California

Jeffrey Epstein paid Berkeley Law student’s tuition in exchange for ‘girls’

Jeffrey Epstein paid for a University of California Berkeley School of Law student’s degree in exchange for referrals for “girls” to serve as “assistants” for the convicted sex offender, the Daily Californian reports. According to a March 22, 2016, American Express credit card statement, the story says, Epstein paid a…

Mar 6, 2026 8:06 AM CST

Supreme Court bans California gender privacy rule in public schools

California public schools can now inform parents if students identify as transgender or nongender conforming without getting the child’s approval, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday in response to an emergency appeal from a conservative legal group.

Mar 3, 2026 11:19 AM CST

Fortunate Son: Practice is hard work, with some gold record moments, entertainment lawyer says

Practicing entertainment law is “not for the faint of heart,” says Jason M. Karlov, the chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s entertainment, media and sports practice group. It “requires hard work and stick-to-itiveness,” says Karlov, who has worked with legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan and John Fogerty. According to him, his clients come almost exclusively through referrals.

Mar 2, 2026 12:58 PM CST

Plaintiff testifies about addiction in trial against social media companies

The lead plaintiff in a high-profile trial against social media companies told jurors in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday that her addiction to Instagram and YouTube led to her depression and body-image issues.

Feb 27, 2026 9:42 AM CST

When it comes to attorney fees, law firm size doesn’t matter, 9th Circuit rules

An appeals court ruling Tuesday determined that a federal judge was wrong to decide that it was “simply unreasonable to award BigLaw rates to a four-person firm,” according to Bloomberg Law.

Feb 25, 2026 9:37 AM CST

On witness stand, YouTube VP says his kids watch 5 to 6 hours daily on platforms

In a California courtroom Monday, Cristos Goodrow, a YouTube vice president, denied that YouTube and Instagram were addictive and harm children, adding that his children watch five to six hours daily on the platforms and it was “very good” for them.

Feb 24, 2026 1:11 PM CST

Judge in social media addiction trial removes lead plaintiffs attorney following interview

The media frenzy around the first social media addiction trial in Los Angeles resulted in the judge removing one of the lead attorneys from the plaintiffs’ steering committee for granting an on-camera interview with the BBC and taking selfies inside the courthouse.

Feb 23, 2026 10:42 AM CST

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies in first social media addiction trial

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., refuted allegations that Instagram manipulates users younger than age 13 during a daylong testimony in the first trial connecting teenage mental health problems and social media.

Feb 19, 2026 11:44 AM CST

Rising immigration-related caseload is ‘not sustainable,’ federal judges say

In the past six months, the number of habeas corpus petitions filed by detained immigrants in federal courts increased by a whopping 1,480%, according to an investigation by Law.com.

Feb 17, 2026 10:21 AM CST

Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing face masks; badges still required

A federal judge has blocked a California law that would ban federal immigration agents from masking their faces but will require them to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number, the Associated Press reports.

Feb 11, 2026 10:01 AM CST

‘Used, Abused and Sidelined’: Former JAG officers speak out about recent Trump administration decisions

Since its formation, the Former JAGs Working Group has since issued statements, essays and briefs on military-related topics, including domestic deployments to assist with immigration crackdown efforts. According to its website, the group’s work uses legal principles that are “the same ones that guide real-world operational decision-making.” “The group has no money, but it does show you that in American society, it doesn’t necessarily take a deep pocket to have some kind of impact,” says a founding member of the group.

Feb 11, 2026 9:20 AM CST

Google and Meta social media mental health trial set to start as jury selected

A trial to consider claims that Google’s YouTube, as well as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms harmed young people’s mental health is set to start Monday after the jury was selected for the test case Friday.

Feb 9, 2026 1:15 PM CST

Lawyers line up to handle cases for families of people killed by ICE agents

The list of attorneys representing families of people killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents is growing, despite the steep challenges involved in these cases, according to Law.com.

Feb 6, 2026 9:46 AM CST

Supreme Court clears way for California voting map that bolsters Democrats

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed for now a new California voting map that could help Democrats gain up to five seats in Congress, the latest twist in a national fight between liberals and conservatives seeking advantage in this year’s midterm elections.

Feb 4, 2026 2:44 PM CST

USC Gould Law students protest Homeland Security recruiters at virtual job fair

A virtual recruiting event hosted by the University of Southern California Gould School of Law will include representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, despite an open letter circulated by students protesting the inclusion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

Feb 4, 2026 1:33 PM CST