Program Materials and Takeaways

4-10-2026 ACC Western PA Chapter Draft-ing Day 

Program Agenda with Speaker Biographies

12-9-2025 ACC WPA - Reed Smith - Holiday Lights Half-Day CLE - Program Materials

Session 1:  Federal Retreat and State Advances: ESG Risk, Enforcement Shifts, and Global Market Pressures
Presenters: Jennifer Smokelin and Randa Lewis 

Session 2: The Wild Blue Yonder: Navigating Aviation Insurance in the Wake of the Invasion of Ukraine
Presenters:  George Stewart  and Max Louik 

Session 3:  You Be the Judge: Ethics Edition
Presenters: Patricia Antezana and Marcin Krieger 

8-8-2025 Back to School: An In-House Primer- Program Materials

Program Agenda with Presenter Biographies

Session 1:  Inside AI: Practical Tips for In-House Counsel - Presenter: Jeffrey Klamut, Cozen O'Connor

Session 2:  Pennsylvania Contract Law Round-Up - Presenters: David Belczyk and Joshua Stephan, Porter Wright

Session 3:  Your Employees Are Anxious.  Are You Making It Worse? - Presenters:  Maria Greco Danaher, Ogletree Deakins and John Greco

Session 4A:  Creditor Rights: 101 - Sally Edison and Julian Neiser, Spilman Thomas & Battle

Session 4B: Navigating the Evolving Data Privacy Landscape: Strategic Legal and Operational Considerations - Presenters: Susanna Bagdasarova and Kristen Petrina, Babst Calland

Session 5A:  Lessons from Constructive Termination Caselaw - Presenter:  John Gotaskie, Fox Rothschild

Session 5B:  How the U.S. Supreme Court is Reshaping Federal Labor and Employment Law - Presenter:  J.T. Holt, Fisher Phillips 

Session 6:  Lawyering in a Crisis - Presenters:  Daniel McLane, Jessica Priselac and Joseph Walsh, Duane Morris

4-24-2025 - Spring Training 2025 Program Materials

Program Agenda with Presenter Biographies

Session 1:  Changes in the Trump Administration - Presenters:  John Gotaskie, Mark Harley, Lauren Sabol and Kate Stoy, Fox Rothschild 

Session 2:  The Wireless Barbarians:  AI, Cybersecurity Threats, Data Privacy & Protection - Presenters:  Julian Neiser and Ronald Schuler, Spilman Thomas & Battle

Session 3:  The Age Advantage: Maximizing Today’s Multi-Generational Talent - Presenter:  Raeann Burgo, Fisher Phillips

Session 4A:  ESOPs and EOTs: Employee Ownership as a Tax-Savvy Succession Strategy - Presenters:  Greg Daugherty and Nicolas Sasso, Porter Wright

Session 4B: Pay Transparency: The good, the bad, and the legal implications - Presenter:  Mariah Passarelli, Cozen O'Connor

Session 5A:  Understanding Climate Litigation - Presenter:  Jessica Priselac, Duane Morris

Session 5B:  The Mother of All Laws: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - Presenter:  Bethany Wagner, Ogletree Deakins

Session 6:  Has A Company Executive or Employee Misbehaved? – Ethical Internal Investigations of Company Personnel - Presenter:  Kevin Douglass, Babst Calland

12-3-2024 Reed Smith and ACC WPA Half-Day Bootcamp

Session 1:  Hot topics in corporate governance, ESG and insurance recovery, Presented by Jennifer Smokelin, Kenneth Siegal, and Courtney Horrigan
Supplemental Materials

Session 2:  Election aftermath: Antitrust enforcement under a new administration, Presented by Courtney Averbach, Chris Brennan, Michelle Mantine, and Will Sheridan
Supplemental Materials

Session 3:  Ethical quandaries in e-discovery: AI edition, Presented by Dave Cohen, Marcin Krieger and Patricia Antezana
Supplemental Materials

