Barnes & Thornburg LLP

A major challenge to the EPA’s PFOA and PFOS designation has been rejected. The D.C. Circuit agreed that the EPA can designate a substance as hazardous under CERCLA without scientific certainty that it will cause harm. For companies that have used or handled PFOA or PFAS, the decision is a reason to revisit current and historical operations and consider the potential CERCLA implications. Read the full analysis from Jennifer Baker and Mark Finley: https://bit.ly/4h1fly2

Another six-figure H-1B fee is on the table. USCIS has proposed a $103,265 fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions, while the administration is also considering a $100,000 fee for OPT. The H-1B proposal is open for public comment through Sept. 24. Julia Bialy, Sarah Hawk, and Tieranny Cutler break down what employers and international talent need to know: https://bit.ly/4gCkjQl #immigrationalaw

Kimberly Batten of our Indianapolis office is a first generation college graduate and law student, most at peace in nature, and a big believer in giving back to those from which you received. Learn more about Kim in the August edition of #IAmBT. https://bit.ly/3UnnfJn #MeetTheTeam

The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) has named Dallas Office Administrator Jamie S. to its Nominating Committee. The committee plays a critical role in ALA’s governance by evaluating and selecting legal management professionals to serve on its board of directors. Congratulations to Jamie on this national leadership role! #legalindustry #alabuzz #biglaw #legalmanagement #lawfirmleadership

Michael C. Zogby and Roscoe C. Howard, Jr. served on the faculty of the 44th Annual National Trial Advocacy College this year, which moved to William & Mary Law School from the University of Virginia School of Law. The intensive program brings together experienced trial attorneys, judges and law professors to help attorneys sharpen their advocacy skills through demonstrations, hands-on exercises and mock trials. As one of the premier trial advocacy programs in the United States, the National Trial Advocacy College enables attorneys to sharpen their advocacy skills, including opening and closing arguments, direct and cross-examination, and expert examinations, with the guidance of trial attorneys, federal and state court judges, and law school professors from around the country. Michael delivered the closing argument demonstration for the program. Barnes & Thornburg LLP associates William Carlucci, Deanna Lee, and Denise Vaughn also participated in the nationally renowned program as students.

From patent litigation to humanoid robotics, agentic AI and AI-powered weapons detection, Casey Campbell has built his career helping technical teams protect and advance what they're building. In his Alumni Spotlight, Casey discusses how his time at Barnes & Thornburg shaped his approach to clients, teams and problem-solving in fast-moving industries. Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/4zQsMbF

HHS-OIG has issued a favorable opinion on a proposed independent charity patient assistance program funded in part by pharmaceutical manufacturers. What makes the opinion notable: HHS-OIG acknowledged the fraud and abuse risks these programs can present, but found this proposal sufficiently low-risk under the Anti-Kickback Statute because of its independence, objective financial-need criteria and broad coverage of FDA-approved drugs. Delgado Heather, Erin Steele, and Michael Phillips take a closer look at the opinion and what it could mean for organizations considering similar programs. https://bit.ly/3T2vIBf

Congratulations to Keith Brodie (Labor), Scott Watson (Environmental), and Joshua Ney (Life Sciences) for being recognized in the inaugural Michigan Lawyers Weekly Legal 250 list!  The Michigan Legal 250 recognizes the most influential attorneys across the state’s legal landscape. More on the honor here: https://bit.ly/4yb9kEV

After spending much of 2025 without a quorum, the NLRB is ready to issue decisions — and some major labor law precedents could be back on the table. In a new memo, NLRB General Counsel signaled that the agency may revisit issues including severance agreements, workplace rules, captive audience meetings and bargaining orders. What does that mean for employers? David Pryzbylski breaks down the memo's signals and what to watch next. Read the analysis: https://bit.ly/4gFofzT

Lynda Bennett was quoted in a Bloomberg Law article highlighting how schools and Catholic dioceses are using a 2024 New York appellate ruling to push back against insurers accused of denying coverage for abuse claims in bad faith. Lynda framed the case as a wake-up call for insurers and policyholders, signaling that courts may give greater weight to the legislative intent behind these statutes — including the goal of helping survivors obtain compensation. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4cHUrkW