News & Insights
- Blog
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs): Benefits, Risks, and How They Work
As the 2025 deadline for elevated estate tax exemptions approaches, high-net-worth couples are turning to Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) to protect their wealth and secure their family's financial future. In this article, we break down the benefits and risks of SLATs, how they work, and the critical steps to avoid common pitfalls, such as the Reciprocal Trust Doctrine. If you're considering a SLAT, now is the time to act—learn how this powerful estate planning tool can help you take advantage of unprecedented tax opportunities before they expire.
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Todd McClelland included in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
Sterlington Partner, Todd McClelland, has been included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in America® for his outstanding work in information technology, IT outsourcing, privacy and data security, and technology law. This peer-reviewed honor showcases Todd's dedication to legal excellence and client success.
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Women in Law: Highlights from the Class of Our Own Summit
Jennifer Czeisler attended the invitation-only Class of Our Own Women's Summit discussing class action litigation, mass torts, and leadership development. This year's summit celebrated women at the forefront of class action lawsuits and offering insights into complex litigation. It was a showcase of community and the pursuit of excellence in law.
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Generative AI: How Can Businesses Use It Responsibly?
Generative AI is changing the way we work and live. This article explores the applications of generative AI in healthcare, education, and law, while also addressing the ethical considerations and responsible adoption practices that are crucial for harnessing its full potential.
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Sterlington Welcomes Richard Reice as Partner in Employment and Litigation Practices
Sterlington welcomes Richard Reice, a veteran litigator and leader in employment law, as Partner. He brings extensive experience in civil litigation, labor law, and emerging issues like algorithm bias.
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Who’s Who Legal Recognizes Callum McNeil in 2024 Asset Recovery Edition
Callum McNeil, Sterlington BVI Managing Partner, is recognized by Who's Who Legal as a leading professional in Asset Recovery in Mainland China and Hong Kong. With nearly two decades of offshore legal experience, Callum specializes in crypto, commercial litigation, and insolvency matters.
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Sterlington’s 2024 Spring Partner Event – Collaboration and Culture
Sterlington's Spring Partner Event brought the team together in New York City and was a blend of professional development, strategic planning, and team bonding. The event highlighted Sterlington's commitment to collaboration, innovation, and a culture that values legal excellence and personal growth. Read more about the highlights and key takeaways from this year's events.
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Top 10 Strategies for Successful IP Litigation
Brian Slater and Greg Sephton share insights from the LSPN North America Spring Conference on navigating complex IP disputes.
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Non-Disclosure Agreements: The Ubiquitous Remedies Provision
Non-disclosure agreements often include a remedies provision. Learn what this means and the potential legal options in case of a breach.
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Navigating Controversial Provisions in Non-Disclosure Agreements
Unlock the complexities of NDAs: From trade secrets to PII, navigate controversial provisions to safeguard sensitive data. Ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
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The Hidden Costs of In-House Contract Management: Time, Opportunity, and Risk
Contract review and management eating up your time and exposing you to risk? Discover how outsourcing routine contracts frees you up to focus on what matters for your business.
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BVI Sets Precedent: Landmark Ruling on Foreign Judgment Enforcement at Common Law
The BVI Commercial Court has issued a landmark decision clarifying the common-law principles surrounding the enforcement of foreign judgments. In Cashman Equipment Corp v EMCS Caribbean Ltd, the court upheld a U.S. judgment against a BVI company, providing a detailed analysis of jurisdictional requirements and defenses for practitioners. For detailed insights, read below.
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Contract Lifecycle Management Best Practices You Should Be Following in 2024
Outsourcing contract management empowers in-house teams and executives to focus on strategic tasks by leveraging expertise, cost-effectiveness, and streamlined processes. With organizations managing thousands of contracts, effective lifecycle management is critical. Challenges like stakeholder alignment and resource drain necessitate robust practices such as centralized repositories and automation.
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Adding Insult to Injury – Termination and Bonus Season
The timing of terminations just before bonus payouts often sparks concerns about fairness, particularly in finance, where bonuses form a significant part of yearly income. Whether contractual or discretionary - or anything in between - the type of bonus defines entitlements. Severance packages typically overlook bonuses, causing financial strain for terminated employees banking on them. Understanding bonus types and contract clauses becomes crucial in navigating post-termination entitlements, underscoring the importance of seeking legal counsel to protect one's rights.
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Non-Disclosure Agreements: 10 Key Provisions You Need to Know
NDAs are vital for safeguarding sensitive data in business transactions. They define exceptions to confidential information, specify permitted disclosures, and address legal obligations. Despite their complexity, NDAs foster trust and integrity, crucial for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Precision in drafting is essential to ensure enforceability and protect parties' interests.