8-28-24 Back to School - An In-House Counsel Primer - Program Materials

Session One: - Protecting Trade Secrets in a Remote World - Rick Etter, Ogletree Deakins (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Two:  Robo-lawyer: When AI Serves as First Chair - Sunu Pillai and John Marty, Saul Ewing and Danielle McCormick, Highmark Health (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)
Related materials: 1/26/23 AI RMF Playbook, 1/26/23 AI RMF Roadmap, 1/26/23 NIST AI RMF, 10/30/23 EO on AI, 5/28/24 Judge Newsom opinion, July 2024 NIST AI 600, 7/29/24 ABA Formal Opinon 512 on AI, and 8/12/24 midjourney ruling

Session Three:   2024 Supreme Court Review: “Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Politics…oh my! - Dean Falavolito, O'Hagan Meyer (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Four A:  Real Property Concerns in Corporate Transactions - Mary Binker, Kevin Wills and Jessica Barnes, Babst Calland (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Four B:  Of Pitfalls and Inconvenient Truths: The Most Challenging Aspects of FMLA and ADA Compliance - Mariah Passarelli - Cozen O'Connor (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Five A: Navigating Acquisitions: Unveiling Due Diligence Differences in Equity, Stock, and Asset Purchases - Anya Lernatovych and Michael Wessell, Porter Wright (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Five B:  The Overlap of the National Labor Relations Act, Title VII, and other Employment Laws - Brian Balonick and Raeann Burgo, Fisher Phillips (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Six:  Attorney-Client Privilege Issues for In-House Counsel - Kevin Allen and Jessica Priselac, Duane Morris (1 hour PA professional ethics credit)
                             

4-26-24 Spring Training - An In-House Counsel Primer - Program Materials
 

Session One: - Digital Law: Navigating AI in Legal Practice - Susanna Bagdasarova, Babst Calland (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Two:  Negotiating Effective Sales Contracts - Kristen Del Sole and John McIntyre, Porter Wright (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Three:   Developing Effective Leadership - Erin Gibson Allen, Fisher Phillips (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Four A:  Class Action Defense: Trends, Recent Developments, Risks, and Opportunities - Kevin Allen, Jessica Priselac and Michael Pest, Duane Morris (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Four B:  Workplace Violence: Keeping it Safe - Sheri Giger, Ogletree Deakins (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Five A: How Government Investigatory Outreach Occurs – and Best Practices for Your Compliance Program and You to Hear About Things First - Joe Valenti & Allison Burdette, Saul Ewing and Simone DeJarnett, BNY Mellon (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Five B:  The Future Corporate DEI Programs Following the Supreme Court’s Harvard Ruling - Dean Falavolito and Alexandra Boyer, O'Hagan Meyer (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Six:  Electronic Information: Ethical Pitfalls and Best Practices - Mariah Passarelli - Cozen O'Connor (1 hour PA professional ethics credit)
                             

8-29-23 Back to School - An In-House Counsel Primer - Program Materials
 

Session One: Mindful Negotiation: Getting the Most Out of Mediation - Maria Greco Danaher, Ogletree Deakins and John Greco (1 hour PA professional ethics credit)

Session Two:  Software License Agreements: The Complete Download - Jim Singer - Fox Rothschild (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Three:   All Trial Practice is Appellate Practice - David Belczyk and Kristen Del Sole -Porter Wright (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Lunch Presentation (No CLE):  The General Counsel Imperative – How do you turn barriers into building blocks? - Nicholas Bruch and Kristi Gedid - EY Law

Session Four:  FMLA and ADA Compliance Deep Dive - Mariah Passarelli - Cozen O'Connor  (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Five:  Common Zoning Pitfalls in Real Estate Transactions - Alyssa Golfieri and Kevin Wills - Babst Calland (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Six:  Everything Lawyers Need to Know About AI (but Are Afraid to Ask ChatGPT) - Erica Wilson - Fisher Phillips (1 hour PA substantive cle credit)

Session Seven:  It’s Who You Know – Tips for Building Your Community and Brand – Moderator:  Michael Joyce, Saul Ewing;  Panelists:   Paul Malanowski, Saul Ewing, Shannon Lombardo, Saul Ewing, Nathan Platt, Deputy General Counsel at Liberty Tire Recycling   and Blaire Scott, Corporate Counsel, NCC Group(1 hour PA substantive cle credit)
                             Social Media Tips
 

2023 PROGRAMS

April 13, 2023 - Copyright and Trademark Statutory and Practice Updates, Sponsored by The Webb Law Firm 
                          Program Slides
 

