International Law

Cyberattacks: Computer Warfare Looms as Next Big Conflict in International Law

Near the Iranian village of Natanz, lying by the nation’s Karkas mountain range, a compound of tan-colored, block-shaped buildings sprawls with in a 25-acre enclosure. In a complex 25 feet underground, encased by walls 8 feet thick, 5,000 centrifuges churn out enriched uranium as they spin at almost 100,000 revolutions…

May 1, 2012 10:10 AM CDT

What Is the Role of Lawyers in Cyberwarfare?

Washington, D.C., attorney Stewart A. Baker and Charles J. Dunlap Jr., a former deputy judge advocate general of the U.S. Air Force, debate whether the U.S. should learn the practicalities of winning a cyberwar—and then ask lawyers for their input—or, instead, set the legal ground rules before conducting cyberwarfare in…

May 1, 2012 10:00 AM CDT

Letters: Issues in Paradise

ISSUES IN PARADISE “Washed Away,” March, was a fascinating, albeit tragic, article. If one analyzes the issue under traditional common-law principles, the actions of the developed nations constitute a form of trespass. And I have no doubt that we could create methods for apportioning liability that would satisfy any reasonable…

May 1, 2012 9:40 AM CDT

The Forgotten Demographic: ABA Wants an International Convention on Elder Rights

The world’s elderly population may be the next frontier in efforts to create an international system for protecting human rights. That process began in the immediate aftermath of World War II, with the creation of the United Nations in 1945. In 1948, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration…

May 1, 2012 6:20 AM CDT

Well-Known UK Firm Suddenly Closes, 4 Partners Temporarily Suspended, Unknown Number of Jobs Lost

One of the best-known law firms in Scotland will be closing its doors at the end of the day after 50 years in business, staff were recently informed, over what a court-appointed manager describes as “extremely challenging financial circumstances.” The financial issues at Ross Harper came to light after questions…

Apr 30, 2012 9:48 PM CDT

Escaped Chinese Dissident Lawyer Is Reportedly Under Protection of US Embassy in Beijing

A Chinese dissident lawyer who escaped from house arrest is reportedly in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing where he may be protected by United States diplomats. The Washington Post and the New York Times have stories on Chen Guangcheng, a blind human rights lawyer known for his opposition to forced…

Apr 27, 2012 3:43 PM CDT

US Indicts 24 Claimed Leaders of Mexican Sinaloa Drug Cartel, Offers $5M Reward to Get ‘Shorty’

In a grand jury indictment filed earlier this month in federal court in El Paso, Texas, the United States is pursuing 24 claimed leaders of a Mexican drug cartel that allegedly resorts to extreme violence, including torture and killing of its enemies and their families, while trafficking tons of narcotics…

Apr 25, 2012 5:12 PM CDT

Handed Wal-Mart FCPA Case By NY Times, Feds May Be Tempted to Bring 1st SOX Certification Case

It’s easy to see why the feds have been reluctant to enforce the controversial gatekeeper provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require individuals such as corporate attorneys to report company wrongdoing up the chain of command to the audit committee. Attorney-client privilege issues, for one thing, could create evidentiary problems,…

Apr 23, 2012 10:33 PM CDT

UK Megafirm Linklaters Forms Alliance with Australia’s Allens Arthur Robinson

A United Kingdom megafirm has joined forces with Australia’s Allens Arthur Robinson, agreeing to form an alliance and engage in joint ventures in Asia. However, the team effort with London-based Linklaters is not expected to involve a formal merger, according to the Australian (sub. req.) and Legal Week. The new…

Apr 23, 2012 9:56 PM CDT

Potential Cover-up Liability in Wal-Mart FCPA Case Could Dwarf Mexican Bribery Claims, Experts Say

Allegations that bribery by the Wal-Mart Stores Inc.subsidiary in Mexico may have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act look “quite ordinary,” a law professor says. But a claimed cover-up by company officials is a different story, he and other experts tell the Guardian. “The question now is who knew what…

Apr 23, 2012 7:33 PM CDT

Obama Increasingly Uses Executive Powers to Bypass Congress; Latest Order Targets Human Rights Abuse

During his presidential campaign, Barack Obama had criticized then-President George W. Bush for using signing statements to ignore parts of legislation. But Obama is also working to expand executive power at the expense of Congress, albeit in a different way, the New York Times reports. He has announced dozens of…

Apr 23, 2012 3:04 PM CDT

Reports: As Dewey & LeBoeuf Refocuses on US, Multiple International Offices Mull Options

As Dewey & LeBoeuf appears to be moving forward with negotiations with its lenders to allow the firm to reduce its partner roster while continuing to maintain its hefty financing, partners reportedly are considering plans to downsize the firm and refocus on its United States corporate and bankruptcy practice. Relying…

Apr 19, 2012 10:53 PM CDT

2 McCarthy Tetrault Lawyers Testify About Files for a Current Client, the Ex-CEO of Nortel Networks

Updated: In what may be the first such testimony ever in a Canadian white-collar crime trial, two Bay Street lawyers for a former CEO of a major corporation are being called upon to offer potentially incriminating evidence against the client they are representing in ongoing legal proceedings. Attorneys Tom Heintzman…

Apr 18, 2012 6:47 PM CDT

Dewey Restructures in Middle East But Says Recent 12-Lawyer Exit There Won’t Hurt Bottom Line

After a 12-lawyer leap from the Dubai office of Dewey & LeBoeuf to Dechert earlier this week, the firm is restructuring its Middle East practice and could close offices in Abu Dhabi and Doha, as well as Dubai, Legal Week reports. The departures left Dewey with only a partner and…

Apr 18, 2012 6:22 PM CDT

US Supreme Court Nixes Torture Suit Against Palestinian Authority and PLO

Updated: The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that a 1991 federal law authorizing foreign torture suits may not be used to sue organizations. The decision bars a suit by relatives of a naturalized U.S. citizen who died after being arrested in 2005 by Palestinian Authority intelligence officers. The suit…

Apr 18, 2012 2:42 PM CDT