Peter Kovalsky
@philawsophist.bsky.social
Progressive lawyer shouting into the void. He/him, mostly.
If you're not still masking,* you're excluding me and people like me from public life.
* in an infectious disease way, not a neurodiversity way
www.lawexplainer.com
www.medium.com/@pkovalsky
If you're not still masking,* you're excluding me and people like me from public life.
* in an infectious disease way, not a neurodiversity way
www.lawexplainer.com
www.medium.com/@pkovalsky
Pinned
Pro tip for keeping your language inclusive and welcoming, especially to disabled folks: when discussing almost anything about covid except the mandatory lockdown period, replace all instances of "was" with "has been."
For example:
"Covid was a hard time" >> "Covid has been a hard time."
For example:
"Covid was a hard time" >> "Covid has been a hard time."
Me: "Self-diagnosing with autism is totally valid... for *other* people."
Also me: lived well into my 20s believing that blowing my nose just didn't work for me (and was very painful), because I was trying to do what I saw others doing -- plugging *both* of my nostrils before blowing hard.
Also me: lived well into my 20s believing that blowing my nose just didn't work for me (and was very painful), because I was trying to do what I saw others doing -- plugging *both* of my nostrils before blowing hard.
November 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Me: "Self-diagnosing with autism is totally valid... for *other* people."
Also me: lived well into my 20s believing that blowing my nose just didn't work for me (and was very painful), because I was trying to do what I saw others doing -- plugging *both* of my nostrils before blowing hard.
Also me: lived well into my 20s believing that blowing my nose just didn't work for me (and was very painful), because I was trying to do what I saw others doing -- plugging *both* of my nostrils before blowing hard.
Forgot to post this here on No Kings Day, but here's a slightly belated primer on why consolidation of power is bad -- even if we disregard the relative goodness or badness of the person in whom power is being consolidated.
The Calamity of Kings
Or: The importance of pretzels
medium.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Forgot to post this here on No Kings Day, but here's a slightly belated primer on why consolidation of power is bad -- even if we disregard the relative goodness or badness of the person in whom power is being consolidated.
Back in college, I had a professor with whom I'd established an excellent rapport. During my third class with her, we had an exam on a sub-subject that I was minimally interested in. When I got my results back, in lieu of her usually detailed feedback, there was only one note: 🧵1/2
October 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Back in college, I had a professor with whom I'd established an excellent rapport. During my third class with her, we had an exam on a sub-subject that I was minimally interested in. When I got my results back, in lieu of her usually detailed feedback, there was only one note: 🧵1/2
One thing I'm learning lately is that even within the transactional space (outside the context of adversarial litigation), there's very different vibes. Like, my clients are very small businesses with very limited legal budgets; many of them wouldn't have counsel at all ... 🧵1/5
October 25, 2025 at 6:47 AM
One thing I'm learning lately is that even within the transactional space (outside the context of adversarial litigation), there's very different vibes. Like, my clients are very small businesses with very limited legal budgets; many of them wouldn't have counsel at all ... 🧵1/5
I think one of the saddest things about whitebre(a)d America's attempts to remove gender diverse, racially diverse, neurodiverse people from public life -- setting aside for the moment the catastrophic failure of empathy -- is that they're actively choosing to live in a less interesting world. 1/3🧵
October 18, 2025 at 4:25 AM
I think one of the saddest things about whitebre(a)d America's attempts to remove gender diverse, racially diverse, neurodiverse people from public life -- setting aside for the moment the catastrophic failure of empathy -- is that they're actively choosing to live in a less interesting world. 1/3🧵
Just a casual reminder that the handwringing about whether or not Tylenol causes autism carries in it the implicit assumption that (1) understanding the cause is a step on the way to understanding how to prevent it, and
🧵 1/4
🧵 1/4
September 30, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Just a casual reminder that the handwringing about whether or not Tylenol causes autism carries in it the implicit assumption that (1) understanding the cause is a step on the way to understanding how to prevent it, and
🧵 1/4
🧵 1/4
One of my favorite legal factoids to mention at social events is that there exists a house in the US that is haunted as a matter of law. (The case name, if you're feeling nerdy about it, is Stambovsky v. Ackley.) 🧵1/?