2022 PROGRAMS

June 23, 2022 - What Every In-House Lawyer Needs to Know About E-Discovery - Reed Smith
      Program Slides
      Program Materials

2020 PROGRAMS
 

Data Privacy Update - Ensuring Compliance Amidst an Evolving Regulatory Landscape - September 29, 2020 - Presented by Babst Calland
    Slides
    Recording Access Passcode: 5n#BhRo9
     
Additional Resources:
     Standard Clauses – EU Controller to non-EU or EEA Processor
     Standard Clauses – EU Controller to non-EU or EEA Controller
     Babst Calland Privacy Comparison Table
     EmTech Perspectives:  FTC Investigation of Twitter for Alleged Privacy Violations Reinforces Need for Strong Privacy Policies and Practices

Key Insurance Challenges and Solutions:  COVID-19 and beyond - September 24, 2020 - Presented by Reed Smith
     Program Materials
     Recording  

Gender Equity in the Legal Industry:  How Men Can Contribute - August 4, 2020 - Presented by Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease 

The Impact of Covid-19, Travel Bans, & the Recent Presidential Proclamation on Business Immigration - July 8, 2020 - Presented by Ellen Freeman Immigration Group

Force Majeure and Related Provisions - June 10, 2020 - Presented by Babst Calland
     Slides
     Recording

Return to Work Best Practices and Potential Pitfalls - June 8, 2020 - Presented by Ogletree Deakins 

Contact Performance in Difficult Times - June 4, 2020 - Presented by Gowling WLG
     Slides
     Recording
     ICC Force Majeure and Hardship Clauses

Coronavirus and Your Mental Health:  A Lawyer’s Guide to Coping with Isolation, Anxiety and Fear in Uncertain Times - May 12, 2020 - Presented by Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
     Program Materials

Lawyers Behaving Badly – May 6, 2020 - Presented by Cozen O'Connor

Creating a COVID-19 Playbook:  Pennsylvania - April 30, 2020 Webinar - Presented by Reed Smtih

Latest Challenge for Essential Businesses in Pennsylvania:  Immediate Compliance with New Workplace Requirements Mandated by the Department of Health - April 17, 2020

• Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Directing Public Health Safety Measures for Businesses Permitted to Maintain In-person Operations
• COVID-19 Workplace Safety Questions - Summary provided below by Jay Glunt, Reed Smith
  
  
  Yesterday the PA Department of Health issued the attached FAQs regarding the 04.15.20 Worker Safety Rule.  This appears to be an effort to respond to at least some of the many questions that were immediately raised by this abrupt and disruptive order.  There are over 50 FAQs, not organized in any fashion by category.  I organized some of the key points into four categories: masks; definition of “probable” case; temperature screening; and enforcement.

Masks

• Scarves, bandanas, a disposable face shield, and other face coverings will suffice in place of a mask
• For employers having difficulty obtaining masks, the Department of Community and Economic Development has created a ‘Business-2-Business’ Directory, which identifies potential vendors of masks and other PPE
• An employee does not need to wear a mask if it impedes their vision, if they have a medical condition, or would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task.
• Bank employees should wear masks at all times. Customers can be asked to remove their masks to reveal their face and then recover their face after the bank employee has identified the customer. This should take place within a minimum distance of six feet
• The Department does not dictate to employers how they should manage their workforce if employees refuse to comply with the Order
• As to workers commuting to work, if the person is driving alone throughout the trip, no mask is needed in the vehicle, however, should they need to travel through a toll-booth or other drive thru they should be wearing a mask
• Employees isolated in their personal office space, when unshared with any other colleagues, do not need to wear a mask. However, when the employee leaves their individual office or has invited a colleague into their office, they must wear a mask

Definition of “probable” case of COVID-19 (triggering response protocols)

• A person is considered to have a probable case of COVID-19 if a person has appropriate symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, shortness of breath) and exposure to a high-risk situation, or if the person has a positive antibody test and either symptoms or high-risk exposure.

