Womble Perspectives

Data breaches are a modern business nightmare. Not only do they compromise sensitive customer information, but they also open the floodgates for legal consequences, especially in the form of data breach class actions. Over the past year alone, data breach class action filings have tripled, with businesses across numerous industries, especially healthcare, finance, and credit rating agencies, finding themselves in the legal hot seat. 

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Defending Data Breach Class Actions

About the author
Mark P. Henriques

The National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, has been a cornerstone of U.S. defense legislation since its inception in 1961. While its primary purpose is to authorize defense spending and policy, the annual NDAA often serves as a vehicle for passing additional federal initiatives and regulations. 

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Hidden in the NDAA: The Expanded Reach of the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act

About the authors
Richard J.R. Raleigh, Jr.
Michael E. Clark

In an exciting development, Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca have announced that the two firms are combining, creating a formidable law firm with over 1,300 attorneys across 37 offices in the US and UK. This powerful alliance became effective on January 1, 2025, and will operate under Womble Bond Dickinson, led by Chair and CEO Merrick Benn and Vice Chair Kenneth Van Winkle.

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Press Release

In a bold move that has captured global attention, the United Arab Emirates is venturing into the gambling industry with the publication of commercial gaming regulations and licensing materials. This development marks a significant shift in the region's economic landscape and presents intriguing opportunities for investors worldwide.

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New Market, Old Rules: United Arab Emirates Opens Doors to Gambling Industry with Regulations Similar to U.S. Jurisdictions

About the authors
Richard R. Cameron
Jason C. Hicks
Jed M. Nosal

Kelly Tymburski, Senior Legal Consultant and Principal of SPR Advisors co-authored this alert.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of technology-based information-gathering, navigating the key differences between tasking an individual source and asking a crowd. We unpack how the shift from traditional HUMINT collection to crowdsourcing has been made possible by technological advancements, and discuss the importance of implementing an enhanced safeguard framework for responsible data usage.

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About the authors
Robert A. Broadbent
Howard W. Herndon

In an exciting development, Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca have announced that the two firms are combining, creating a formidable law firm with over 1,300 attorneys across 37 offices in the US and UK. This powerful alliance, effective January 1, 2025, will operate under Womble Bond Dickinson, led by Chair and CEO Merrick Benn and Vice Chair Kenneth Van Winkle.

Read more on our website.

Press Release

On April 30, 2024, the landscape of the cannabis industry experienced a monumental shift when the US Drug Enforcement Administration announced its decision to reclassify cannabis from a schedule I to schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances act. This move, coming after an 18 month review initiated by the Biden administration, is seen as a significant step towards acknowledging the therapeutic potential of cannabis and easing federal restrictions that have long hampered the industry.

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About the authors:
Mason E. Freeman
Aulica Lin Monroe
Morgan E. Persinger
Al Windham

California's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has long been a critical framework for protecting consumers from abusive or unfair debt collection practices. Recently, however, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 1286 on September 24, 2024, expanding these protections to certain commercial debts. This significant legislative change has considerable implications for lenders, financial advisors, attorneys, and debt collectors.

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About the authors:
Justin T. Bradley
Scott J. Hyman, CIPP (US/E), CIPM, CIPT

Marijuana research in the U.S. has long been hindered by regulatory challenges and scientific skepticism. Yet, recent developments suggest that the tide may be turning.

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The Shifting Landscape of Marijuana Research in the US

About the author
Laura Kiser, Research Analyst

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the insights, highlights, and key takeaways from our recent event titled "What to Expect from the 119th Congress." A bipartisan panel of top Congressional staffers, as well as esteemed professionals in government affairs and Congressional investigations gathered to share their expertise and insights.

Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys Lee Van Voorhis and Kristina Moore were on hand at the event and today, they're sharing their thoughts on this diverse and illuminating conversation.

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More about Kristina

When your company faces a Congressional probe, consider it a pivotal event. Crafting an apt response demands deep insights into the political and media landscape, stakeholders involved, and potential risks to your company—and your personal reputation.

More about our Congressional Investigations & Crisis Management Services