evolving technology.

Pat Naples was featured on a recent proposal from the US Treasury Department that would share monetary penalties with healthcare whistleblowers.

Importers now have a path to reclaim tariffs they never should have paid.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

In recent months, states across the country have shifted their approach to data center regulation. More than 300 data center-related bills have been introduced in 30 states’ legislatures in the first six weeks of 2026 alone, marking a decisive pivot from incentive-focused policies toward regulatory oversight as the energy demands of hyperscale facilities become clearer.

On March 4, 2025, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Estate of Kalikow v. Comm’r., 135 AFTR 2d 2025-831 (2d Cir. 2025), upheld the US Tax Court’s prior ruling in Estate of Kalikow v. Comm’r., T.C. Memo. 2023-21, and affirmed that a settlement resolving an undistributed income claim against a Qualified Terminable Interest Property (QTIP) trust in favor of the decedent’s estate did not reduce the value of the assets included in the estate.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now escalated its Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) findings at Pure Indulgence Aesthetics from a Form FDA 483 (given to the company at the close of a December 2025 inspection) to a formal Warning Letter, issued on April 1.

While Section 232 tariffs have so far been largely a metals-and-autos story, pharma has now officially joined the narrative.

A recent federal court decision is a helpful reminder for any company whose products carry a “Made in the USA” label — or anything close to it.

International Trade & Investment Co-Leader and Partner Nancy Noonan will provide insights on emerging issues and recent developments in customs and trade at The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law’s 24th Annual Dominick L. DiCarlo US Court of International Trade Lecture on April 9, 2026.

Last week, a unanimous Seventh Circuit panel concluded that the Illinois General Assembly’s recent change to the calculation of statutory damages under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) applies retroactively to cases that were filed before the legislature’s amendment took effect. The decision significantly reduces exposure for companies facing BIPA cases.

On March 26, President Trump signed a new executive order (EO) imposing mandatory anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) clauses in all federal contracts and subcontracts, with key compliance deadlines beginning as early as April 25.

Partner James Kim was quoted on the various strategies companies are enacting to address receiving tariff refunds.

On March 31, the American College of Investment Counsel (ACIC) released comprehensive updates to all four Model Form Note Purchase Agreements used in domestic and cross-border private placement transactions.

On April 1, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) submitted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing regulations to establish a formal Whistleblower Program under 31 U.S.C. § 5323.

Chicago Partner Matthew Prewitt will participate in the 8th Annual Trade Secrets, Noncompetes, and Other Competitive Restrictions — Hot Topics and Latest Developments program on April 7 in Chicago.

Automotive & Transportation Group Chair Aaron Jacoby was featured by Daily Journal on the wave of legal and regulatory conflict stemming from electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers’ trend toward direct-to-consumer sales, a move that is rocking the automotive industry.