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Frightening Legal Tales (in Time for Halloween) 

Consider writing about:

Legal disputes with a Halloween-related hook. Consider whether to write either a straightforward or a light-hearted piece about disputes involving any of the following: haunted houses, theme parks, costumes, candy, or other familiar staples of this particular holiday season.

Alternatively, consider writing about your choice of five or more scares involving the legal profession, but with Halloween-related wordplay. Take your pick of cautionary tales, discovery demons, tech traps, disputes that won’t die, mistakes that came back to haunt one side in a noteworthy case, or other accounts that can keep lawyers or their clients up at night. Bonus points for guidance on how lawyers or their firms can avoid these types of frightening scenarios in the first place.

How Lawyers Can Gain the Most Benefit From Being on LinkedIn [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

How lawyers can make the best use of LinkedIn as they begin or continue their legal practice; tips on writing compelling profiles, building networks, reaching potential clients, choosing what to post, establishing oneself as a thought leader, publishing new, reused, or adapted content, and more. What do even some experienced LinkedIn users overlook regarding timing, tone, etiquette, or other finer points of being on LinkedIn?

Courtroom Attire: Do’s and Don’ts 

Consider writing about:

Trends and pointers involving courtroom attire; whether a double standard by gender persists in that regard, or whether customs and best practices are highly local in nature; whether an attorney’s choice of wardrobe can be a help or a hindrance in the courtroom; how an attorney may want to respond when a judge makes comments on that attorney’s choice of attire or overall appearance (plus: related issues involving judicial behavior, fitness, ethics, or consequences for a judge).

Related information:

https://abovethelaw.com/2026/09/judge-puts-lawyers-sleeveless-dress-on-trial

Practical Takeaways From DOJ Memorandum on Fraud 

Consider writing about:

A memorandum released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Oct. 1st regarding the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s corporate enforcement priorities; what the memorandum indicates regarding how investigations and enforcement actions are likely to play out in the future; industries that can expect the most intense scrutiny; practical actions that companies should be considering in response to the memorandum.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/assistant-attorney-general-colin-m-mcdonald-issues-memorandum-national-fraud-enforcement-0

Reminders, Best Practices, or Cautionary Tales for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 

Consider writing about:

Cybersecurity trends and practical tips in recognition of the fact that October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Consider whether to frame your piece with a specific industry or threat type in mind, or whether to write more generally about any of the following points: common data security weaknesses; heightened or emerging types of cyberthreats that businesses should be aware of; government warnings regarding cyberthreats; related or additional compliance obligations; lessons from recent or especially noteworthy data breaches; additional steps for improving data security before or after an incident; and/or pointers on minimizing legal or business fallout after a cyberattack. Alternatively or additionally, consider whether to present your piece in the form of a numerical list of recommended cybersecurity practices, or a list of do’s and don’ts, or a checklist of best practices.

How California’s COMPETE Act May Shape Antitrust Risk 

Consider writing about:

California’s COMPETE Act; how significant a measure this Act represents; when it takes effect; types of companies or activities most likely to be impacted, and how; any exemptions of note; guidance for companies on navigating antitrust-related risks in the face of the COMPETE Act.

Related information:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1776

Get Acquainted With the European Product Act 

Consider writing about:

The European Product Act; the measure’s current status, its origins, and its main areas of focus; who stands to be most affected by this Act, and how; implementation process, enforcement mechanisms, key compliance deadlines, and potential penalties for not meeting those.

Related information:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2026/789349/EPRS_BRI(2026)789349_EN.pdf

Food Products’ Sugar Content and Packaging Claims Attracting More Lawsuits 

Consider writing about:

Litigation over food products that are marketed as lacking “added sugar” or as being sugar-free (or using similar verbiage regarding a purported absence of sugar as an ingredient); grounds for these lawsuits; common allegations or strategies across the lawsuits; noteworthy brands or retailers being sued over sugar content, and over the ingredient allulose in particular; any significant rulings in these cases; how the Food and Drug Administration defines sugars; best practices for food companies or retailers in light of increasing litigation over sugar content.

Antitrust Case Against Major Oil Companies Dismissed 

Consider writing about:

A judge’s dismissal of an antitrust case against four leading oil companies; basis for the ruling; how this case compares to other climate change-related suits brought by authorities in other states, in terms of overall novelty, types of claims, standing, remedies sought, and outcome.

Related information:

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-judge-dismisses-michigan-climate-lawsuit-against-oil-companies-2026-09-23

U.S. Supreme Court Hears Suncor Climate Change Case 

Consider writing about:

The climate change case Suncor v. Boulder; background to the case; what’s at stake for fossil fuel companies, state governments, and others; top takeaways from Oct. 5 oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Related information:

https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/25-170.html

https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-climate-change-wildfires-natural-disasters-6f8bb7d17b03c128017c961f872cff3e

What to Know About EU Packaging Regulation 

Consider writing about:

The European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation; when it went into effect; types of packaging or industries most affected; how the regulation is being phased in; key timelines, compliance obligations, and potential penalties to be aware of.

