In a surprising move, Milbank raised associate salaries, prompting competitors to follow suit. Corporate practices in Big Law slowed for the second year, leading to layoffs, delayed start dates, and decreased hiring. This year also saw additional changes in the legal industry, such as Stroock Stroock & Lavan closing its doors, potential merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling creating a mega-law firm, and diverse programs facing legal threats. Milbank and Cravath Swaine & Moore both raised associate salaries while other firms like Paul Weiss, McDermott Will & Emery, Dechert, and Baker McKenzie followed suit. Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe and other Silicon Valley firms laid off employees or delayed start dates due to reduced work. Edward Blum, an anti-affirmative action activist, caused trouble for several firms due to their diversity programs. There were disputes over statements on Israel and Palestine as well. A New York lawyer was fined for citing nonexistent cases invented by ChatGPT. Finally, in response to new competitive forces, Cravath Swaine & Moore created a salary partner tier, while Paul Weiss hired away 13 private equity partners from its rivals, including a group of senior colleagues from Kirkland & Ellis.