We’re now one month into 2022 and our community kicked off February with some excellent posts. As always, Alec and Michelle are bringing you their favorites from the past week. This time we’ve got posts looking at government contractors, social media influencers and a retrospective on the year since Oregon decriminalized low-level drug possession.
Alec’s Picks
Uber Delivers Cannabis in Canada – Let’s Hash Out the Opportunities for Food Delivery and Cannabis in the U.S.
Misinformation spreads quickly online. If you recognize it happening within your area of legal expertise, you may have an opportunity to set the record straight via a blog post. Adam Horowitz does just that by dispelling misconceptions surrounding the news that Uber was planning to enter the cannabis industry in Canada. After addressing the specifics of that news, Horowitz explores the feasibility of cannabis delivery in the U.S. along with some other related topics. A thorough and well-written post, Horowitz demonstrates his deep knowledge on these subjects and communicates them in an accessible and digestible way. Available at Cole Schotz’s Cannabis Law blog.
Complaint: Bill Belichik’s Text to the Wrong “Brian” Proves Giants Engaged in “Sham” Interview of Black Coaching Prospect
Tom Brady officially announced his retirement from football this past Tuesday, but it wasn’t the only reason the NFL was in the headlines. On that very same day, former Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and several teams, alleging racial discrimination in the league’s hiring practices. This news had just begun to make the rounds online when Steptoe & Johnson’s Charles Michael published his own post outlining the basics of the suit. When there’s breaking news you needn’t write a lengthy blog post—something short and simple like Michael did here is perfect. You’ll always have the opportunity to follow up on the story later with more analysis if you so choose. Available at the SDNY Blog.
ASA Goes ‘Ad for Ad’ Against Non-Compliant Influencers
Social media influencers beware—the U.K. based Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is cracking down on those who fail to clearly identify their posts as ads. Carlton Daniel and Jack Wood pen this post which highlights the most recent efforts to, in essence, shame non-compliant influencers to fall in line. The intersection of social media and the law never ceases to fascinate me and this post is no exception. Daniel and Wood do a fantastic job covering this topic in a tightly written and informative blog post. Solid work all around. Available at Squire Patton Boggs’ Global IP & Technology Law Blog.
Michelle’s Picks
A Marvel-ous Copyright War
Spider-Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Ant-Man and Iron Man are all starring in something together—but it’s not a movie this time, it’s a legal battle. Any copyright dispute involving a large company, and Disney may just be the largest, is sure to be interesting. Larina Alton and Gabriel Ramirez-Hernandez break down this copyright war well, as it can definitely get confusing. Writing on an intriguing topic, doing so in an understandable way and having a creative title is one great way to build up your audience and readership. Available at Minnesota State Bar Association’s Bench & Bar of Minnesota.
Different perspectives one year after Measure 110 took effect decriminalizing low-level drug possession in Oregon
One year ago, Oregon’s ballot initiative decriminalized personal possession of all drugs. So, how has it been going, what are the responses? Douglas Berman does a great job compiling a variety of reactions and commentary on how this has affected the state. A big part of blogging is informing your readership, and that doesn’t always have to be with your own personal views. He brings in some thoughts from the DPA as well as some local press pieces who all hold differing views. It’s not enough to just report on important legislation when it’s enacted, but to see how that is affecting the community and the various individuals involved—just as this blog post does. Available at Sentencing Law and Policy on the Law Professor Blogs Network.
Five Key Government Contracting Policies Of 2021
How were government contractors impacted by policies in the latter half of 2021? Anne Hall authors this piece that explains just that. It’s really well-organized, sectioning off each of the five areas of government contracting policy that agencies changed or scrutinized in the second half of 2021. But, what she does best is include insightful quotes from quite a few attorneys who have a bit to say on the topics. Bringing in other perspectives is always a great idea—a good chance to network and join the conversation. Available at Hall Benefits Law Blog.