Insurance Coverage Denial Upheld in Cyberfraud Case

Consider writing about:

A recent federal appeals court ruling in an insurance dispute stemming from a phishing scheme; basis for the 7th Circuit’s ruling in Office of the Special Deputy Receiver v. Hartford Fire Insurance Co.; what this case may illustrate regarding the need for particular attention to exclusions or limitations involving insurance coverage in the wake of cyberattacks; insurance coverage to consider having as part of a cybersecurity plan; additional guidance on pursuing an insurance claim involving losses from a cyberfraud incident.

Related information:

https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/risk-compliance-legal/seventh-circuit-backs-hartford-in-4-million-fraud-dispute-580969.aspx

Common Insurance Mistakes to Avoid [Ongoing]

Consider writing about:

Common mistakes you see organizations making in terms of insurance-related decisions or other actions. Consider whether to zero in on a specific industry, region, or behavior subset, as you examine the details and potential consequences of common errors in judgment and how they can affect insurance coverage, claims processing, and recovery results.

Fetal Heart Defect Leads to Custody Fight Between Surrogate, Parents

Consider writing about:

A surrogacy arrangement involving a baby that was ultimately born with a congenital heart defect; how the discovery of the heart defect prior to birth led to a custody battle involving possible termination of the pregnancy, the rights of the surrogate, and the rights of the genetic parents for whom the surrogate became pregnant; how this case evolved as it did, even with a reported contract clause regarding grounds for terminating a pregnancy; why other individuals may want to revisit the terms of their own surrogacy agreements with this case in mind; what to know about surrogacy law and trends in general.

Related information:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-declines-intervene-custody-case-involving-newborn-heart-rcna597043

Takeaways From Dolly Parton Estate Fallout

Consider writing about:

A legal battle that has evolved in the wake of singer Dolly Parton’s death; nature and status of the dispute; what this dispute may illustrate regarding estate plans, unaddressed planning gaps, and potential consequences, especially in the case of business operations that include relatives (and would-be beneficiaries) as staff members.

Related information:

https://www.businessinsider.com/dolly-parton-estate-nephew-lawsuit-timeline-2026-9#nozell-has-asked-for-a-jury-trial-12

When Are Social Gatherings More of a Legal Risk for Homeowners?

Consider writing about:

Homeowner liability issues that can arise in conjunction with events that are open to the public, whether house concerts, backyard social gatherings, or events of other types. What should homeowners know regarding potential risks to themselves, acquaintances, or strangers, possibly involving access to animals, alcohol, or firearms, or risks such as precarious staircases or outdoor terrain? How does homeowner insurance come into play in the event of an injury or fatality in cases of this type? What exclusions should homeowners be aware of? And what else should homeowners consider (in terms of potential liability, registration procedures, waivers, or risk mitigation) before deciding whether to open up their homes to events attended by a potentially large number of strangers?

When Bankruptcy Conversions Are a Logical Option [Ongoing]

Consider writing about:

The process of converting from one type of bankruptcy to another; under what circumstances this can be done (or the types of situations to which the process is best suited); benefits gained from undertaking a conversion; potential pitfalls to avoid.

How Does the Involuntary Bankruptcy Process Work? [Ongoing]

Consider writing about:

Involuntary bankruptcies; how they may be initiated, by whom, and under what circumstances; limitations or potential downsides to forcing a debtor into bankruptcy; alternatives to an involuntary bankruptcy; any interesting real-life examples of involuntary bankruptcies, and what they may illustrate regarding the process; what else to know about the involuntary bankruptcy process (from either a creditor’s or a debtor’s perspective).

IRS, Treasury Eyeing Schools’ Tax-Exempt Status

Consider writing about:

A proposed rule released on Sept. 3 by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury involving private educational institutions’ federal tax-exempt status; rationale for this move by the Trump administration; whether specific schools are being targeted; potential timeline for the proposed rule’s implementation; what schools should be doing now in an effort to protect their tax-exempt status.

Related information:

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0621

https://www.npr.org/2026/09/03/g-s1-141882/trump-tax-exempt-status-schools

Data Center Construction Trends: What to Know

Consider writing about:

Noteworthy developments involving data center construction. Among the topics to choose from: common objections from nearby property owners; basis for property owner complaints; trends involving real estate values in neighborhoods where data centers have been completed or are slated or being built (plus: related disclosure obligations on the part of property owners, or due diligence steps on the part of would-be buyers); new or accelerating demands by local legislators; evolving compliance requirements; how developers can best prepare for, or respond to, objections to data center construction plans; when to consider modifications to plans; contractual or project issues in case of a desire for design modifications or a new location; additional issues for existing or would-be investors.

Where Are Vacancy Taxes Finding a Home?

Consider writing about:

New developments or emerging trends involving the use of vacancy taxes; common concerns or goals driving the imposition of vacancy taxes; where such taxes have been implemented and how they are performing; lawsuits filed over vacancy taxes; related rulings; where vacancy taxes are either gaining ground or, conversely, falling out of favor; enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties under such tax regimes; how commercial or residential property owners might challenge vacancy taxes, or, failing that, how they can manage related costs and compliance.

Related information:

https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/san-francisco-vacancy-tax-ruling-22427983.php

Second-Home Tax Developments Worth Noting

Consider writing about:

The latest developments involving taxation of second homes; status of such tax plans in New York City, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere; comparison between the various tax plans; rationale for these types of taxes; what property owners or prospective buyers should know about lawsuits or rulings regarding recently implemented or seriously considered tax proposals of this type.