Steptoe LLP

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC)’s One-to-One Consent Order is slated to go into effect on January 27, 2025, and close the so-called “lead generator loophole.” This Order amends the “prior express written consent” definition in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in a way such that a consumer must provide consent to each seller individually, a significant change from what the TCPA currently permits. However, the Order is being challenged in the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. For more information, read our recent client, “The (Possible) Fate of the FCC's One-to-One Consent Order: Takeaways From the Eleventh Circuit Oral Argument,” authored by partner Dan Blynn and associate Emily Tifft: https://lnkd.in/eU2UvdVW

We’re pleased to share that Steptoe represented the arrangers, agents, green loan coordinator, lenders and issuing bank on a Green Loan Principles-aligned assumption and combined restatement, increase and extension of credit facilities supporting the continued operations of a portfolio of behind-the-meter battery energy storage systems located in Southern California. The portfolio is owned by Electrodes Holdings, LLC.   Steptoe’s team was led by Philip Corsello and included Danielle Fern, Sabina Jacobs Margot, Chris Zentz, Alexandra Scheibe, Irene (Nilin) He, Alex Kaung Myat Ahkar, and Siobhan Smith. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/dMJ5K4Kd

Partner Anne-Gabrielle HAIE and associate Maria Avramidou authored an article titled “Preparing For The Next 5 Years Of EU Digital Policy,” which appeared in Law360. The article looks at the European Commission’s key priorities and expected developments concerning the European Union's AI, data and digital legal landscape over the next five years. Read the full article in Law360: https://lnkd.in/exWDnU6U

Members of Steptoe’s EU Trade team Renato Antonini, Eva Monard, Byron Maniatis, Yongqing Bao, and Elli Zachari authored a chapter that appeared in Legal 500’s International Trade Comparative Guide, “EU: International Trade.” The guide aims to provide its readers with a pragmatic overview of the law and practice of international trade law across a variety of jurisdictions. Their chapter provides information about the current issues affecting international trade in the EU and addresses topics such as WTO agreements, FTAs, trade sanctions and binding rulings. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gTC4wFg6

On December 12, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address the financial consequences of identity theft and financial abuse, specifically targeting issues related to domestic violence and elder abuse. This ANPR initiates the process of gathering public comments and information to inform future rulemaking under the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Regulation V.   Our recent client alert, “CFPB Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Identity Theft and Financial Abuse” authored by Benjamin Saul and Tarrian L. Ellis, Esq. discusses key takeaways, implications, next steps, and more. Read here: https://lnkd.in/ep874z8B

We’re pleased to announce that the China Business Law Journal has named Hong Kong managing partner, Wendy Wysong, to the CBLJ’s “A-List” in the “Visionaries” category for 2024–25. The CBLJ invited corporate counsel and executives from Chinese and global businesses, partners from Chinese and international law firms, and legal experts across diverse industries to nominate attorneys for this honor. Congratulations, Wendy! Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/e22_7YZ7

We’re pleased to share that our International Trade practice received a Band 1 ranking in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2025 edition. Chambers also recognized Susan G. Esserman, Eric Emerson, and Wendy Wysong as leading international trade lawyers. Congratulations all! Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eyhtRfZ7

Today, Steptoe LLP along with New York Civil Liberties Union, ACLU, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) begin trial against Nassau County over the Legislature’s redistricting plan began trial in New York State Supreme & County Court. Partner Michael G. Scavelli said: “Through an unlawful, secretive process, the Nassau County legislature passed a map that attempts to drown out the voices of Nassau County’s communities of color. We are proud to stand with our clients and partners to fight for fairness and accountability in our electoral system. We look forward to telling our clients’ stories and proving their case.” The Steptoe team is led by partner Michael Scavelli and includes partners Evan Glassman and Jason Abel, of counsel David Kahne, associates Ida Adibi, Elizabeth Goodwin, Kylie Clouse, and Laura Niday, and pre-law fellows Ruby Donaghu and Isabella Inouye.

The transition between presidential administrations is typically accompanied by a change in federal enforcement priorities, and the world of higher education is no exception. President-elect Trump has already promised to implement significant changes to the sector, such as proposing to eliminate the Department of Education. Other areas will likely see major changes as well, including antitrust litigation, foreign relations, the implementation and revision of education regulations, and increased congressional scrutiny.   Attorneys Alex Wolf, Patrick Linehan, John D. Geilman, and Evelyn H. discuss how changes to these areas could impact colleges and universities in our recent client alert, “Higher Education Enforcement Under Trump 2.0: What to Expect?”: https://lnkd.in/eUKnNAh6

The EU AI Act Decoded is a bi-weekly breakdown of the EU AI Act and its implications for organizations across the globe. Visit our website to download the PDF of our new issue about the Rights Provided by the EU AI Act: https://lnkd.in/eNRvwvhf.