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The Corporate Transparency Act – What You Need to Know
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandates new reporting rules for businesses, effective January 1, 2024. Companies must file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with FinCEN, disclosing details about owners and control persons. Exemptions exist for certain entities, but non-compliance can result in hefty fines and imprisonment. Understanding CTA requirements is crucial for legal compliance and avoiding penalties. Stay informed about updates and guidance from FinCEN to ensure adherence to the law.
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5 Reasons Why an Attorney Should Review Your Separation Agreement
This article dissects the complexities of employment separation agreements, urging employees to seek legal counsel before signing. It explores potential pitfalls such as non-disparagement clauses, overly broad non-competes, transition agreements, cooperation clauses, and dispute resolution. The piece underscores the importance of understanding these terms to safeguard your rights and future career opportunities.
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Sterlington Welcomes Securities Partner Jamil French to Enhance Investment Management and Regulatory Practice
Sterlington PLLC is delighted to welcome Jamil French as a Securities Partner within the firm’s Investment Management and Regulatory practice. Jamil brings deep expertise in private investment funds, enhancing Sterlington’s commitment to delivering world class legal services to its clients.
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What will the law firm of the future look like?
Time travellers from 100 years ago would find the modern law firm a curious beast: On the one hand, litigators spend their days preparing pleadings and giving oral argument in court; transactional lawyers spend their days preparing and reviewing contracts, deeds and agreements. Lawyers in 2023 do pretty much the same thing. On the other hand, the way in which that work is carried out is radically different. Law firms are increasingly diverse, and no longer the sole province of the most privileged in society. And instead of doing everything by hand, or dictating to clerical staff, lawyers are expected to be adept with a range of different tech tools.
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Sterlington Welcomes Todd McClelland as Partner in Data Privacy, AI and Litigation practices
Sterlington, an international law firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Todd McClelland as a Partner in Sterlington’s Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, AI and Litigation practices. As a recognized leader in cybersecurity and data privacy, Todd’s expertise will strengthen Sterlington’s capabilities in these strategic areas of focus for the firm.
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What Is an NDA? Everything About Outsourcing NDAs
Interested in learning more about non-disclosure agreements? Explore our comprehensive guide to NDAs and why outsourcing your NDAs is the ideal option
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What Is a Virtual Law Firm & Why Should You Work With One?
Explore what a virtual law firm is as we delve into what it does and how joining a virtual law firm can help you grow your practice.
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Brian Slater and Greg Sephton Join Sterlington to bolster IP and Life Sciences practice areas
Sterlington is proud to announce the strategic addition of two senior partners to its team as Co-Heads of Sterlington’s Intellectual Property (IP) practice.
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Addition of Two New Partners Continues Sterlington’s Expansion: Jennifer Czeisler and Edward W. Ciolko Join as a Team to Ramp Up the Complex Litigation Group
Sterlington welcomes Jennifer Czeisler and Edward W. Ciolko as Partners and Co-Heads of its Complex Litigation Group.
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Cody Wamsley Joins Sterlington as Partner in its Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Intellectual Property Practices
Sterlington is pleased to announce the expansion of its Cybersecurity, Data Privacy and Intellectual Property practices with the addition of Cody Wamsley as a partner.
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Strategic Forum Selection: A Crucial Aspect of NDA Agreements for Joint Ventures and Mergers
The “forum selection clause” may not be the most exciting one in an NDA – and parties signing an NDA don’t intend to end up in a dispute. But careful consideration of the forum can save time, money, and resources in the event of a dispute. In our latest blog from partner Mari Bonthuis, consider a prime example of the sloppy neglect of drafting forum selection clauses - and the consequences that resulted.
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Mastering NDA Compliance – Steering Clear of Pitfalls
Non-Disclosure Agreements are a bedrock of business relationships, providing assurance that sensitive information remains safeguarded. Having an NDA in place is just the start - compliance procedures need to be established as well. As companies engage in numerous transactions, the volume of NDAs can become overwhelming, creating critical challenges for compliance management. Let’s delve into the most common NDA compliance pitfalls and the practical solutions to navigate and master them successfully.
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Sterlington Bolsters Finance Practice with the Group Addition of Ken Lee and Dexter X. Heeter
Sterlington is pleased to announce that Ken Lee has joined the firm as a partner in its Finance practice. Additionally, Dexter X. Heeter joins the firm as an associate as part of the Asset Finance team with Ken. Ken and Dexter’s focus will be on asset trading and asset finance.
