The legal landscape in the Western Region is shifting rapidly. From evolving Department of Justice enforcement priorities to the use of artificial intelligence in trial and the compliance complexities created by sanctuary city policies, businesses and legal practitioners in California and across the West face a convergence of novel challenges. Legal 500 recently featured Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP in its "Focus On" series, where the firm examines these three critical areas in depth.

Key Themes

The article explores the shifting priorities of the U.S. Department of Justice, which continue to reshape enforcement strategies and influence how organizations approach compliance and risk management. Understanding these evolving priorities is essential for companies seeking to stay ahead of regulatory scrutiny and position themselves favorably in the current enforcement environment.

The piece also addresses the emerging role of artificial intelligence in trial practice. As AI tools become increasingly integrated into litigation workflows, practitioners and courts alike face novel questions about admissibility, reliability, and ethical obligations. BKLW's analysis provides practical insight into how these technologies are influencing courtroom strategy and evidentiary standards across the Western Region.

Finally, the article examines the legal risks associated with sanctuary city policies, a particularly salient issue in California and other Western jurisdictions. The tension between federal immigration enforcement and local protective ordinances creates a complex compliance environment for municipalities, employers, and institutions navigating overlapping and sometimes conflicting legal obligations.

Recognition by Legal 500

This "Focus On" feature builds on BKLW's continued recognition by Legal 500. Earlier this year, the publication selected BKLW partners Whitney Z. Bernstein, Thomas H. Bienert, Jr., Dan Goldman, and John L. Littrell to its Los Angeles Elite rankings for White Collar Crime, underscoring the firm's depth of experience in high-stakes litigation and enforcement defense.

Read the Full Article

The full piece is available on Legal 500's website at: DOJ Priorities, AI in Trial, and Sanctuary City Risks: A Western Region Update.