Law, disrupted

Law, disrupted
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Law, disrupted is a podcast that dives into the legal issues emerging from cutting-edge and innovative subjects such as SPACs, NFTs, litigation finance, ransomware, streaming, and much, much more! Your host is John B. Quinn, founder and chairman of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, a 900+ attorney business litigation firm with 29 offices around the globe, each devoted solely to business litigation. John is regarded as one of the top trial lawyers in the world, who, along with his partners, has built an institution that has consistently been listed among the “Most Feared” litigation firms in the world (BTI Consulting Group), and was called a “global litigation powerhouse” by The Wall Street Journal. In his podcast, John is joined by industry professionals as they examine and debate legal issues concerning the newest technologies, innovations, and current events—and ask what’s next?

  1. Oct 30

    Inside the Largest Patent Verdict Ever: Quinn Emanuel’s $5.7 Billion Win Over Apple

    John is joined by Tigran Guledjian, Scott Watson, and Lance Yang, all partners in Quinn Emanuel’s Los Angeles office and trial counsel for Taction Technology. They discuss the $5.7 billion jury verdict their team won against Apple in a San Diego patent case, the largest patent verdict ever, and how the team won the verdict after the court excluded Taction’s damages expert in the middle of trial. Taction, a small San Diego company led by CEO John Steinberg, owns patented technology invented by Dr. James Biggs that lets a device vibrate across a full range of frequencies rather than one. At trial, the team likened this to playing every piano key instead of only one. Taction alleged the wideband haptics Apple introduced in the iPhone 7 infringed its patent. The case was filed in 2021. The court granted Apple summary judgment of non-infringement, the Federal Circuit reversed, and an eight-day trial followed in September 2026. Apple opened the trial promising to prove that Dr. Biggs was not the first inventor and that the patent was therefore invalid. However, Apple dropped this prior-art invalidity defense mid-trial. This left the patent’s priority undisputed. Taction reminded the jury in closing of Apple’s unfulfilled promise. Apple’s remaining enablement and indefiniteness defenses also failed. On infringement, Apple argued independent development by its own engineers, but independent development is not a defense to patent infringement, unlike in trade secret cases. Apple’s head of haptics, who testified as its first witness, had testified at deposition that he did not know whether Apple infringed Taction’s patent, even after reviewing the patent to prepare for deposition as Apple’s corporate representative. For damages, Taction sought a per-unit reasonable royalty. Proving damages was complicated by a pretrial Daubert ruling that excluded one adjustment a technical expert made to licensing information. Then, mid-trial, the court excluded the damages expert’s entire opinion because his model relied, in part, on the excluded adjustment. Fortunately, the team had built a factual record from its first witness, including the confidential but very large number of infringing units and evidence of the technology’s value, so the jury could set a royalty without expert testimony. The jury returned its $5.7 billion verdict two days after closing arguments. The $5.7 billion reflected compensatory damages with no punitive damages. Apple has filed a post-trial motion to overturn the verdict.   Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  2. Oct 23

    Quinn Emanuel in China: Ten Years of Transformation

    In a podcast recorded before a live audience in Shanghai, John is joined by Xiao Liu, Chair of China Practice and Chief Representative of Quinn Emanuel’s Beijing office; Yixuan Zhu, partner in Quinn Emanuel’s Beijing office; and Dr. Haiyan Tang, Chief Representative and Managing Partner of Quinn Emanuel’s Shanghai office. They discuss the firm’s first decade in mainland China, how its original business plan was overtaken by changes in Western investment, and how the practice evolved into representing Chinese companies in high-stakes disputes around the world. Quinn Emanuel first established an office in Hong Kong in 2013. The firm added an office in Shanghai a year later. At that time, the firm expected that it would be representing Western companies, private equity firms, and venture capital investors with respect to the regulatory and enforcement issues they faced in China. But as Western investment receded and Western venture funds separated from their China operations, the firm’s China practice evolved into representing Chinese companies expanding abroad, including both private businesses and state-owned enterprises, in litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations, and other cross-border conflicts around the world. Chinese companies have become more sophisticated about foreign judicial systems, the role of outside counsel, and the need to engage rather than ignore litigation abroad. Effective representation requires explaining unfamiliar common-law concepts in Mandarin, understanding the business reasons behind client instructions, and navigating cultural and communication differences. The firm’s China team recruits Chinese-speaking lawyers (mostly Chinese nationals) who are familiar with Western legal systems. The firm collaborates with local Chinese law firms rather than competing with them. That collaboration works in both directions: Chinese firms may represent international Quinn Emanuel clients in domestic litigation in China while Quinn Emanuel assists Chinese firms whose clients face disputes outside of China. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  3. Oct 15