Temperature screening

• Temperature screening applies only apply after an employer is aware of a probable or confirmed exposure
• When there has been a probable or confirmed exposure, all employees at that location must be temperature screened moving forward, not just those employees who were exposed to the probable/confirmed person  
• Employers are not required to have a medical professional administer the temperature screenings
• Temperature checks cannot be done through employee self-screening (i.e., employees told to take temp at home)
• There are no acceptable alternative procedures for monitoring temperatures other than on-site at the beginning of each workday after a probable or confirmed exposure
• Temperature screenings should be conducted as to an entire facility/campus, and not just at specific buildings or sections of buildings
• The Order does not specify an end date for temperature screening.  According to the FAQs, temperature checks should be conducted for at least 14 days after exposure.  DOH recommends routine temperature checks in areas of the Commonwealth with high positive case numbers
• Temperature screening is not required based on confirmed cases that became known before April 15, 2020
• For employers having difficulty obtaining thermometers, the Department of Community and Economic Development has created a ‘Business-2-Business’ Directory, which identifies potential vendors of thermometers and other PPE

Enforcement

• Employee complaints will be taken online only.  No hotline complaints.  The Department will create a webform for employees to report violations
• There is no waiver process and there are no exceptions (except healthcare providers)
• There are no considerations being made to excuse compliance, even if employers can show they are aggressively working toward compliance.  DOH expects full compliance and enforcement begins at 8:00 pm on April 19, 2020.

• COVID-19 Guidance For Essential Businesses
• Homemade Mask Guidance
• PPG Corrected Article
• Reed Smith Article

Trends in IP Law:  Top 3 Things In-House Counsel Need to Know in 2020 - February 6, 2020

2019 Progams

Recent Trends:  How to Maximize Your Protections Under The Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Doctrine - December 10, 2019

Generalist Bootcamp - August 29, 2019

 A Guide for Developing and Implementing a Corporate Compliance Program, Charles DeMonaco and Jana Volante Walshak, Fox Rothschild  - See also related Article and Key Takeaways

 Risk Allocation in M&A:  Representations, Warranties, Indemnification and Limitations of Liability, Kevin Wills, Babst Calland

 Managing Litigation Partnering With Outside Counsel, Gene Giotto and Laura Reinhart, Cozen O’Connor; and Brian Walters, Matthews International Corporation

 Top 10 Employment Law and Executive Compensation Issues in 2019 and Beyond - Jennifer Betts, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart

 Know Your IP: A Refresher on Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets and Patents, Richard Graham, Reed Smith - See also CLE Supplemental Materials

The Polished Professional Series: Leadership and Ethics –11 Leadership Principles from West Point, the Army, and General Counsel’s Office, Frank DeCarlo, Liberty Tire Recycling - See also:  Definition of Leadership, Army Leadership Requirements, 11 Principles of Leadership, 5 Minute Shadow,Definition of Management, Personal After Action Review (AAR) Handout, Principles of Leadership, and PA Rules of Professional Conduct (selected).

2018 Programs 

Optimizing Outside Law Firm Engagement - January 11, 2018

     Handouts

Basics of Employment Law - January 18, 2018

Key Takeaways:

• Have and follow a policy against discrimination and harassment.
• Conduct training on your policy.
• Under the ADA, engage in the interactive process.
• Be aware of benefits issues/complications when offering a separation agreement.
• Make sure your separation agreements are valid.
• Ensure good communication with respect to leave under the FMLA.
• Be careful when FMLA leave is over and an employee still needs medical leave.
• Don't punish employees by taking away wages owed.
• Make sure you have written commission agreements with your salespeople.
• Preserve computer hard drives when a problem employee leaves.

IP Licensing - January 30, 2018

Key Takeaways:

• Licensing Intellectual Property generally refers to patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
• Licenses are contracts and interpreted as such.
• Carefully defining the duties and obligations of the licensor and the licensee is crucial.
• Pitfalls in standard clauses and definitions may be avoided by anticipating possible future legal issues before they arise.
• Specific and easily reviewable sales landmarks should be employed to ensure the obligation to pay license fees is unambiguous.
• Controls and restrictions in sublicensing in the context of subsidiaries and spin-offs should be explicitly provided in the license.
• Bankruptcy law may allow or prevent rejection of certain licenses post-petition.
• Anti-trust laws may be implicated in licensing agreements.