September 12, 2025 at 6:21 AM
One of my favorite legal factoids to mention at social events is that there exists a house in the US that is haunted as a matter of law. (The case name, if you're feeling nerdy about it, is Stambovsky v. Ackley.) 🧵1/?
This is core to understanding why ACAB (even the "good ones"). Becoming a cop means committing to enforce every law without regard to its justness, since the justness of a law is adjudicated only after enforcement. That's obvious bastardry.
That said, ICE really takes this to a whole new level.
That said, ICE really takes this to a whole new level.
August 13, 2025 at 12:41 AM
This is core to understanding why ACAB (even the "good ones"). Becoming a cop means committing to enforce every law without regard to its justness, since the justness of a law is adjudicated only after enforcement. That's obvious bastardry.
That said, ICE really takes this to a whole new level.
That said, ICE really takes this to a whole new level.
Not sure how relevant/interesting this is to folks here, but I've started a blog series about starting a solopreneurial business. Stuff like picking a name, forming an entity, setting up banking, getting business insurance, how taxes work, etc. Not all live yet, but you can start reading now!
Law Explainer
Confused about the difference between your business's legal name, a "doing business as" (DBA) name, and a trademark? This guide breaks down the essential naming concepts every solopreneur needs to kno...
www.lawexplainer.com
August 13, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Not sure how relevant/interesting this is to folks here, but I've started a blog series about starting a solopreneurial business. Stuff like picking a name, forming an entity, setting up banking, getting business insurance, how taxes work, etc. Not all live yet, but you can start reading now!
Part of me is loath to try and use social media to promote my business, but here we are.
Hi, I'm a California lawyer who does contract things. If you're a coach of some kind, I've just built a starter pack of all the contracts you're likely to need! Solid, easy-to-use templates. Low one-time fee.
Hi, I'm a California lawyer who does contract things. If you're a coach of some kind, I've just built a starter pack of all the contracts you're likely to need! Solid, easy-to-use templates. Low one-time fee.
Law Explainer
Access affordable, easy-to-use legal templates for your small business or creative venture. These starter packs provide essential contracts and forms like NDAs and licensing agreements. DIY legal reso...
www.lawexplainer.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Part of me is loath to try and use social media to promote my business, but here we are.
Hi, I'm a California lawyer who does contract things. If you're a coach of some kind, I've just built a starter pack of all the contracts you're likely to need! Solid, easy-to-use templates. Low one-time fee.
Hi, I'm a California lawyer who does contract things. If you're a coach of some kind, I've just built a starter pack of all the contracts you're likely to need! Solid, easy-to-use templates. Low one-time fee.
Ended up writing something of a novel about this, which I don't necessarily recommend, but you should weigh in in whatever way feels right to you.
The FTC is seeking public comment about gender affirming care in order to go after providers and restrict access. Share your stories instead of how this care has helped you and how it is life saving.
We need to counteract their false narratives. Please share!
www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2...
We need to counteract their false narratives. Please share!
www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2...
Regulations.gov
www.regulations.gov
July 29, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Ended up writing something of a novel about this, which I don't necessarily recommend, but you should weigh in in whatever way feels right to you.
Ok, look, I know I'm nobody and don't have a platform, and I know that there are bigger and more urgent issues.
But my policy white whale is that whenever you get your tax return (from feds, state, whatever), it should be itemized. You should receive a clear breakdown of what *your payment* bought.
But my policy white whale is that whenever you get your tax return (from feds, state, whatever), it should be itemized. You should receive a clear breakdown of what *your payment* bought.
July 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Ok, look, I know I'm nobody and don't have a platform, and I know that there are bigger and more urgent issues.
But my policy white whale is that whenever you get your tax return (from feds, state, whatever), it should be itemized. You should receive a clear breakdown of what *your payment* bought.
But my policy white whale is that whenever you get your tax return (from feds, state, whatever), it should be itemized. You should receive a clear breakdown of what *your payment* bought.
We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty.