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Sterlington Expands with the Addition of Eric Swartz as New Partner and Head of Web3 Practice
Sterlington is pleased to announce the addition of Eric Swartz as a partner and Head of its Web3 practice. Eric will be focusing on a wide range of crypto asset matters, including digital assets, cryptocurrency, blockchain, venture capital, IPO imminent investment, and growth equity.
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When You’re Signing More than an NDA – Challenges Presented by Multiple Agreements
NDAs often mark the beginning of a series of agreements between parties exploring joint ventures, acquisitions, or investments. The interplay between these agreements and the NDA can present challenges if the parties end up in court, as was the case between iSentium, LLC and Bloomberg Finance.
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Unleashing Efficiency: The Power of Outsourcing
In today's competitive business landscape, companies are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and cut costs. One solution that has gained significant traction is outsourcing contracts, a practice that involves enlisting specialized third-party providers to manage specific business functions.
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Blank Spaces and Signature Authority – A Cautionary Tale of Contract Due Diligence
Contract due diligence is a critical task that should never be taken lightly. And while ensuring an NDA is properly signed may seem like an administrative task, understanding the rights and authority of the signature holders requires close scrutiny. This is the lesson that Protégé Biomedical learned the hard way in their dealings with Z-Medica, a competitor partially owned by the private equity firm DW Healthcare Partners.
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Shopping for a “Confidential” Definition
Definitions of “confidential” are central to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Management and a diligent review process for NDAs can help companies avoid litigation surprises found in these definitions. Consider the following failed merger.
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Lisa Jerde Spillman Joins Sterlington as Partner, Adding Her Experience in Investment Management and Regulatory Matters to the Firm
Sterlington is pleased to announce the expansion of its Investment Management and Regulatory, General Counsel, and Crypto practices with the addition of Lisa Jerde Spillman as a partner.
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Legal Update: New British Virgin Islands Laws for Virtual Asset Service Providers
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a well-established offshore financial centre, with over 500,000 registered BVI Business companies. In recent years, it has also become an increasingly popular choice of jurisdiction for companies providing services associated with crypto and other virtual assets.
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Can FTX Clawback Customer Withdrawals as Voidable Preferences?
On November 11, 2022, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, FTX Trading Ltd., and over 100 affiliated companies filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases in Delaware.
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Fully Remote Firm Sterlington Rebrands To Market Strength
Read the Law360 article featuring an interview with Sterlington CEO and Founder Chris Harrison and reporter Xiumei Dong.
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Sterlington PLLC Launches New Future-Forward Brand
Focus on Business Acumen and Virtual Model Creates Value that Benefits All Stakeholders.
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A Really New Leniency Program – Don Klawiter, Antitrust Partner
Sterlington Antitrust Partner, Don Klawiter, had an article featured in the American Bar Association's Summer 2022 Antitrust Magazine.
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Sterlington PLLC Receives ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certification
Global law firm continues investment in globally recognized information security standard.
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Sterlington PLLC names CTO/CISO to accelerate technological innovation in the next stage of growth
Global law firm continues to strengthen the executive team with the appointment of Prashant Warankar
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Sterlington British Virgin Islands is acting for creditors in the insolvent liquidation of Three Arrows Capital Ltd.
A court in the BVI recently ordered the crypto-focused hedge fund into liquidation following a high-profile notice of default - its failure to repay creditors amid a broad decline in cryptocurrency markets.
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Sterlington PLLC Strengthens Global Capabilities with Two Key Executive Appointments
Niki Kopsidas, Managing Director of Global Talent Strategy & Recruiting, and Sharon Rodney, Head of Marketing, join global law firm
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Cybersecurity, Privacy and eDiscovery Expert Steven Teppler joins Sterlington as Partner and Practice Chair
Teppler is a leader in cybersecurity and electronic discovery
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Sterlington PLLC strengthens expanding team with the appointment of leading antitrust attorneys Donald Klawiter and Jennifer Driscoll
Sterlington PLLC today announces further expansion of its team with the appointment of Don Klawiter and Jennifer Driscoll.
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Sterlington PLLC Welcomes Teresa Santos as a Partner
Sterlington PLLC is pleased to announce the expansion of its practice with the addition of Teresa “Teri” F. Santos as a partner and head of its general counsel services practice.
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LEAVING AMLAW – Understanding Virtual Law Firms and Why Partners Make the Move
Read Sterlington CEO and Founder Chris Harrison’s article featured in the Winter/Spring 2021 National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC) newsletter, “Leaving AmLaw: Understanding Virtual Law Firms and Why Partners Make the Move.”
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