Arbitration v. Litigation:  Pros and Cons of Both - February 6, 2018

Key Takeaways:

• Arbitration has perceived advantages, but sometimes litigation is a better choice
• Reach agreement on confidentiality at the outset; arbitration proceedings are not confidential per se
• The choice of rules and procedures can significantly affect the cost and speed of arbitration proceedings
• Arbitration awards are far easier to enforce in foreign countries; a US judgment may not be recognized in the country where your counterparty resides
• Litigation is preferable for multi-party disputes, as it is difficult to consolidate or join parties in arbitration proceedings
• When considering arbitration, think about your counterparty (where are they located, where are the assets) and the nature of the transaction (where will performance be rendered, what types of disputes may arise, what is your potential exposure/liability).

Audience Question:

Q:  Can one review an arbitration organization's panel of neutrals before a dispute is submitted?

A:  It depends on the organization.  JAMS, for example, publishes the names of its panel: https://www.jamsadr.com/neutrals/search?name=&keyword=&location=&practice=arbitration&language.  The AAA, on the other hand, does not.  However, parties may acquire a list of arbitrators in advance for a fee (e.g., $750 for 5 names; $2000 for 15).

Catching Them Red-Handed:  How to Investigate Employee Criminal Conduct While also Protecting the Company - February 15, 2018

Key Takeaways:

• Be prepared
• Look for warning signs
• Thoroughly investigate
• Preserve evidence
• Consider potential pitfalls and unintended consequences
• Determine the appropriate remedy for your organization

Medical Marijuana and Its Effect on the Workplace in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - February 27, 2018

The Pitfalls of Preservation and Collection of Electronically Stored Information ("ESI"):  What You Don't Know Can Hurt You - March 6, 2018

Karen Baillie and Jonathan Skowron of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP discussed advice and common pitfalls regarding the preservation and collection of electronically stored information (ESI).  Topics addressed included:
a lawyer’s ethical duty to securely handle ESI;

• the dangers of ESI spoliation;
• tips for crafting and implementing effective litigation holds;
• recent amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure regarding ESI;
• the discoverability of employee social media and personal e-mails; and more.

Ms Baillie and Mr. Skowron also discussed recent case law from around the country and provided insight into how courts have been applying the relevant rules in order to offer practical guidance for managing an organization’s electronic data. 

State of Employment and Labor Law - March 13, 2018

Recent Supreme Court IP Cases - April 5, 2018

Ethical Quandaries in Discovery - April 10, 2018

Key Takeaways:

LEGAL HOLD ETHICS
Litigation hold notices not only must be issued in a timely manner, but also must be modernized and adapted to new technological advances.

DOCUMENT COLLECTION
Employees are not prohibited from participating in identifying and collecting relevant records, but counsel should be involved and have proper oversight into how the records are being collected (approved search terms and adequate QC).

REMOVAL OF ONLINE DATA
Removal of online data is permissible; however, that information must still be preserved.

BACKUP TAPES
A party has a duty to preserve all unique relevant information proportional to the needs of the case.

OBLIGATIONS IN JOINT DEFENSE SITUATIONS
Counsel must analyze all potential conflicts before adding new clients.

Workplace Violence: Employer Strategies for Preventing and Responding to Workplace Threats - April 19, 2018

Protecting Brand Value, Stopping MAP Violators and Removing Unauthorized Marketplace Sellers - May 10, 2018
     The Winning Strategy for MAP Success and Long-Term Brand Value in the E-commerce Market

Key Takeaways:

MAP programs fail and brand value is harmed typically as a result of uncontrolled distribution coupled with the presence of unauthorized online gray market sellers.

To defeat this problem, companies must implement each of the these three phases of the comprehensive strategy:
Phase I: Achieving Effective Channel Control and Developing a Foundation for Enforcement Against Unauthorized Sellers;
Phase II: Stopping Gray Market Disruption Through Efficient and Effective Unauthorized Seller Enforcement; and
Phase III: Running a Lawful and Effective MAP Program that, by Virtue of Phases I and II, is Positioned for Success

In doing so, companies will be positioned for success in the e-commerce marketplace.

