A U.S. appeals court panel is deliberating on whether a 2022 federal law that prohibits mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims applies to a lawsuit filed by a former CVS store manager. The manager alleges that she faced discrimination from her male boss, which she claims constitutes sexual harassment. The court is also examining the nuances of what defines sexual harassment, particularly in relation to 'garden variety' discrimination based on sex. This case is significant as it could set a precedent for how sexual harassment claims are treated under the law. In a related matter, a new lawsuit has shed light on the opaque nature of how class action law firms allocate attorney fee awards, particularly following a $5.6 billion settlement over swipe fees. The legal landscape is further complicated by the SEC's slowdown in rulemaking amid increasing pushback.