Jeremy Mallory Joins “Rok’s Legal AI Conversations” to Discuss What Will Set Law Firms Apart in the Age of AI
Massey & Gail LLP is pleased to announce that Counsel Jeremy Mallory was a guest on “Rok’s Legal AI Conversations,” a podcast about artificial intelligence in the legal profession hosted by Rok Ledinski. The episode, titled “What Will Differentiate Law Firms in the Age of AI?”, is now available on YouTube and Spotify. As AI tools become more widely available to law firms of every size, the episode looks at a timely question: if everyone has access to similar technology, what will set one firm apart from another? The conversation covers how firms can stand out by focusing on the things technology can’t replace, including sound legal judgment, strong client relationships, and high-quality legal work. The discussion is meant for lawyers, in-house counsel, and anyone interested in how AI is changing legal services. It offers a practical look at how firms can use new tools while keeping the core of what clients value most. You can watch the episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/M2RIC8mMzeE You can listen to the episode on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WdbMavxHUHPBjvxw7JRvX
Massey & Gail LLP Welcomes Rob Park as Partner in Washington, D.C. Office
Massey & Gail LLP is pleased to announce that Rob Park has joined the firm as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office, effective September 28, 2026. Rob joins Massey & Gail from McKesson Corporation, where he served as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel. His extensive in-house experience at one of the nation’s largest healthcare companies brings a valuable perspective to the firm and its clients. “I’m so excited to rejoin the extraordinary team at Massey & Gail. I look forward to helping our clients navigate their most critical challenges,” said Rob, a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, where he earned his J.D. with high honors. Rob’s practice will focus on complex litigation, government investigations, and regulatory disputes, with a particular emphasis on healthcare and other matters involving overlapping legal, business, and reputational risks. “Having the former head of litigation for one of our valued clients return to us as a partner in our D.C. office is exciting for the firm’s future,” said Suyash Agrawal, the firm’s third equity partner. “Rob’s addition validates that we continue to attract exceptional talent from the highest levels of the profession. I’m eager to work with him to help build on the terrific team of lawyers and other professionals that Jonathan Massey and Lenny Gail have assembled over the last 18 years.” Rob will be based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office alongside Jonathan Massey. “We are thrilled to have Rob on board in the D.C. office and look forward to the extremely valuable contributions we know he will make to our clients and our firm,” Jonathan said. For more information, please contact Massey & Gail LLP’s Washington, D.C. office at 202.652.4511.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Rules for Banana Plantation Workers in Toxic Tort Case
On September 21, 2026, Massy & Gail partner Jonathan Massey won an important across-the-board victory in the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court on behalf of Central American banana farm workers poisoned by a pesticide that was banned in the U.S. but which continued to be exported abroad. Patrickson v. Dow Chemical Company, No. SCWC-22-0000687. In a significant development for toxic tort law, the court adopted a causation framework based on the Restatement (Third) of Torts, rejected a rigid dosage-proof requirement, and held that the plaintiffs’ circumstantial evidence of exposure and expert testimony were sufficient to proceed to trial, as reported by Legal Newsline via Hawaii Free Press. “We are pleased with the court’s ruling, which will help these long-suffering victims secure the justice they deserve,” said Jonathan Massey. Click here to read the news.
Austin Martin Publishes Article on AI and Appellate Practice in ABA’s Appellate Issues Magazine
Massey & Gail associate Austin Martin has authored an article for the Fall 2026 edition of the American Bar Association’s Appellate Issues, the digital magazine of the ABA’s Judicial Division. The article, titled “Critical Thinking with AI: How Young Appellate Advocates Can Use—Not Lose—Their Edge,” explores how generative AI is reshaping appellate law and offers practical guidance for young attorneys navigating this evolving landscape. Austin examines the tension between AI skeptics and AI enthusiasts in the legal profession, arguing that neither extreme serves young advocates well. Instead, he charts a middle path—one grounded in intentional, critical use of AI that strengthens rather than replaces the judgment and skills essential to effective appellate advocacy. The article provides actionable strategies for integrating AI into appellate workflows, including planning projects with AI in mind, curating targeted document sets for sharper results, building reusable reference tools, maintaining a personal writing voice, and using AI to prepare for oral argument. Austin emphasizes that the key to thriving in the AI era is proactive engagement: applying critical thinking before turning to AI, not just reviewing its output after the fact. Click here to read the article.