Contract Drafting - A Litigator's Wish List - May 22, 2018

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid problematic contract terms by including examples, calculations, definitions, and specific provisions regarding how a contractual relationship ends.
• Consider dispute resolution options such as arbitration agreements, a forum selection clause, and liquidated damages provisions. 
• Mitigate risk by including exculpatory provisions, limitations on liability, and indemnification language. 

Deal with AI - June 5, 2018

Key Takeaways:  

• Understand the usefulness and the limitations of AI tools and robots—they don't think like a human.
• All algorithms show bias based on their training material, so transparency and accountability issues will arise.
• The legal implications of reductions in workforces due to increased use of AI within the workplace currently require the same planning as RIFs for other causes, but look for regulatory changes that may arise.
• Tort law is likely to evolve in areas of strict liability and defenses regarding AI products.
• AI may lead to interesting intellectual property issues due to creation of ideas and property without human intervention.
• Watch for development of personhood AI constructs that follow rights given to corporations. 

Technology Tactics To Keep Ediscovery Costs in Check - June 13, 2018

Practical Applications of AI Technology in the Law - July 11, 2018

September 13, 2018 - What In-House Counsel Need to Know About Doing Business in Canada

October 4, 2018 - Navigating Trade Issues in the Trump Era

October 16, 2018 - Corporate Venture Capital and Strategic Investments

October 25, 2018 - Master Service Agreements - Buyer and Vendor

November 1, 2018 - Negotiation Workshop

• Getting Past Yes - Harvard Business Review - November 2004
• Key Steps for Successful Negotiation Preparation - ABA - 6-27-2017
• Secrets to Advanced Negotiating - ABA - 8-9-2017

2017 Programs

The Future of Artificial Intelligence and the Law - January 10, 2017

Expanding In-House Pro Bono Opportunities - February 2, 2017

Global Intellectual Property - Where Are We Now? - February 7, 2017

Significant Pay Equity Developments - February 23, 2017

Social Media - Use and Abuse By Businesses and Employees - March 7, 2017
     Checklist for Employer Obtaining Consumer Reports and for Taking Adverse Action Based on a Consumer Report

1Q Value Challenge Roundtable:  A Conversation with Susan Hackett, Legal Executive Leadership - March 16, 2017
    
     Evaluation, Performance & Continuous Improvement

     Legal Ops Topic Resources from Susan Hackett. Legal Executive Leadership

     CLOC Law Firm Evaluation Initiative

You Have Received a Subpoena - What Now? - April 4, 2017

Workplace Privacy and Cybersecurity - April 19, 2017

Communications Basecamp for In-House Lawyers:  Where Mindful and Ethical Discussion Begins - April 25, 2017

US & International IP:  Trademarks, Copyrights and Designs - May 16, 2017

The Promise and Peril of Legal Technology (2Q Value Challenge Group Roundtable) - May 18, 2017

EU General Data Protection Regulation Roundtable - Building a GDPR Compliance Program - May 23, 2017

Cyber Risks and Human Factors - May 24, 2017
   - Effectively Addressing Cybersecurity Risks
   - Think Outside the Breach: Six Legal Issues to Consider After Responding to a Cybersecurity Incident
   - Takeaways

     Additional Resources:

     ACC Foundation:  The State of Cybersecurity Report – Key Findings

     D&O Diary:  Cybersecurity Lessons from Yahoo's Legal Department Woes

     Ponemon Institute:  The Human Factor in Data Protection

     Ponemon Institute:  Closing Security Gaps to Protect Corporate Data

     A Primer on FTC Expectations for Your Partner and Vendor Relationships

     IAPP:  GDPR & Vendor Management

     Pew Research Study - What the Public Knows About Cybersecurity

     NetDiligence 2016 Cyber Claims Study

Risk Management and Litigation Avoidance Strategies That Really Work - June 6, 2017

Ready for Your Company to Benefit from ADR? Perspectives from a Mediator - July 27, 2017

Practical Considerations for In-House Counsel for Preserving and Asserting the Attorney-Client Privilege Under Pennsylvania Law - September 20, 2017

Key takeaways about helping a client avoid an inadvertent waiver of privilege:

1.  Avoid forwarding emails, memoranda or letters from outside counsel to non-lawyer consultants.

2.  Be selective about:
     a.  which facts and theories you need to share with the consultant knowing that they might be discovered; and
     b.  the method of communication (email; phone call; face-to-face.)

