Thought Leadership - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Climate Disclosures: California Mandates Advance in Legislature with Modest Reprieve

Two proposed California laws that would mandate disclosure of climate-warming emissions and organizational “risk” related to climate change moved closer to Governor Newsom’s desk.

National Advertising Review Board Recommends That JBS Discontinue Net Zero Claims

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, has recommended that JBS USA Holdings, Inc., discontinue claims regarding its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration—“Essential,” but Too Little, Too Late?

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR), including carbon capture and sequestration, was once derided as little more than a corporate ploy to prolong reliance on fossil fuels.

Regulation of AI Systems is Already Here – Look to Data Protection Laws

As the scramble continues to reckon with the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT, Bard, DALL-E, and Midjourney, and the promise of other AI and machine learning systems (for simplicity, “AI systems”) to come, legal and business professionals across industries are asking whether these systems will be regulated, and if so, how.

AI Has Captured the Attention of the U.S. Public—and Federal Enforcers

Four federal agencies issued a unique Joint Statement this week on enforcement priorities related to “automated systems,” including artificial intelligence.

Mandatory Climate Emissions Disclosures: California Lawmakers Press On While SEC May Be Backing Off

Mandatory disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions by business operators is coming, one way or another. California legislators continue to press for a change in law that would require disclosures for large businesses that do business in California.

Kraken Crypto Staking Program for U.S. Investors Shut Down in Aggressive Expansion of the Howey Test

Payward Ventures, Inc., d/b/a Kraken, the cryptocurrency exchange, has entered into a $30 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations the company failed to register its cryptocurrency staking program, in violation of U.S. securities laws.

Manatt Advances 19 Legal and Consulting Professionals Across Practices Nationwide

Manatt, Phelps @ Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, announced today the advancement of 19 professionals, effective January 1, 2023@nine attorneys to equity partnership, one consultant to senior managing director, four attorneys to partnership, four consultants to managing directors and one attorney to counsel. These elevations illustrate the power of...

Health Care Providers’ Role in Energy Conservation and Sustainability: A Guide to Driving Change

Health care leaders are operating in an environment of seismic change.

New DC Law Bans Non-Compete Agreements for Employees Making Below $150,000 Per Year

A new D.C. law that takes effect on October 1, 2022, will significantly limit the ability of employers to tie their District of Columbia-based employees to noncompetition agreements.