Me: *just trying not to kill myself amidst the ongoing horrors*
Every company I've ever given my email address to in my entire life: ░W░E░ ░H░A░V░E░ ░U░P░D░A░T░E░D░ ░O░U░R░ ░T░E░R░M░S░ ░O░F░ ░S░E░R░V░I░C░E░ ░A░N░D░ ░P░R░I░V░A░C░Y░ ░P░O░L░I░C░Y░!░!░!░!░!░!░
Every company I've ever given my email address to in my entire life: ░W░E░ ░H░A░V░E░ ░U░P░D░A░T░E░D░ ░O░U░R░ ░T░E░R░M░S░ ░O░F░ ░S░E░R░V░I░C░E░ ░A░N░D░ ░P░R░I░V░A░C░Y░ ░P░O░L░I░C░Y░!░!░!░!░!░!░
July 25, 2025 at 3:16 AM
We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty.
A reminder that if you need to take a break from The Horrors, my prescription for you is picking up @beckychb013.bsky.social's A Psalm For The Wild-Built (a post-dystopian utopia with peripatetic tea therapists) and @older.bsky.social's The Mimicking of Known Successes (Holmesian sapphic sci-fi).
July 23, 2025 at 1:44 PM
A reminder that if you need to take a break from The Horrors, my prescription for you is picking up @beckychb013.bsky.social's A Psalm For The Wild-Built (a post-dystopian utopia with peripatetic tea therapists) and @older.bsky.social's The Mimicking of Known Successes (Holmesian sapphic sci-fi).
Honestly, it is *extremely* rude of Turkiye to create a world in which I have to side with fucking *Grok* on any issue.
One of our key concerns at @globalvoices.org is digital rights and how they evolve around the world, because the people who want to ban e-sims and spotify in their various countries are learning from each other. We need to learn from them too.
Support our coverage here: globalvoices.org/donate/
Support our coverage here: globalvoices.org/donate/
Turkey becomes the first to censor AI chatbot Grok
Grok isn't the first platform to be blocked in Turkey. In a separate move, a block was also imposed on eSIM providers, and Spotify may be next.
globalvoices.org
July 17, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Honestly, it is *extremely* rude of Turkiye to create a world in which I have to side with fucking *Grok* on any issue.
As mostly a contracts guy, it's rare that my work meaningfully touches on real-world matters of justice. It was therefore particularly a pleasure to help secure copyright protection for this new documentary of Ukrainian resilience, as important as it is distressing.
Relevant to @older.bsky.social?
Relevant to @older.bsky.social?
Kherson: Human Safari
▶ WATCH TRAILER
Kherson: Human Safari. Trailer.
© 2025 Zarina Zabrisky. All rights reserved. Kherson: Human Safari is a copyrighted work protected under U.S., U.K., Ukrainian, and international law.
khersonhumansafari.com
July 8, 2025 at 5:13 AM
As mostly a contracts guy, it's rare that my work meaningfully touches on real-world matters of justice. It was therefore particularly a pleasure to help secure copyright protection for this new documentary of Ukrainian resilience, as important as it is distressing.
Relevant to @older.bsky.social?
Relevant to @older.bsky.social?
Meanwhile, the world continues to become ever more a parody of itself.
Attorney general: 'Everyone is Welcome Here' sign cannot be displayed in Idaho schools • Idaho Capital Sun
The "Everyone is Welcome Here" sign that sparked a viral nationwide controversy can no longer be displayed in Idaho schools, the AG says.
idahocapitalsun.com
July 3, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Meanwhile, the world continues to become ever more a parody of itself.
In lighter news: I just finally finished @sandfallgames.bsky.social's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and man, what a triumph of a game. Strongly, strongly recommend to anyone who likes dynamic turn-based RPGs and games that cross the border into art. Truly, a stunning achievement.
June 28, 2025 at 7:31 PM
In lighter news: I just finally finished @sandfallgames.bsky.social's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and man, what a triumph of a game. Strongly, strongly recommend to anyone who likes dynamic turn-based RPGs and games that cross the border into art. Truly, a stunning achievement.
It's an absolutely bonkers move to tell 300+ million people to ask for an umbrella every time they get wet instead of just telling the guy at the controls to turn off the hose.
This decision will have horrific consequences. The Constitution's promises should not come with asterisks, and courts must retain the power to say to any government actor: the law applies to you, completely and without exception.
www.lawyersforgoodgovernment.org/blog/2025/6/...
www.lawyersforgoodgovernment.org/blog/2025/6/...
