As 2024 draws to a close, American Law Reporter looks back at the year’s most impactful legal stories, capturing the legal community’s attention with groundbreaking rulings, notable controversies, and significant legal developments.
Here’s a roundup of the top 10 legal stories of 2024:
1. States Can’t Ban Guns in Banks, Hospitals, and Churches, But Property Owners Can, 9th Circuit Says
In a key ruling for Second Amendment advocates, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that while states cannot outright ban firearms in specific locations such as banks, hospitals, and churches, property owners retain the right to restrict guns on their premises. The decision drew widespread attention as it clarified the balance between individual gun rights and property rights, emphasizing that private property owners have the authority to enforce their own rules regarding firearms.
2. New Bar Passage Stats Show Several Law Schools Below ABA Cutoff
The American Bar Association (ABA) released new bar passage statistics for 2021 graduates, revealing that several law schools, including Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School, fell below the ABA’s required bar passage threshold. The article drew attention to the growing concerns about the quality of legal education and the challenges that law schools face in maintaining accreditation standards.
3. Shake-up in US News’ 2024 Law School Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 law school rankings generated significant buzz, as several prestigious institutions experienced unexpected shifts. Notable changes included ties in the top tier, with some schools experiencing significant jumps in ranking, raising questions about the methodology behind the rankings and how they influence prospective law students’ decisions.
4. Judge Resigns Amid Jan. 6 Rally Probe; ‘I Would Do It Over Again’
A New York village and town court judge resigned after an investigation into his involvement in the January 6, 2021, rally in Washington, D.C. The resignation came amid controversy, with the judge maintaining his position that his participation in the rally was justified. This story shed light on the intersection of politics, public service, and judicial ethics.
5. Black Retired Judge Who Flew First Class Says Flight Attendant Ordered Her to Use Coach Restroom
A retired Black judge from Chicago made headlines after alleging that an American Airlines flight attendant discriminated against her during a first-class flight. The judge claimed that she was wrongfully directed to use the coach restroom after an altercation involving the first-class restroom. The case sparked discussions around race, discrimination, and the treatment of public figures.
6. 4th Circuit Upholds $1M Sanction for Law Firm That Tried to ‘Sabotage’ Federal Court’s Authority
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a $1 million sanction against a national law firm accused of attempting to undermine federal court authority. The sanction was imposed after the law firm sought to have federal litigation dismissed by state courts. This ruling reinforced the judiciary’s authority and sent a strong message about the limits of legal maneuvering.
7. Retiring Reluctantly: As Lawyers Age, Many Struggle with Exit Strategies
As the baby boomer generation of lawyers reaches retirement age, many law firms are facing challenges in managing the transition. This article examined the difficulties that older lawyers face in exiting the profession, including reluctance to retire and the impact on law firm succession planning. The piece provided insights into the evolving dynamics of the legal profession as it adapts to an aging workforce.
8. Judge Assigned to Trump’s Criminal Case in Georgia Once Worked for DA
A judge appointed to oversee former President Donald Trump’s Georgia racketeering case once worked for Fani T. Willis, the district attorney who secured the indictment. The revelation raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, though the judge maintained that their prior relationship would not impact their impartiality.
9. Duane Morris Partner Ousted After Wife Found Dead in Stairwell and Her Parents Allege Domestic Violence
A Cook County judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing a Duane Morris partner from retrieving his wife’s remains after her body was discovered in the stairwell of their South Loop building. The case quickly gained attention due to the allegations of domestic violence made by the wife’s parents, prompting a larger conversation about legal ethics and family law.
10. Teen Who Enrolled in Law School at Age 13 Becomes Youngest Person to Pass California Bar Exam
A 17-year-old made history by passing the California bar exam, setting a new record as the youngest person to achieve this milestone. This inspiring story captured national attention and highlighted the possibilities for young talent in the legal profession. The teen’s achievement raised questions about the role of age in legal careers and the potential for accelerated legal education.
2024 has been a year of high-profile legal decisions and evolving conversations within the legal community.
These stories reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the legal world, from landmark rulings and bar passage struggles to controversies and inspiring feats of legal achievement.