What’s the Latest on Trump Accounts? 

Consider writing about:

The latest developments involving the tax-deferred investment accounts known as Trump accounts; recent federal guidance on these accounts; the newly implemented auto-enrollment process (and whether people can opt out of the program); eligibility criteria, contributions limits, and other program nuts-and-bolts to be aware of; related obligations or potential pitfalls on the part of parents, employers, financial advisers, or others; ethical questions being raised about the structuring of the accounts.

Related information:

https://abc7ny.com/story/latest-trump-account-changes-what-families-need-know-now/19918861

https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/investing/article/trump-account-employer-contributions-190819679.html

https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/article/michael-dell-defends-trump-accounts-shift-to-individual-company-stocks-213451490.html

https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-accounts-kids-individual-stocks-6c8b8811

Are Merchant Cash Advances a Good Deal for Financially Strapped Businesses? 

Consider writing about:

Merchant cash advances; when businesses may want to avail themselves of this type of funding; what to know about the approval process for getting a merchant cash advance; how to gauge whether potential risks or other drawbacks outweigh the potential advantages of pursuing this form of financing; how the use of merchant cash advances has trended in recent years; how businesses in need of cash should vet merchant cash advance operators; repayment terms, fees, guarantees, and other terms to pay attention to when reviewing a merchant cash advance agreement; how merchant cash advances are regulated; noteworthy disclosure requirements or other obligations that apply to these types of lenders; any significant legal actions taken against merchant cash advance operators; funding alternatives that a business might consider in place of a merchant cash advance.

Challenges for Community Development Financial Institutions in the Trump Era 

Consider writing about:

Issues involving community development financial institutions; how these types of entities are defined and regulated; whom they primarily serve; key compliance obligations or other challenges for such financial institutions; what to know about a legal battle over funding for these entities, status of contested federal government grants; related impacts on CDFIs’ client populations; potential alternative financial options for affected individuals or organizations.

Related information:

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-sued-over-withheld-federal-grants-us-community-lenders-2026-09-21

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; what to know about 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; and possibly a wider-angle look at surrogacy law (nationally, or in the jurisdiction of your choice) and surrogacy 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?

What to Know About the Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026 

Consider writing about:

The Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026; the legislation’s status and potential path to implementation; what the Act would mean for debt limits and bankruptcy options.

Related information:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7730

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.

What Is Happening With Private Equity and Healthcare? 

Consider writing about:

Private equity trends involving the healthcare field; which areas of healthcare are attracting the most private equity investment activity; factors fueling PE deals involving healthcare; concerns being raised over private equity’s impact on quality of, or access to, healthcare services; implemented state laws or proposed measures that aim to curb private equity’s role in healthcare; how healthcare-related PE activity volume this year compares to prior years.

Related information:

https://www.brown.edu/news/2026-09-08/private-equity-state-tracker

FDA Commences Pilot Program to Speed Drug Trials 

Consider writing about:

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration pilot program aimed at accelerating drug trials; types of trials covered by the program; how the program works; how participants will be chosen for inclusion in the program; program duration; potential pros and cons of participating in the program.

Related information:

https://www.fda.gov/industry/fda-actions-accelerate-and-modernize-early-and-late-stage-clinical-development

Are Vaccination Objections Sticking? 

Consider writing about:

Continuing disputes over vaccination laws or workplace vaccine mandates; key allegations in lawsuits over such requirements, and related attempts to secure exemptions; how anti-vaccination arguments are faring in the courts; how Trump administration actions, as well as general online misinformation or deliberate disinformation, may be contributing to opposition to vaccination requirements; how employers, school officials, public health officials, or other authorities can best anticipate or respond to resistance to vaccination requirements; what to know about religious arguments against vaccinations, and how to handle those types of claims in particular; additional guidance for healthcare employers or workplaces with medically vulnerable populations; and perhaps some tips geared toward flu season, or a timely flu season news hook to use as a starting point for exploring issues involving vaccinations and the law.

Accenture to Pay $25M in FCA Case Involving Employment Practices 

Consider writing about:

A recently announced agreement by Accenture to pay $25 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations involving the company’s hiring, promotions, and other employment practices; how the Accenture case compares to other Trump administration cases involving companies’ diversity and inclusion policies; practical guidance for employers (and federal contractors in particular) regarding their handling of demographic data and other employment policies in light of continuing scrutiny and enforcement actions.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/accenture-agrees-pay-25m-resolve-alleged-employment-discrimination-violations