Paying a Finder’s Fee When Raising Capital in the United States: The Success Fee Trap
When raising capital in the United States, companies often run into a common, very avoidable legal problem: paying a “success fee,” “commission,” or “finder’s fee” to the person who introduced an investor.
It feels fair. Someone made a valuable connection,
Government
Quorum Forum Podcast Ep. 100 – Lessons from a Local Government Law Career
We have a quorum! In this special 100th episode of Quorum Forum, we
celebrate a major milestone by hosting a special live recording from Ancel
Glink’s Chicago headquarters. Our featured guest is our friend and
colleague, Julie Tappendorf, who joins us on the eve of her retirement to
reflect on her career in local…
State AG News: Consumer Protection Enforcement, Federal Funding, AI (December 18-24, 2025)
Each week, Crowell & Moring’s State Attorneys General team highlights significant actions that State AGs have taken. See our State Attorneys General page for more insights. Below are the updates from December 18-24:
Multistate
- A coalition of 23 attorneys general sent a comment letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opposing the preemption of state
…
The Gold Card Immigration Program: Capital, Extraordinary Ability, and Legal Uncertainties
The U.S. Gold Card Program: What It Changes, What It Does Not, and Why the Risk Still Matters
On September 19, 2025, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14351, creating what is now known as the Gold Card program. The order directs the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, and State to establish a process…
Trade Secrets and How to Protect Your Most Valuable Information
Trade Secrets and How Your Business Can Protect Its Most Valuable Information
In today’s AI driven economy, trade secrets often represent a company’s core competitive advantage. Yet many businesses spend far more time and money protecting trademarks and patents than safeguarding the confidential information that actually drives revenue.
Two recent federal disputes show how quickly…
Top Five Trends and Takeaways from the FY 2025 ASBCA and CBCA Annual Reports
As fiscal year (“FY”) 2025 closes, both the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (“ASBCA”) and Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (“CBCA”) released their annual reports. Together, the two reports provide a useful snapshot of case volumes, outcomes, agency trends, and procedural developments. We break down the findings and, most importantly, what they mean for…
State AG News: Voter Privacy, Overcharged Bills, Federal Benefits (November 27-December 3, 2025)
Each week, Crowell & Moring’s State Attorneys General team highlights significant actions that State AGs have taken. See our State Attorneys General page for more insights. Below are the updates from November 27-December 3:
Multistate
- A coalition of 36 attorneys general opposed a federal ban on state AI laws. The National Association of Attorneys General
…
State AG News: Environment, Mispriced Items, Data Exploitation (November 20-26, 2025)
Each week, Crowell & Moring’s State Attorneys General team highlights significant actions that State AGs have taken. See our State Attorneys General page for more insights. Below are the updates from November 20-26, 2025:
Multistate
- A multistate coalition of 20 attorneys general succeeded in protecting four federal agencies from elimination by Executive Order. The United
…
Bipartisan State Attorneys General and Industry Leaders Launch National Task Force on Artificial Intelligence
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown (R) and North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson (D) have announced a nationwide bipartisan “AI Task Force” in partnership with major AI developers (including OpenAI and Microsoft) and the Attorney General Alliance (AGA), a bipartisan nonprofit that serves as a forum for Attorneys General around the United States to discuss and…
Appeal of Pension Board Decision Dismissed for Violation of Court Rules in Use of AI
An Illinois Appellate Court recently dismissed the appeal by a former police officer of a pension board’s denial of pension benefits because he violated Illinois Supreme Court Rules when he filed an appellate brief almost wholly created with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI). Pletcher v. Village of Libertyville Police Pension Board.The plaintiff was…