Womble Perspectives

Episode Description A recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has significant implications for organizations managing environmental risk. The court rejected challenges to the EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS, two widely known PFAS compounds, as hazardous substances under CERCLA, the federal Superfund law. The ruling reinforces EPA’s authority and preserves a regulator...

Congressional oversight priorities often shift when control of the House or Senate changes hands, and companies can find themselves at the center of those changes. In this episode, we discuss how Democratic lawmakers are already laying the groundwork for potential investigations that could begin if they regain control of either chamber after the midterm elections. We explore the industries drawing...

The U.S. Department of Justice is continuing to define how it will enforce diversity, equity, and inclusion-related requirements in the federal contracting space. A recent False Claims Act settlement involving Deloitte provides new insight into the government's priorities and signals that DEI-related enforcement is becoming more structured and far-reaching. This episode explores what the sett...

In the inaugural episode of Consumer Finance Decoded , host Aaron Kouhoupt is joined by privacy and cybersecurity attorney Tyler Bridegan to explore the growing momentum behind a comprehensive federal privacy law. Drawing on Tyler's recent congressional testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the discussion examines why federal privacy legislation may be closer to becoming r...

The FCC has revised its approach to regulating certain foreign-produced power inverters, scaling back a broader restriction that was introduced over cybersecurity and national security concerns. In this episode, we examine why power inverters became a focus of federal scrutiny, how the FCC’s Covered List affects manufacturers and importers, and why compliance with Section 45X tax credit requiremen...

The CFPB’s 2026 amendments to Regulation B removed longstanding disparate impact language and adopted the position that the Equal Credit Opportunity Act does not impose disparate impact liability. That change immediately sparked litigation and renewed debate about the scope of fair lending laws. In this episode, we explore a question that matters to lenders, compliance professionals, and legal tea...

The federal government’s dispute with Anthropic has moved beyond questions about acceptable use and into a broader debate over whether a domestic technology company can be treated as a supply chain risk. For government contractors, the immediate issue is practical: agencies and military customers are requesting certifications about where Anthropic products may be used, integrated, or embedded acro...

Many companies assume gaming regulations apply only to casinos, sportsbooks, and gaming operators. In reality, regulatory oversight often extends deep into the gaming supply chain, affecting a wide range of vendors, from technology providers and payment processors to marketing agencies and contractors.  Read the Full Article About the Authors Karl F. Rutledge Glenn J. Light Donghyun Lee

The Small Business Administration has proposed one of the most significant revisions to its size standards in years, potentially expanding eligibility for small business programs across many industries. While some companies could gain access to valuable set-aside opportunities for the first time, others may face increased competition from substantially larger firms that would newly qualify as smal...

North Carolina has enacted a new law requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to participate in the federal FAST-41 permitting process for certain critical energy infrastructure projects. While the law does not change environmental standards or guarantee permit approvals, it introduces new procedural requirements aimed at improving coordination between state and federal agencies. Re...

As Womble Bond Dickinson celebrates its 150th anniversary, Lori Patton sits down with Sarah Motley Stone, Charlotte Office Managing Partner, to reflect on more than two decades of growth, leadership, and service at the firm.  Sarah shares her journey from a first-year summer associate who never expected to become a litigator to a respected leader helping shape the future of one of the firm's...

Today we’re digging into a potentially groundbreaking legal ruling about AI. It’s the first time a federal court has weighed in on whether chats with an AI tool like Claude or ChatGPT can be considered privileged. Spoiler: the court said no. And this could have implications for businesses and legal teams. Read the full article Client’s Use of AI Not Protected by Attorney Client Privilege About the...

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Tomio Narita, a partner in our San Francisco office and co-leader of the firm’s Class Action Defense Team. More about WBD's Class Action Litigation practice .

Today, we’re tackling part two of what it takes to find expert witnesses, and we’re following up with the next big question: once you’ve got a shortlist of candidates, how do you choose the best one? It turns out, it’s not just about degrees and licenses. There are multiple other factors that can make or break credibility in front of a jury. More info Finding an Expert Witness (Part 2): Best Pract...

In courtrooms across the country, cases often hinge on what’s known as the “battle of the experts.” The credibility, character, and clarity of an expert witness can make or break a case.  But, what makes an expert witness truly credible—and where do you even begin to find one who could help you win your case? Read the full article Finding an Expert Witness: Best Practices for Finding Credible Expe...

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Ana Gutierrez , head of Womble's Environmental Practice.  The two discuss leaps of faith and what led Ana to land at our firm. More about WBD's Energy and Natural Resources sector.

Today, we’re diving into an international legal battle that’s been making its way through the gaming world: a patent dispute between Nintendo and the creators of Palworld. Read the full article Gotta Catch ’Em All...In Court?: Nintendo Bolsters U.S. Patent Portfolio In Wake of Japanese Lawsuit Against Pocketpair About the authors Reid Barber John H. Wright, III

Today’s topic is a federal case that’s got some in the sports world playing defense: charges against former and current NBA players and coaches for illegal sports gambling, rigged poker games, and organized crime. Read the full article Former and Current NBA Players and Coaches Have Been Charged Under Federal Law. What Law? About the authors Glenn J. Light Karl F. Rutledge Jason C. Hicks Don Lee

Today, we’re revisiting a story that’s as provocative as it is legally fascinating: the ongoing trademark battle over the F-word. Read the full article F-Word as a Trademark? Federal Circuit Leaves the Door Open as it Vacates TTAB’s Decision About the authors Jennifer A. Van Kirk Erica R. Halstead Lori B. Cohen

Recently, the White House and the FDA issued statements suggesting a possible connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD. These announcements have prompted strong reactions from the scientific community. Organizations like The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The World Health Organization have responded with caution, emphasizing...

Social media has become the new storefront for everything from dietary supplements and CBD oils to herbal tinctures and homeopathic remedies. These products are often promoted as “natural,” “safe,” or “alternative,” and that language resonates with consumers looking for holistic options. But here’s the catch, many of these products make bold claims about treating or preventing health conditions. A...

A recent FDA reminder revealed that nearly 30% of certain clinical trials still lack publicly reported results—raising concerns about transparency and bias in scientific research. In this episode, we explore how missing or selectively reported data can distort the scientific record and influence litigation outcomes. We break down the role of Daubert and Rule 702, and discuss how attorneys can iden...

In this special 150th anniversary episode of Womble Perspectives , Vice Chair Ken Van Winkle reflects on his tenure as Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership and what it means to lead with purpose in a growing community. He shares how trust, consensus-building, and a shared vision can align diverse leaders around complex regional challenges. Ken also offers practical insights on balancing professiona...

The FCC is proposing a sweeping overhaul of its robocall framework, signaling a shift toward stricter, more prescriptive compliance requirements. In this episode, we break down the key elements of the FNPRM—from the introduction of Know Your Upstream Provider (KYUP) obligations to expanded KYC rules and tighter STIR/SHAKEN standards. We also explore what these changes mean for operational processe...

A major shift in federal employment law is underway. In this episode, we unpack the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s June 9, 2026 opinion declaring key aspects of disparate-impact liability under Title VII unconstitutional. We explore how this change narrows employer risk, raises the bar for plaintiffs, and challenges long-standing EEOC guidance—while leaving state laws and disparate-treatment claims...