Civil Law

GSA Issues Final Rule on Large Language Model Procurements

Background

On September 28, 2026, the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a new clause for incorporation into government contracts of artificial intelligence systems, 552.239-7001, Basic Safeguarding of Data within Large Language Model Artificial Intelligence Systems, as a GSA Regulation Deviation (the Final Clause). The Final Clause will become effective on October 19, 2026.

GSA’s efforts to regulate contractor handling of government information processed by large language models (LLM) have moved through three phases. An initial draft released in March 2026 … Read the rest

Civil Law

8am, Kaleidoscope, And Changes: Will 8am Stay Focused?

8am is one of my favorite legal tech vendors. it has been historicaly focused on the unsexy back-office stuff that small and mid-size firms really need. Cash flow. Billing. Getting paid. Not trying to be everything to everybody. It puts on a great conference. But in today’s a legal tech world where money is pouring in, I wonder whether 8am will maintain its focus. Here is my post for Above the Law on what I saw at this year’s conferance and … Read the rest

Civil Law

Federal Court Finds Employer Failed to Appreciate the Gravity of Employee’s Lunar Moon Religious Observation (US)

A recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Johnson v. York Academy Regional Charter School, reminds employers of their obligation to meaningfully participate in the process of identifying reasonable accommodation of their employees’ religious beliefs.

Monik Johnson was employed by a charter school as a business manager. Many years into her employment, Ms. Johnson began observing the Lunar Sabbath, which required her not to work on the day of the New Moon, which … Read the rest

Civil Law

Maryland’s New Recycling Tax? Packaging EPR Moves From Law to Reality

Maryland’s latest environmental mandate is no longer just a legislative concept. It is becoming an operating program.

In 2025, Maryland enacted Senate Bill 901, establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for packaging and paper products. Governor Wes Moore signed the legislation on May 13, 2025.

Now the Maryland Department of the Environment is moving from legislation to implementation. The first regulations under COMAR 26.04.14 became effective May 25, 2026, establishing definitions, registration requirements, covered materials, reporting obligations, producer requirements … Read the rest

Civil Law

Connecticut Employers: Expanded Pay Transparency Requirements Take Effect Oct. 1

As a reminder, beginning Oct. 1, 2026, Connecticut employers will have broader obligations to disclose wage ranges and benefits information to applicants and employees.

Under the new law, employers must include the wage or wage range and a general description of benefits in internal or public job postings. The law covers positions performed in Connecticut and certain positions outside the state that report directly to a supervisor, office, or other worksite in Connecticut.

It is important to note the new … Read the rest

Civil Law

“DOJ’s $2 Million Honeywell Settlement Under the Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative: What Compliance Failures Mean for Defense Contractors

Key Takeaways

  • DOJ used the FCA to settle with Honeywell Aerospace Inc. for $ 2,042,518 over allegations that a Honeywell business unit submitted claims for payment under a DoW contract while failing to comply with NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements incorporated through DFARS 252.204-7012, reinforcing that cybersecurity compliance failures can create significant FCA exposure for defense contractors.
  • The settlement arose from a 2022 qui tam whistleblower action filed by a former Honeywell employee, and DOJ reported a record
… Read the rest