Austin Martin Secures Client’s Freedom in Hard-Fought Pro Bono Habeas Case
Our firm is pleased to share a significant pro bono victory: associate Austin Martin recently secured the immediate release of a client who had been held in immigration detention for eight months with no foreseeable end to his confinement. The client, a longtime resident of the United States, had lived and worked in his community for decades and a devoted member of his local faith community. Despite these deep ties, he was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and held in prolonged detention without a meaningful prospect of removal. Austin filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in federal court challenging the lawfulness of his client’s continued detention under the Due Process Clause. To safeguard the client’s rights during the litigation, Austin also filed a motion for preliminary injunctive relief seeking to prevent ICE from transferring the client to another facility without prior notice to counsel. He later replied to the government’s response, pressing the constitutional arguments that the detention had become unreasonable and indefinite, and that the government could not show any concrete plans for removal. The court agreed. It granted the habeas petition and ordered the client’s immediate release. “It was a privilege to represent our client and help him win back his freedom,” Austin said. “For decades, he lived as a peaceful, productive member of society and a devout member of his faith community. After eight months of potentially indefinite detention, the court recognized that his constitutional rights were being violated every day he sat in custody without a foreseeable end date. Our client is grateful to be back home, and I am proud to have helped.” The case reflects our firm’s commitment to providing skilled, vigorous representation to those who need it most. We are proud of Austin’s work and of the result he achieved for his client.
Partner Kylie Kim and Bret Vallacher Named to Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under List for 2026
We are pleased to announce that partners Kylie Kim and Bret Vallacher have been recognized on Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under List for the Northeast region in 2026. Benchmark Litigation’s 40 & Under list highlights the next generation of litigation leaders across the United States—attorneys under age 40 who have demonstrated exceptional skill and achievement in their practices. The 2026 edition is now live, spotlighting rising talent in dispute resolution and other practice areas nationwide. Both Kylie and Bret have been ranked in the 40 & Under, Dispute Resolution category by Benchmark Litigation since 2024, reflecting their sustained recognition as emerging leaders in the field. We congratulate Kylie and Bret on this well-deserved honor and look forward to their continued success. Read more here:
Kylie Kim Examines Three Antitrust Questions Shaping the AI Industry in Law360
Law360 has published “Three Antitrust Questions That Will Shape the AI Industry,” an article by Massey & Gail Partner Kylie Chiseul Kim. The piece examines recent AI litigation and enforcement developments and analyzes how courts and regulators are likely to evaluate emerging antitrust issues involving artificial intelligence. Drawing on established antitrust principles, Kylie examines three questions: how to define the relevant market, how to characterize the concerning conduct, and how to prove the harm. The article is the third and final installment of Kylie’s three-part series on AI and antitrust. Read article here.
Massey & Gail is proud to announce that four of our attorneys have been recognized in Legal 500
Massey & Gail is proud to announce that four of our attorneys have been recognized in Legal 500’s Chicago Elite rankings for Commercial Disputes. Partners Lenny Gail, Suyash Agrawal, Hillary Coustan and Constance Grieves were recognized for Commercial Disputes in Legal 500 Chicago Elite. This marks the first time Suyash Agrawal, Hillary Coustan and Constance Grieves have been recognized in Legal 500. Read more in Legal 500’s Chicago Elite Commercial Disputes rankings: https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-united-states/chicago-elite/commercial-disputes/241014-massey-gail-llp
Massey & Gail Attorneys Help Secure Appellate Affirmance of $45 Million Talc Verdict
Massey & Gail congratulates the family of Theresa Garcia and the full trial and appellate team on an important victory in the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, which affirmed a $45 million verdict in litigation involving Johnson & Johnson’s talc baby powder. Massey & Gail attorneys David L. Franklin and Christopher M. Walling served as part of the appellate team representing the Garcia family. Their work included assisting with the appellate briefing and helping prepare lead counsel for oral argument. Law360 reported that the court rejected challenges to Survival Act damages, evidentiary rulings, prejudgment interest, and successor liability, including affirming that Johnson & Johnson Holdco Inc. and Kenvue Inc. can be held liable as successors to Johnson & Johnson’s former consumer products business. Massey & Gail is proud to have contributed to this significant appellate result alongside co-counsel at Dean Omar Branham Shirley LLP and Vogelzang Law PC. Read article here.
Kylie Kim Publishes Article on AI Safety and Antitrust in Bloomberg Law
M&G Partner Kylie Kim has published “AI Industry’s Cooperation on Safety Raises Antitrust Questions” in Bloomberg Law’s Practitioner Insights & Commentary. The article examines the antitrust tensions that arise when AI developers coordinate on safety testing protocols and capability thresholds — and how such cooperation can affect market competition. This is the second installment in Kylie’s three-part series on AI and antitrust, following her recent piece in Competition Policy International (CPI). The third installment will appear in Law360 in the coming weeks. Read the full article in Bloomberg Law here.