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Courts struggle with handling juror history of Sexual Abuse

FILE – In this courtroom sketch, Judge Alison Nathan, far left, speaks to the jury, right, during the Ghislaine Maxwell sexual abuse trial, Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in New York. Prosecutors on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, urged the judge who presided over the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell to conduct an inquiry into a juror’s reported claims that he was a victim of sexual abuse. (Elizabeth Williams via AP, File)

Courts Struggle With Handling Juror History Of Sexual Abuse

Criminal courts often use juror questionnaires to screen prospective jurors for any personal history of sexual abuse before seating them on juries for cases involving sex crimes — but as the Ghislaine Maxwell case spotlights, the screening process doesn’t always work, and experts tell Law360 it is causing problems for jurors, attorneys and courts. 
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BigLaw Wants To Aid Ukraine Refugees But Searches For How

A day after Russian forces blitzed Ukraine, sending waves of refugees fleeing the country, major U.S. law firms scrambled Friday to find ways to help. 
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Rise In Violent Crime Could Slow Resentencing Momentum

Criminal justice reform advocates are pushing for reforms that would redefine sentencing laws in New York, including eliminating mandatory minimums and allowing rehabilitating prisoners to ask for reduced sentences. But a rise in violent crime could hinder their momentum. 
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All Access

Wilson Sonsini’s First-Ever Pro Bono Chief On His Ambitions

Wearing two hats as a securities and corporate governance attorney and pro bono counsel since 2018, Luke Liss helped deepen Wilson Sonsini’s pro bono reach amid record revenues. Now, he’s ready to take on pro bono work full time. 
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3 BigLaw Attorneys Work To Improve NY Family Court Access

Three attorneys from Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Proskauer Rose LLP and Clifford Chance LLP were members of a New York City Bar Association and Funds for Modern Courts work group that recently released a report with recommendations for improving access to New York City family courts. 
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Interview

Suffolk County Public Defender Talks Work, TikTok Fame

An attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County recently found internet fame on TikTok, where he talks about his life, hosts online fundraisers and discourages his more than 720,000 followers from stealing ducks from public parks. He spoke to Law360 about how he balances his social media presence and career, his thoughts on the current criminal justice system, and why he chose to become a public defender. 
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NJ Latest State To Probe Use Of Jailhouse Informants

Taron Hill served more than 16 years in prison before his conviction was overturned when two jailhouse informants recanted their testimony.  
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Pro Bono Spotlight

Hogan Lovells Helps Secure Virginia Housing Deal

Residents of a Norfolk, Virginia, public housing community faced displacement as part of a $30 million redevelopment project, until Hogan Lovells attorneys secured a deal with city officials to ensure those residents can return to the improved neighborhood, or find housing elsewhere in the city. 
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Director Of 9/11 Doc On Lawyers’ Alleged Role In Torture 

A new documentary focusing on interrogation techniques used by the CIA on a high-value Saudi prisoner captured in the aftermath of 9/11, Abu Zubaydah, shows how attorneys played a crucial role in authorizing torture. 
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Perspectives

Justice Reforms Call For Quick Action To Fill US Atty Spots

U.S. attorneys play an important role in transforming the criminal legal system for several reasons, and they can restore integrity and independence to the U.S. Department of Justice, so President Joe Biden and Congress must move quickly to fill the remaining two-thirds of the top prosecutor seats, says Derick Dailey at Davis + Gilbert. 
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