Civil Law

Managing cross border sexual harassment investigations in Australia and Asia––10 key considerations for employers (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our series, we’ll look at who forms part of an investigation team, how location affects which laws apply to an investigation, notification and timing requirements. (Part 1 covers the definition of ‘workplace’ harassment, investigation scoping and legal privilege).

#4 – Who should be part of the investigation team?

The composition of the investigation team can significantly impact the effectiveness and credibility of the investigation.

In Australia, some states restrict who can conduct investigations. Subject to this … Read the rest

Civil Law

Broker Entitled to Commission if Seller Thwarted the Transaction to Avoid Paying the Commission

On May 13, 2025, the First Department issued a decision in Picken v. RN Realty LLC, 2025 NY Slip Op. 02888, holding that a real estate broker was entitled to a commission if the seller thwarted the transaction in order to avoid paying the commission, explaining:

This long-running litigation arises from a dispute as to whether plaintiff, a licensed real estate broker, is entitled to a brokerage commission fee from the seller even though the parties did not have

… Read the rest
Civil Law

Trump-ordered MAHA report urges stricter oversight of food safety and additives

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report addresses food safety and its impact on chronic childhood illnesses in the United States. 

Commissioned by President Donald Trump via executive order on Feb.13, the 14-member panel, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., includes federal officials such as the USDA secretary and FDA commissioner. The report links food additives, pesticides and ultra-processed foods to conditions like obesity, diabetes and ADHD, urging stricter oversight and a shift to … Read the rest

Civil Law

SEC Updates Guidance to Facilitate Broker-Dealer Involvement in Crypto

The SEC Division of Trading and Markets​​​​​​ (the Division) updated FAQs clarifying broker-dealer obligations and regulatory considerations for crypto asset activities and distributed ledger technology. The Division and FINRA’s Office of General Counsel also withdrew a 2019 Joint Statement regarding broker-dealer custody of digital asset securities.

The full update can be found here on our US Regulatory Intelligence platform.

LexBlog… Read the rest

Civil Law

Adopted Adult Stepchild & Family Provision – under the Testator’s Family Maintenance Act 1912 (Tas)

Tasmanian Family Provision Claims

In Tasmania, the Testator’s Family Maintenance Act 1912 provides that specific family members can make a “family provision claim” from the estate if the deceased lived in and owned real estate in Tasmania at the date of death, the applicant believes the deceased’s Will does not adequately provide for their proper maintenance and support. Typically, the applicant must submit a claim within three months following the grant of probate.

An application for provision out of the … Read the rest

Circuit Courts

Judicial Branch Seeks $9.4 Billion in FY 2026 Budget Request

Two federal judges told Congress that the Judiciary has been negatively affected by two straight years of flat funding in most accounts, and they said a 9.3 percent increase in appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year is needed to ensure that the Judiciary can perform its essential constitutional functions.
Judiciary News – United States Courts… Read the rest

Civil Law

Key Points of the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law Implementation Rule

Authored by: Guan Feng (James) , Zhao Guannan and Huang Yabing

Amid growing global complexity and instability, China enacted the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law (AFSL) in 2021, providing a legal framework for countering undue foreign sanctions. Following four years of deliberation, the State Council introduced the Regulations on the Implementation of the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law (New Regulations) on 23 March 2025, refining operational rules and strengthening enforceability. This article provides a practical analysis of the key aspects of the New Regulations … Read the rest