Wake Up Call: Remote Testing for LSAT Fueled Cheating in China

Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, a daily rundown of the top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel.

• Cheating rings in China have turned the LSAT into a profitable industry, offering remote test-taking services for thousands of dollars and prompting the Law School Admission Council to suspend online testing in mainland China. The cheating sites, which charge as much as $8,000 or more for nearly perfect LSAT scores, hire groups to take tests and memorize exam questions, then compile and resell them to examinees. They also use hidden, high-definition cameras to photograph in-person and online exams. (Reuters)
• Atlanta lawyer John Bey was elected to lead the American Association for Justice. Bey, owner of personal injury law firm Bey & Associates, will begin his term as AAJ president in July 2026. Bey’s election to the role comes as Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s new laws restricting personal injury lawsuits take effect. Kemp made his litigation overhaul a priority of the state’s legislative session earlier this year, saying it would help shield business owners from unreasonably large jury verdicts, among other things. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
• The US Navy promoted Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David J. Bligh as its next Judge Advocate General. Bligh is the first Marine to lead the JAG Corps since 1878, and the second-ever Marine to hold the role. He will replace Rear Adm. Lia Reynolds, who served as the acting JAG of the Navy after Vice Adm. Christopher French unexpectedly asked to retire from the position in December 2024 after only three months. (Navy Times)

Laterals, Moves, In-House

• Josh Patashnik joined Perkins Coie as a partner in its litigation practice in San Diego. He joins from the California Deputy Solicitor General’s office.
• Brock Degeyter joined Troutman Pepper Locke as a partner in its energy transactional practice group in Dallas. He joins from Medallion Midstream.
• Christina McNamara joined Holland & Knight as a partner in its healthcare transactions practice in Houston. She joins from King & Spalding.
• Tim Van Hal joined Barnes & Thornburg as a partner in its corporate practice in Nashville. He joins from Polsinelli.
• Brad Markoff and William Levinson joined Buchalter as corporate shareholders in Los Angeles.
• Dan Mueller joined Littler as a shareholder in its labor practice group in Seattle. He joins from Starbucks.
• Edo Banach joined Foley Hoag as a partner in its health-care department in Washington. He joins from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.
• Mary Kathryn Curry and Jennifer Partee joined Honigman as partners in its labor and employment department in Chicago.