3.  Warn others to keep lawyer advice and writings within a clearly defined, limited group.

4.  Consider whether an attorney should retain the consultant and, if done, be able to articulate clearly why the consultant's input is necessary for the attorney to deliver legal services.

5.  For each communication, especially during a crisis, consider:
     a.  Is the purpose to seek or give legal advice?
     b.  Who is the lawyer?
     c.  Who is the client?
     d.  Is someone else present?  If so, why?
     e.  Should the communication proceed with the current people present?

6.  In "team meetings" consider using:
     a.  Agendas to control topics dealt with at all hands meetings;
     b.  Separate meetings with more limited attendees to discuss legal aspects of the project or case;
     c.  If necessary, ask third-party consultants to leave the room if the discussion turns to privileged information.

7.  The preservation of privilege is not an end unto itself.  It is a factor to be considered (an important one, but not the only one) as the client struggles to meet the challenge presented by the crisis du jour.  It is at such times that we as counselors can add value by reminding a busy, perhaps overwhelmed, client about the foregoing principles.

Transgender Issues in the Workplace - September 26, 2017

Key takeaways:

• While the law on the basis of gender identity is in a state of flux, decisions based on sexual stereotyping are unlawful, and issues affecting transgender employees can raise privacy concerns.
• The number of transgender employees in the workplace is growing, so it is recommended that employers plan now for how they want to address issues relating to transgender employees and applicants.  
• Planning includes reviewing policies and procedures which may affect transgender employees and training managers and professionals involved in hiring on how to respond to various requests raised by transgender employees.

Is Your Ethics Program in Order? - October 3, 2017
     Corporate Ethics Program Process

The presentation provided attendees with the key components of an effective ethics program and tools to evaluate the effectiveness of existing ethics programs.  

Key takeaways included: 

• The methodology used to design and implement an effective ethics program, including the use of employee surveys, and understanding of business operations and interviews. 
• The importance and components of an effective written Code of Business Ethics and its role in setting the "tone from the top."
• Identification of effective internal controls to monitor the effectiveness of an ethics program including internal auditing, use of a hotline, corporate compliance, disciplinary guidelines, and periodic assessment of the program. 
• The importance of annual ethics training with a discussion about its purpose, appropriate scope, and how to ensure participation and completion.

Spotting & Identifying Antitrust and Other Unfair Competition Claims and Issues - October 10, 2017

Key takeaways:

• The purpose of antitrust law is to protect competition not competitors.
• Individuals in management, sales, distribution, and product development need to be mindful of antitrust issues.
• Antitrust law principally focuses on practices that will adversely affect market price, supply volume, or product quality.
• Conduct that has a clear effect of raising price or limiting supply will be automatically unlawful.
• Conduct that does not directly affect price or supply will be assessed for potential pro-competitive effects.
• Competitor communications should be avoided with respect to price, product features, delivery terms, and markets.
• Markets can also be affected by advertising practices, intellectual property, and interference with contracts.

Refresher on Drafting and Analyzing Key Provisions in Commercial Agreements - October 26, 2017
     Case Listing

Key Takeaways:

• Corporate counsel draft and interpret contracts everyday and should be aware of how common clauses are interpreted, be careful to avoid common drafting pitfalls and establish internal best practices to ensure commercial agreements meet the needs of their business.
• Assignment clauses may be interpreted differently in different jurisdictions, so drafters should take care to be clear in the intended meaning.
• Specificity in drafting increases the likelihood that courts will interpret a commercial agreement in the manner intended by the parties.
• Common modifying terms such as "knowledge" and "materiality" may be interpreted more broadly or more narrowly than intended and drafters should consider defining or limiting these terms where appropriate.
• Counsel should periodically review their organization's standard form agreements to ensure the forms include applicable updates reflecting changes in law and change in the organization's business.

Advanced Planning for Rapid Response:  Staying Prepared for Data Security Breach Litigation - November 9, 2017

The program provided an overview of the legal and reputational risks associated with data breaches, an assessment of the current legal landscape, and offered best practices to minimize risks and mitigate potential breaches.  Key takeaways included:

10 Things Non-IT Lawyers Should Know About IT Contracts - December 13, 2017

Key Takeaways: