The Week at Ropes & Gray: Atlantic Media Acquisition Announced; FDA’s New Digital Health Programs; A Key FCPA Decision; Insights into U.K. Business Auctions; A Victory for Voting Rights; Ropes & Gray Receives Top LGBT Bar Honor; and Kudos for our Associates

Weekly highlights of what’s happening at Ropes & Gray:

• On July 28, Atlantic Media, a national media company that includes Quartz, National Journal Group, and Government Executive Media Group, announced the acquisition of a majority stake by Emerson Collective. Founded and run by Laurene Powell Jobs, Emerson Collective has a substantial portfolio of media investments and grants, ranging from film and television production companies to nonprofit journalism organizations. Ropes & Gray advised Atlantic Media on the deal.
• A constitutional challenge to a restrictive voting law was decided. A Ropes & Gray litigation team working with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the national ACLU's Voting Rights Project prevailed in a challenge to the Massachusetts 20-day voter registration deadline. The case argued that the cutoff law, which prevents eligible voters from registering within 20 days of an election, has led to the arbitrary disenfranchisement of thousands of qualified voters each election.
• As part of an overarching initiative to update its regulatory oversight of digital health technologies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced plans to streamline the development and availability of high quality digital health products.  Ropes & Gray lawyers monitor the developments in this report.
• For the first time in its history, the LGBT Bar Association presented its highest honor to a straight man: appellate & Supreme Court partner Doug Hallward-Driemeier. The Ropes & Gray team that represented plaintiffs in the landmark 2015 marriage equality case Obergefell v. Hodges was also honored.   That historic decision is discussed in this video.
• BTI Consulting Group named Ropes & Gray among the top law firms with the best associates, based on a survey of corporate counsel. According to BTI, the top law firms distinguish themselves by offering associates meaningful opportunities to work closely with clients and impress them. Ropes & Gray chair Brad Malt said the honor “confirms what we have always thought:  we have, without a doubt, the best associates in the business.”
• Follow us on Twitter @RopesGray for legal insights and the latest firm news.