    Ant Group’s AI Revolution: Beyond Alipay

    In an edition of Law, Disrupted from Shanghai, John is joined by Jonathan (Zhifeng) Zhou, General Counsel & Board Secretary at Ant Group. They discuss the expanding role of artificial intelligence in financial services, healthcare, and commerce, as illustrated by Ant Group’s transformation from a digital payments company into a global technology enterprise. Originally established to facilitate online shopping through Alipay, Ant expanded into providing microloans and wealth management services to underserved consumers and businesses. Its latest initiatives include AI-assisted medical consultations, enterprise database technology and robotics. Ant is now also developing infrastructure for autonomous AI agents to conduct commercial transactions on behalf of individuals and businesses. Because AI agents are not legal persons, their transactions must be traceable to an authorized person or corporation. Ant is building a blockchain-based identification system designed to verify each agent’s identity, authorization and spending limits. The system already covers approximately one million personal agents and one thousand merchant agents. Blockchain records provide evidence of contractual terms and authorization. The growing autonomy of AI agents creates substantial security and liability concerns. Agents can communicate, exploit vulnerabilities, and act beyond their assigned objectives. Ant employs approximately one hundred thousand internal agents and uses continuous monitoring, restricted operating environments, API controls and specialized security models to manage these risks. Human intervention must remain possible, particularly for consequential decisions. International cooperation among technology companies and governments is essential, although geopolitical competition complicates agreement on common safeguards. Artificial intelligence will also transform legal practice by automating research, document preparation, contract review, and other routine work. Individual lawyers supported by multiple AI agents may achieve productivity that previously required substantial teams. New legal service providers could offer automated services at dramatically lower prices, challenging traditional law firm structures and hourly billing. Nevertheless, experienced lawyers will continue to provide valuable judgment, strategic insight, and practical knowledge that cannot easily be captured in training data. Technological advances may create new demand rather than simply eliminate legal jobs. Young lawyers should remain open to unfamiliar opportunities, continuously develop their knowledge, and cultivate business judgment beyond technical legal expertise. Experience across industries and commercial transactions may prepare lawyers for leadership roles extending far beyond conventional legal practice. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  4. Oct 8

    FireAid Class Action Ended by Anti-SLAPP Motion

    John is joined by Robert M. (“Bobby”) Schwartz, partner in Quinn Emanuel’s Los Angeles office. They discuss the remarkable victory a Quinn Emanuel team led by Bobby won in the class action litigation against FireAid, the charitable effort organized to help victims of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. While the fires were still burning, Steve Ballmer (owner of the LA Clippers NBA team) and his wife, Connie, helped organize benefit concerts at the Intuit Dome and the Forum and pledged to match contributions dollar for dollar up to $50 million. Working with Irving Azoff and Rick Caruso, the Ballmers raised more than $100 million for FireAid in less than two months. Foundations and nonprofit organizations were enlisted to identify recipients and distribute aid to affected communities. Media reports later questioned whether the money was reaching fire victims and suggested that donations might have been diverted to unrelated causes. FireAid commissioned an independent investigation that found no wrongdoing. By the end of 2025, more than $75 million had been distributed, with the balance scheduled for distribution during 2026. Nevertheless, a class action lawsuit was filed against FireAid, the Ballmers, Mr. Azoff, Mr. Caruso, and others, alleging that donors had been misled, fire victims had not received promised assistance, and FireAid had actually raised $800 million, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars unaccounted for. Rather than relying solely on a demurrer or challenging the class allegations, the defense brought an anti-SLAPP motion. SLAPP stands for “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.” An anti-SLAPP motion requires the defendant to prove that the actions the plaintiff’s claims are based on were protected by the First Amendment. Once a defendant makes that showing, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to produce admissible evidence establishing the prima facie elements of its claims. Here, the defendants’ theory was that soliciting charitable donations constituted protected speech on a matter of public interest and that the claims depended on allegedly false representations about how donations would be used. The court granted the motion, finding that FireAid’s actions were protected free speech and that the plaintiffs failed to meet their burden. The defendants then sought attorney’s fees. Although the court initially proposed reducing fees because six defense firms participated, Quinn Emanuel persuaded the judge to award all of its requested hours. No appeal followed, ending the litigation. FireAid ultimately distributed more than $100 million for fire relief. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  5. Oct 1

