Steptoe LLP

ION Analytics recently featured Steptoe partner Anne-Gabrielle HAIE in their “Women to Watch” series, which highlights outstanding women in their respective jurisdictions and fields. In her interview, Anne-Gabrielle discusses the complex relationship between AI and privacy in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for due diligence and proper training. Read more at ION Analytics: https://lnkd.in/eW7YweUn ?

We're pleased to share Issue 6 of our "Policy Perspectives" newsletter. Our bipartisan team at Steptoe LLP continues to provide timely and informed insights into the latest policy developments impacting international relations, trade, tax, energy, congressional investigations, insurance, and more. Subscribe on LinkedIn to stay updated with our critical perspectives on the evolving regulatory landscape and executive orders.

Join Steptoe’s Chief Innovation Officer, Don Sternfeld, in New York on Tuesday, March 25, for ALM Legalweek 2025. Don will speak on the panel, “Metrics and Strategies for Smart Legal Tech Investments at Your Firm.” This session will focus on how law firms are making better legal tech investments by focusing on metrics that matter. Attendees will learn how to evaluate the ROI of their current technology stack, identify gaps in their tech strategy, and implement data-driven approaches to prioritize technology investments. Panelists will share professional insights and present case studies on building a tech adoption plan that maximizes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall impact. For more information and to register, click here: https://lnkd.in/gYJdjNza

In 2024, bribery and corruption risks in Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries remained above the global average, underscoring significant challenges in the region. This insight is derived from two key anti-corruption tools: Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and TRACE’s 2024 Bribery Risk Matrix. These corruption risk assessments show stable or improved scores, reflecting incremental progress in combating corruption. However, persistent declines underscore ongoing governance challenges and the risks pose a continuing challenge for compliance measures. Robust compliance frameworks promoting integrity and transparency are becoming increasingly critical, serving as the foundation for sustainable development and societal trust. For more information, see our recent client alert, “Asia Pacific 2024 Anti-Corruption Rankings: Transparency International's CPI and the TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix,” authored by partners Wendy Wysong and Ali Burney: https://lnkd.in/ekHTnx8N.

On March 10, 2025, Judge Adam B. Abelson of the US District Court for the District of Maryland issued a clarified preliminary injunction to address the question of whether the previous injunction applied to entities beyond the defendants named in the lawsuit. Despite the defendants’ opposition, the court held that the injunction binds not only the named defendants, excluding the president, but also applies to all other federal executive branch agencies, departments, and commissions, as well as their heads, officers, agents, and subdivisions subject to the directions outlined in the executive orders. For more information, see our recent client alert, “Update: Court Expands Injunction Scope in Anti-DEI Executive Orders Case,” by Steptoe's Higher Education Team, Brittney L. Denley, Dwight Draughon, Patrick Linehan, and Alex Wolf: https://lnkd.in/egf794M4

On March 5, 2025, the European Commission unveiled an action plan for the European Automotive Sector following the launch of a strategic dialogue on the future of the European automotive industry on January 30, 2025. The action plan highlights the urgency for Europe to stay competitive in the global market on key strategic technologies such as batteries, software, infotainment systems, and autonomous driving. It also emphasizes the risk of Europe falling behind due to less control over raw material inputs and the assertive industrial strategies and state support that benefit overseas competitors. Read our recent client alert, “European Commission Publishes Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector,” authored by partners Renato Antonini and Eva Monard, of counsel Byron Maniatis, associates Yongqing Bao and Elli Zachari, and legal assistant Calista Babuder, for more information: https://lnkd.in/esCvSAPY

Benjamin Saul, Tarrian L. Ellis, Esq., and Vito Arethusa co-authored the United States chapter in Global Legal Insights (GLI)'s book titled "Banking Laws and Regulations 2025." The chapter, "Banking Laws and Regulations 2025 – USA," explores the dual banking system in the US. It also covers the regulatory landscape influenced by economic pressures, rising interest rates, advancements in financial technology, increased scrutiny following 2023 bank failures, and shifts in regulatory priorities due to the recent change in the US presidential administration. Read the full chapter here: https://lnkd.in/eX7pg-zA

Save the date, Thursday, May 1, ?for Steptoe’s Second Annual Advertising and Consumer Protection Law Forum!?This year we are pleased to feature Christopher Mufarrige, the FTC’s Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, for a discussion of the FTC’s consumer protection priorities in the new administration. Our half-day event will also feature discussions, analyses, and predictions surrounding the litigation, regulatory, and compliance issues that matter most to advertisers.?Space is limited, so visit our website to register and reserve your seat:?https://lnkd.in/ejC8hmrG

Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act (DMCCA), which took effect in January, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will soon acquire extensive new powers to enforce UK consumer protection laws. These include a new civil enforcement regime, with fines of up to 10% of worldwide turnover, and individual fines on company directors and senior managers of up to ￡300,000. In our recent StepAhead: Antitrust & Competition Insights newsletter, partner Ronan Scanlan outlines the key changes brought about by the DMCCA, expected to take effect in April 2025, and highlights the sectors likely to be the CMA's focus once the regime goes live. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/ejYv9uDB

On March 10, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explore potential rulemaking to revise its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Final Rule and related guidance, potentially eliminating the self-affirmed GRAS pathway. This significant development could lead to new compliance obligations for the industry. For more details, read our client alert, “Is a New Era for GRAS Determinations Here?” authored by Joe Dages, Joan Baughan, and Daniel Rubenstein: https://lnkd.in/eGU8DePv?