Law Firm Closures

* Just in case no one saw this one coming, LeClairRyan has filed for bankruptcy. The firm owes $15 million to two secured creditors. [American Lawyer]

* Like it or not, the next recession is coming: Some law firms will struggle more than others, and “once this party ends, its going to end very quickly and it’s going to end very severely.” [Big Law Business]

* What’s wrong with the bar exam? This is what the National Conference of Bar Examiners’ Testing Task Force is taking its sweet time trying to figure out. [Law.com]

* Law school classes come in all sizes, but you may want to think about how yours will affect the attention you’ll receive, your social life, your networking opportunities, and most importantly, your ranking. [Law Admissions Lowdown / U.S. News]

* Thank u, next? Pop star Ariana Grande has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Forever 21 after the store allegedly hired a look-alike model for a social media campaign, rather than Grande herself. [THR, Esq. / Hollywood Reporter]

* According to President Donald Trump, former White House counsel Don McGahn “had a much better chance of being fired” than special counsel Robert Mueller because Trump claims he was “[n]ever a big fan” — but that’s probably because McGahn refused to issue a public statement saying he didn’t believe the president obstructed justice. [Washington Post]

* President Trump wants to stop federal judges on lower courts from issuing nationwide injunctions that are screwing up his plans to make America gross again. Even VP Mike Pence hopes the Supreme Court will step in to put an end to the practice. [The Hill]

* Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., the Harvard Law professor who is representing accused rapist Harvey Weinstein, has lost his job as a faculty dean at an undergraduate house thanks to his controversial client. [Boston Globe]

* “ I know that when I walk into a room that I’ll be underestimated. I’m aware that I need to prove myself. It doesn’t bother me.” Hailyn Chen, a 43-year-old litigator of Chinese descent, is the new co-managing partner of Munger, Tolles & Olson. Congratulations! [American Lawyer]

* Professor Ian Samuel of Indiana Law has resigned from his job following the conclusion of the Title IX misconduct probe against him, which “probably had the side effect of saving [his] life” because he “was becoming an ugly man.” [Big Law Business]

* Now that its managing partner is taking his business to Blank Rome, Morris & McVeigh, one of New York City’s oldest law firms, will be closing its doors after about 157 years in business. [New York Law Journal]

* Polsinelli has gutted Novak Druce by hiring away 44 lawyers from the firm in a mass lateral move, including two of its name partners. The suffering IP boutique will shutter its doors and wind down its legal practice for good. [Big Law Business / Bloomberg BNA]

* A source says that Judge Jane Kelly of the Eighth Circuit is being vetted as a potential nominee to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. The Iowa judge could make Senate Republicans squirm since she was confirmed unanimously just three years ago. [New York Times]

* “You’re making a commitment that has very little room for escape.” Kirkland & Ellis increased its notice period to 120 days, and partners are wondering whether other firms will follow suit and make it even harder for them to leave. [Crain’s Chicago Business]

* SCOTUS watchers say the justices appeared “deeply divided” during oral arguments in the Whole Woman’s Health case, but some think Justice Kennedy may decide to punt it — perhaps giving time for Justice Scalia’s replacement to be confirmed. [USA Today]

* Attention sports fans: The NFL’s Hail Mary appeal of the Deflategate case will be heard by a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit today. At an estimated $20 million total, the legal bill on this action could be one for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [WSJ Law Blog]

* Louisiana is a state with notoriously harsh punishments for marijuana-related crimes, but it may be considering legalizing weed for recreational use. Dealing drugs seems like it’d be a quick and easy way for the state to get out of its $850M debt. [Daily Beast]