    Kindleworth’s Blueprint for Building Law Firms

    John is joined by James Hacking, CEO and co-founder of Kindleworth. Kindleworth helps lawyers launch and operate specialized law firms by providing outsourced infrastructure, administration, and strategic support. Its clients are typically established partners from major U.S. firms, Magic Circle firms, or other elite firms who have substantial practices but want greater control over pricing, culture, compensation, or service delivery. Kindleworth has helped launch more than sixty firms over approximately fifteen years and currently provides ongoing support to about thirty. The process often begins before a lawyer decides whether to leave an existing firm. Kindleworth evaluates feasibility, financial projections, market positioning, staffing, locations, funding requirements, and expected profitability. If a launch proceeds, it handles entity formation, banking, financing, insurance, office space, branding, technology, and operational systems, allowing lawyers to leave their old firm on Friday and begin operating from the new platform on Monday morning. After launch, Kindleworth provides finance, billing, human resources, compliance, technology, operations, and strategic advice. This outsourced structure allows firms to avoid building large administrative departments while gaining access to specialized professionals. Confidentiality is protected through separate client technology environments, contractual protections, and segregated teams when firms operate in potentially overlapping markets. The model resembles managed service organizations (MSOs) increasingly discussed in the United States, although almost all states prohibit nonlawyers from directly owning law firms. In the United Kingdom, outside investment is permitted, enabling more direct capital relationships. Kindleworth also helps firms obtain external financing and has developed a relationship with Burford Capital, whose investment is supporting Kindleworth’s expansion and planned New York presence. The Kindleworth model may be particularly relevant as private equity explores U.S. legal services through MSO structures. Outsourcing can make economic sense even for substantial firms, including firms generating more than $50 million in revenue, because many may not need full-time senior finance, HR, compliance, and risk executives. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  6. Sep 17

    Re-release: The Spectator Sport of Legal Journalism in the UK

    John is joined by Catrin Griffiths and Christian Smith, the Editor-in-Chief and Litigation Editor of The Lawyer. They discuss legal journalism in the UK, with John, Catrin, and Christian agreeing that UK legal reporting tends to be more analytical and critical of law firm strategy than its U.S. counterpart. They attribute this to the UK’s centralized legal market in London and a journalistic culture that places a strong emphasis on accountability and critical analysis. They explain how The Lawyer, originally a print magazine, has evolved into a digital platform that combines news, data, and insight to provide in-depth analysis of law firm performance and strategy. The publication now operates much like a financial news outlet dedicated to the legal sector, reflecting the industry’s significant contribution to the UK economy. Its coverage ranges from major legal trends and firm strategy to lighter stories about law firm culture. The conversation also explores the growing dominance of U.S. law firms in London. John, Catrin, and Christian note that American firms often outperform their UK counterparts, perhaps because of longer working hours and more streamlined management structures. Catrin explains that UK firms historically benefited from strong infrastructure and extensive global networks but now face challenges adapting to changing market conditions. They also discuss cultural differences, including the relatively early retirement age at many UK firms, compared with U.S. firms, where partners often continue practicing well into their 70s. Finally, Catrin and Christian discuss the importance of authenticity when law firms engage with journalists. They advise against relying on corporate jargon and instead encourage open, honest conversations. They conclude by noting that seemingly small or quirky stories about a firm’s culture can often reveal broader industry trends and resonate strongly with readers. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  7. Sep 10