L4GG Statement: SCOTUS' Ruling in Trump v. CASA, Inc. is a Fundamental Threat to the Rule of Law — Lawyers for Good Government
Today's Supreme Court decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc. represents a dangerous departure from our founding principles and poses an existential threat to the rule of law itself. By restricting federal co...
www.lawyersforgoodgovernment.org
June 28, 2025 at 1:09 AM
It's an absolutely bonkers move to tell 300+ million people to ask for an umbrella every time they get wet instead of just telling the guy at the controls to turn off the hose.
Finally getting @older.bsky.social's latest Mossa & Pleiti book into my ears and while it's full of things to love, my favorite may be the peppering of speculative linguistic shenanigans. Such glimmers of joy in the imagining of how our languages and cultures might intersect.
June 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Finally getting @older.bsky.social's latest Mossa & Pleiti book into my ears and while it's full of things to love, my favorite may be the peppering of speculative linguistic shenanigans. Such glimmers of joy in the imagining of how our languages and cultures might intersect.
Workshopping an updated email signature and inviting any Latinists to help make sure I don't embarrass myself linguistically:
"Ceterum censeo mascam esse gerendam."
(I know "masca" is much younger than Cato, but it seems like the best candidate.)
"Ceterum censeo mascam esse gerendam."
(I know "masca" is much younger than Cato, but it seems like the best candidate.)
June 21, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Workshopping an updated email signature and inviting any Latinists to help make sure I don't embarrass myself linguistically:
"Ceterum censeo mascam esse gerendam."
(I know "masca" is much younger than Cato, but it seems like the best candidate.)
"Ceterum censeo mascam esse gerendam."
(I know "masca" is much younger than Cato, but it seems like the best candidate.)
Continuing to make my way through @adapalmer.bsky.social's Inventing the Renaissance and just learned about the incredible gaslighting of Manetti by one of the fathers of Renaissance architecture, and this reminded me to share the story of one of my own father's "pranks." 1/6
June 16, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Continuing to make my way through @adapalmer.bsky.social's Inventing the Renaissance and just learned about the incredible gaslighting of Manetti by one of the fathers of Renaissance architecture, and this reminded me to share the story of one of my own father's "pranks." 1/6
They really don't warn you about how badly the perpetual-aches-and-pains of aging jibe with the good ol' only-ever-one-thing-at-a-time autism.
I'm sitting here just trying to complete One Single Thought™, but the distractions are coming from inside the house.
I'm sitting here just trying to complete One Single Thought™, but the distractions are coming from inside the house.
June 15, 2025 at 9:33 AM
They really don't warn you about how badly the perpetual-aches-and-pains of aging jibe with the good ol' only-ever-one-thing-at-a-time autism.
I'm sitting here just trying to complete One Single Thought™, but the distractions are coming from inside the house.
I'm sitting here just trying to complete One Single Thought™, but the distractions are coming from inside the house.
(1/4) A brief thread on bastardry in light of recent events:
It's easy to look at what's happening in LA right now and conclude that all cops are bastards. And it's certainly true that much of what we're seeing --- instigating and escalating violence, detaining and assaulting members
It's easy to look at what's happening in LA right now and conclude that all cops are bastards. And it's certainly true that much of what we're seeing --- instigating and escalating violence, detaining and assaulting members
June 14, 2025 at 2:45 AM
(1/4) A brief thread on bastardry in light of recent events:
It's easy to look at what's happening in LA right now and conclude that all cops are bastards. And it's certainly true that much of what we're seeing --- instigating and escalating violence, detaining and assaulting members
It's easy to look at what's happening in LA right now and conclude that all cops are bastards. And it's certainly true that much of what we're seeing --- instigating and escalating violence, detaining and assaulting members
Finally digging into @adapalmer.bsky.social's excellent-as-expected Inventing the Renaissance, and boy if describing the Guelph/Ghibelline conflict as green/purple Drazi isn't a deep cut on top of a deep cut.
Makes me wonder how many such cuts I'm missing because of misaligned nerdery domains!
Makes me wonder how many such cuts I'm missing because of misaligned nerdery domains!
June 12, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Finally digging into @adapalmer.bsky.social's excellent-as-expected Inventing the Renaissance, and boy if describing the Guelph/Ghibelline conflict as green/purple Drazi isn't a deep cut on top of a deep cut.
Makes me wonder how many such cuts I'm missing because of misaligned nerdery domains!
Makes me wonder how many such cuts I'm missing because of misaligned nerdery domains!