Womble Perspectives
Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever-changing legal landscape. With a focus on innovation, collaboration and client service, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and to the communities we serve.
Episodes
411 episodes
Unreported Results and Legal Risks
A recent FDA reminder revealed that nearly 30% of certain clinical trials still lack publicly reported results—raising concerns about transparency and bias in scientific research. In this episode, we explore how missing or selectively reported ...
Building a City, Building a Legacy
In this special 150th anniversary episode of Womble Perspectives, Vice Chair Ken Van Winkle reflects on his tenure as Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership and what it means to lead with purpose in a growing community. He shares how trus...
The FCC’s Compliance Overhaul: What Providers Need to Know
The FCC is proposing a sweeping overhaul of its robocall framework, signaling a shift toward stricter, more prescriptive compliance requirements. In this episode, we break down the key elements of the FNPRM—from the introduction of Know Your Up...
A Turning Point in Title VII
A major shift in federal employment law is underway. In this episode, we unpack the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s June 9, 2026 opinion declaring key aspects of disparate-impact liability under Title VII unconstitutional. We explore how this cha...
FDA Loosens the Reins on ‘No Artificial Colors’ Claims
Today we’re breaking down a recent regulatory update from the FDA that landed on February 5th, 2026, which deals with how food companies can use the phrase “no artificial colors” on their labels. And even though the laws haven’t changed, the pr...
Rethinking Design Patents for Digital Products
Today we’re diving into new supplemental guidance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could have an effect on how design patents are drafted for digital products. On March 13, 2026, the USPTO published this guidance in the F...
The Algorithm Economy: Emerging Tech, Escalating Risks
Today, we’re unpacking findings from the 2026 Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey, which paints a clear picture of where business leaders are right now. Innovation—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating faster than the rules meant t...
Crypto at a Crossroads: Inside the Push for Regulatory Clarity
As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies current...
Guardrails for Crypto: California’s Approach
California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital ass...
Psychedelic Therapy Meets Patent Law
Today’s episode focuses on a fascinating intersection of science, law, and economics: the rise of psychedelic therapy and the legal frameworks shaping its future. In this era of industrialized capitalism, there are strong incentives...
Curiosity at Work: Chris Douglas on Learning, Leadership, and Longevity
In this episode of Womble Perspectives, Chief Recruiting Officer Lori Patton sits down with partner Chris Douglas to explore her two-decade journey at the firm. Chris shares how her passion for learning shaped her path from litigation to leader...
A Street Party That Feeds Thousands
What began as a backyard celebration now draws over a thousand people to support food insecurity in Middle Tennessee. Bill Ramsey takes us inside the evolution of “Ode to Otha” and why community leadership starts with showing up.Tickets:...
Food Safety, Data, and Your Dinner Plate
Food doesn’t travel a straight line from farm to fork, and when safety issues arise, tracing that journey can be challenging. In this episode, we break down FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, why it was created, and what it means for companies handl...
Why Europe’s Anti-Corruption Directive Changes Everything for Global Companies
In April 2026, the European Union adopted a landmark Directive on Combating Corruption, creating the first harmonized criminal anti-corruption framework across all Member States. In this episode, we break down what the Directive does, how it ex...
What Energy Companies Need to Know About Congressional Investigations
In this episode of Womble Perspectives, host Lee Van Voorhis is joined by Kristina Moore to discuss what companies—particularly in the energy and data center sectors—should know about Congressional investigations and oversight. Kristin...
From Nuclear Energy to Nuclear Waste. And Back Again.
In this episode, we’re diving into a critical topic that deals with the future of energy: spent nuclear fuel, or SNF. And as of right now, the U.S. has more than 91,000 metric tons of SNF sitting in storage with no permanent solution....
Section 203 and Hip‑Hop History
Today we're breaking down a copyright decision out of the Southern District of New York. On January 8, 2026, the court granted Universal Music Group’s motion to dismiss in a case brought by hip‑hop legends Salt‑N‑Pepa. Read the f...
The Essential Role of Human Input in Sustaining AI Models
By now, we all know that Generative AI models are trained on massive amounts of data, much of which is collected from the Internet, as well as other sources.This AI is also generating tons of new content, much of which ends up online. Bu...
AI’s Energy Appetite and the Politics of Energy Demands
Today we’re digging into the energy demands of artificial intelligence and the political pressure it’s creating. Senate Democrats are calling out Big Tech over the skyrocketing electricity consumption of data centers powering AI, which makes th...
An Overview of the Global Energy Outlook 2026: Grid Bottlenecks and the Future of Power
Today we’re unpacking our new Energy Outlook 2026. This is our fifth global energy sector report, and with insights from more than 650 senior leaders across energy companies, investors, service providers, and energy-intensive consumers...
Guardrails for Crypto: California’s Approach
California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital ass...
Nebraska LB 717: Expanded Loan Coverage and New Disclosure Rules Explained
Nebraska has enacted Legislative Bill 717, a sweeping update to its consumer finance laws. This brief covers the expansion of the Nebraska Installment Loan and Sales Act from $25,000 to $100,000, changes to how the state’s 16% usury cap applies...
From Hack to Courtroom: Cybersecurity on Trial
Data breaches are no longer just cybersecurity incidents, they’re litigation events, and this episode explores how cyber incidents can quickly turn into class actions, regulatory‑driven discovery, and complex disputes over standing, causation, ...
Crypto at a Crossroads: Inside the Push for Regulatory Clarity
As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies current...
Navigating the Office of Foreign Access Control’s Latest Guidance on Venezuela’s Minerals Sector
On March 27, 2026, the Office of Foreign Access Control issued three new general licenses focused on Venezuela’s minerals sector, including gold. In today’s episode, we break down what each license authorizes, the conditions that apply, and how...