in and out of the courtroom

Product Liability Law Blog:AI and Discovery: A Kansas Federal Court's Evolving Approach to Protective Orders And Other Considerations for Protective Orders

OCT 16, 2026

AI and Discovery: A Kansas Federal Court's Evolving Approach to Protective Orders And Other Considerations for Protective Orders

ICYMI: In Jeffries v. Harcros Chemicals Inc., the District of Kansas extended protective order restrictions on public AI use to all discovery materials, including documents not designated confidential. The court found good cause based on clawback and deletion concerns, cybersecurity risks, privacy obligations, and the potential to encourage fuller discovery productions. Its subsequent vacatur of the amended order following changes in the parties and discovery environment underscores the fact-specific nature of these restrictions. This post examines the ruling, its later reversal, and practical considerations for litigators negotiating AI provisions, including evaluating how tools train on, retain, and delete discovery data.

Publications:Megan Stumph Discusses Ethical Use of AI in Missouri Lawyers Media Article

OCT 14, 2026

Megan Stumph Discusses Ethical Use of AI in Missouri Lawyers Media Article

Baker Sterchi Member Megan Stumph is quoted in the Missouri Lawyers Media article "Hallucination-Laced Order Raises Alarm on AI Use by Courts" (subscription required).

Employment & Labor Law Blog:Washington's Personnel-File Law: What Employers Should Consider in Light of SHB 1308

OCT 14, 2026

Washington's Personnel-File Law: What Employers Should Consider in Light of SHB 1308

2025 revisions to Washington's personnel-file law may increase exposure for employers, raising as many new questions as the changes may have attempted to answer. A prompt and holistic response will go a long way in mitigating any potential disputes.

Recognition:Budzinski Receives Central Insurance's Highest Attorney Honor; Cortesy Also Recognized

OCT 13, 2026

Budzinski Receives Central Insurance's Highest Attorney Honor; Cortesy Also Recognized

Baker Sterchi Member Mark Budzinski has been named Central Insurance's Panel Partner of the Year, the company's highest attorney recognition, while associate Katherine Cortesy has been selected as one of its Associate Attorneys of the Year.

Speaking Engagements:Megan Sterchi Lammert to Serve on GLP-1 Litigation Panel at ABA Regional CLE Program

OCT 12, 2026

Megan Sterchi Lammert to Serve on GLP-1 Litigation Panel at ABA Regional CLE Program

On Oct. 22, Baker Sterchi Member Megan Sterchi Lammert will serve as a panelist for "Weighing In: The State of the GLP-1 Docket" during the American Bar Association's 2026 Products Liability & Life Sciences Regional CLE Program.

Publications:Bob Christie's "AI in the Courtroom" Article Republished in WDTL's Defense News

OCT 12, 2026

Bob Christie's "AI in the Courtroom" Article Republished in WDTL's Defense News

Baker Sterchi Member Bob Christie authored "AI in the Courtroom: Elevating Trial Practice Through Technology," published in the recently released summer 2026 issue of Defense News, a publication of Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL).

Results:Baker Sterchi Secures Complete Defense Win in $45 Million Civil Rights and Malicious Prosecution Case

OCT 9, 2026

Baker Sterchi Secures Complete Defense Win in $45 Million Civil Rights and Malicious Prosecution Case

Baker Sterchi obtained a complete defense win for the City of Redmond, Washington, in a high-exposure civil rights and malicious prosecution case in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Results:Baker Sterchi Secures Defense Verdict in Nearly $5 Million Construction Dispute

OCT 8, 2026

Baker Sterchi Secures Defense Verdict in Nearly $5 Million Construction Dispute

Baker Sterchi obtained a complete defense verdict for Zipco Contracting, Inc. following a five-day jury trial in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri.

Product Liability Law Blog:Chemical Flavoring Case Leaves A Bitter Aftertaste: Missouri Court Upholds $56.6 Million Punitive Damages Award Against Flavoring Giant

OCT 8, 2026

Chemical Flavoring Case Leaves A Bitter Aftertaste: Missouri Court Upholds $56.6 Million Punitive Damages Award Against Flavoring Giant

The Missouri Eastern District Court of Appeals upholds trial court's $58 million judgment against Givaudan Flavor Corp., with $56.6 million being awarded in punitive damages.

Recognition:Four Baker Sterchi Team Members Named to 2026 Wisconsin Law Journal Legal All-Stars List