Fresh Perspectives | Edition #5
Our latest thinking on the legal and trending issues that matter to your business
1. Reform of non-compete clauses in employment contracts – still on the horizon?
Reforming non-competes presents a number of legal, practical and economic challenges. These include balancing the protection of legitimate business interests with the need to foster innovation, mobility and entrepreneurship – particularly in fast-moving sectors such as tech and AI. The implications of any reform could be far-reaching, not only for employers and employees but also for the broader competitiveness of the UK labour market. Continue reading...
2. The US Government releases AI Action Plan and executive orders on infrastructure, exports, and federal procurement
On July 23, 2025, President Donald Trump released America’s AI Action Plan (the Action Plan), a policy document setting forth the administration’s AI priorities.
The Action Plan outlines a wide range of recommended agency actions organized around three pillars: (1) Accelerate AI Innovation; (2) Build American AI Infrastructure; and (3) Lead in International AI Diplomacy and Security. On the same day, President Trump signed three related executive orders.
Continue reading... for key takeaways from the Action Plan and EOs highlighting areas for companies to assess how they may be affected by federal AI compliance requirements, investments in AI infrastructure, and export of AI technology.
3. ICJ issues landmark advisory opinion on States’ legal obligations in respect of climate change
For the first time, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that States have a legally binding obligation to combat climate change. A breach of this obligation constitutes an internationally wrongful act, entailing State responsibility.
Continue reading... for an overview of the implications of this highly anticipated advisory opinion, including an analysis of the potential legal consequences for breaches.
4. Podcast: Petrofac in the Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the sanction of Petrofac’s restructuring plans marked a pivotal moment in restructuring law, with significant implications for how future restructurings will be approached in practice.
In the latest episode of our "No Worse Off" podcast series, restructuring team members Lindsay Hingston , Craig Montgomery and Caroline Platt , unpack this landmark decision, providing insights on out-of-the-money creditors, fair allocation of benefits, evidential requirements and the paramount role of robust negotiations.
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or the Web.
5. Inside Infrastructure | Focus on France
During the Choose France 2025 summit - a key platform for promoting the country’s investment appeal - several major announcements were made, highlighting France’s growing ability to attract investment from leading players in the AI space.
The latest edition of our Inside Infrastructure blog series spotlights three must-know AI-focused investment commitments (totaling €20.8bn), along with legal and regulatory developments and insights into recent energy and infrastructure deals and opportunities. Continue reading...
Click here to explore our full Inside Infrastructure blog series
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