    Re-release: Inside Japan’s Evolving Legal Culture

    John is joined by Hidetaka Mihara, Senior Counsel at Tokyo International Law Office. Together, they discuss three major legal developments in Japan: (1) the criminal and civil litigation arising from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, (2) the rise of shareholder activism, and (3) Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel. On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Executives at the company that operated the nuclear power plant had been warned of tsunami risks years before the event, but did not report them to the government until days before the earthquake. The trial court found the executives not guilty of criminal negligence, reasoning that tsunamis of this size were so rare and that the cost of addressing the risk, cutting off electricity to the region while repairs were made, was so high that the company’s delayed report did not amount to negligence. Related civil claims against the government and management were also dismissed, with courts holding that neither breached their obligations under Japanese law. Despite some public criticism, most Japanese have moved on from the tragedy, focusing on rebuilding rather than retribution. The recent rise of shareholder activism in Japan marks a notable shift in a culture traditionally averse to corporate confrontation. This rise follows reforms in Tokyo Stock Exchange rules, greater emphasis on corporate governance, and changes in ownership thresholds that empower minority shareholders to propose changes.  One example is the Seven & i Holdings case, in which activists pushed for a corporate restructuring. While their proposal failed, their recommendations for improving the company were eventually adopted by management. Although shareholder litigation remains rare in Japan, shareholder proposals and negotiations have become increasingly effective, aided by the gradual unwinding of entrenched cross-shareholding relationships. Finally, Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, which has been politically controversial in the U.S., is widely seen in Japan as a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership. Japan views the acquisition as a way to strengthen both nations’ competitiveness against Chinese and Indian steelmakers. Ultimately, the U.S. government approved the acquisition based, in part, on its obtaining “golden share” rights, including the right to block certain potential managerial changes at the company.   The conversation reflects how Japan’s legal and corporate culture is gradually adapting to global norms while maintaining its distinct approach to risk, accountability, and trust. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

  8. Sep 4

    Law, disrupted Mailbag: The Future of AI in Litigation, International Legal Practice, and Keys to a Successful Legal Career

    John is joined again by producer Alexis Hyde for a second mailbag episode of Law Disrupted. In it, John responds to questions submitted by listeners rather than conducting a traditional interview. Topics include the future demand for lawyers, artificial intelligence, international legal practice, career development, and the experiences that shape effective litigators. Despite AI’s growing ability to draft documents, analyze discovery, and perform other legal tasks, John expects the number of lawyers to increase over the next three years. Although AI might someday reduce human involvement in less complex legal fields, demand for junior lawyers has not yet declined at sophisticated litigation firms. At the highest levels of the profession, highly skilled lawyers remain essential. A law firm founded today should integrate an AI platform throughout its practice, with lawyers trained to become sophisticated users. Because existing legal technology does not always fit specialized litigation workflows, firms have an incentive to develop proprietary systems tailored to their work. Geopolitical tensions have also transformed international legal practice. Work in China has moved away from advising Western companies investing there and toward representing Chinese companies in disputes around the world. As the domestic Chinese economy has faced challenges, Chinese companies have increasingly looked outside China for growth. As Chinese companies expand their operations internationally, they encounter the same contractual, regulatory, and intellectual-property disputes faced by other global companies. Meanwhile, India and Japan have become major destinations for extensive private-equity investments, driven respectively by economic growth in India and undervalued assets in Japan. To be successful, a young lawyer does not need a single defining mentor. Young lawyers learn by observing talented colleagues and adversaries and by doing the work themselves. Remaining focused and competitive is key to a highly successful career. Litigation is an especially exciting field for young attorneys because every case requires learning about new industries, facts, personalities, and legal issues. John has had a wide variety of experiences outside of practicing law, including competing in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii multiple times, owning a Michelin-starred restaurant and a museum, collecting art, and creating an artist residency program. Experiences from these activities have strengthened his litigation skills by expanding his knowledge, enhancing his ability to develop effective analogies and metaphors, and helping him connect with people. Finally, settlement decisions often reflect considerations beyond the legal merits. Reputational damage, adverse publicity, embarrassing disclosures, and the possibility that serious allegations will receive attention even if later dismissed can create substantial leverage and motivate parties to resolve otherwise defensible claims. Podcast Link: Law-disrupted.fm Host: John B. Quinn Producer: Alexis Hyde Music and Editing by: Alexander Rossi

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4.8
out of 5
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About

Law, disrupted is a podcast that dives into the legal issues emerging from cutting-edge and innovative subjects such as SPACs, NFTs, litigation finance, ransomware, streaming, and much, much more! Your host is John B. Quinn, founder and chairman of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, a 900+ attorney business litigation firm with 29 offices around the globe, each devoted solely to business litigation. John is regarded as one of the top trial lawyers in the world, who, along with his partners, has built an institution that has consistently been listed among the “Most Feared” litigation firms in the world (BTI Consulting Group), and was called a “global litigation powerhouse” by The Wall Street Journal. In his podcast, John is joined by industry professionals as they examine and debate legal issues concerning the newest technologies, innovations, and current events—and ask what’s next?

Information

  • Creator
    Law, disrupted
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Law, disrupted
  • Show Website
    Law, disrupted

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