REGISTRATION CLOSED: ACC COLORADO ETHICS DAY 2025

9:00AM – 10:00AM
Session 1
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The Peaks of Privilege: Protecting Confidentiality in an Outdoorsy Culture
 
Laura J. Plack, Associate Attorney, Gibson Dunn
Lauren Kole, Senior Legal Counsel, Ibotta
Allison Kostecka, Partner, Gibson Dunn 

Dive into Ethics Day with real world discussion of the classic rules and ethics of attorney-client privilege and work-product doctrine tailored just for the Colorado work environment. This session looks at maintaining confidentiality while working remotely from a mountain cabin, using personal devices on a ski lift, or during a casual conversation on a hiking trail ~ just to name a few scenarios where Colorado In-House Counsel might find themselves on an average workday!

10:00AM – 11:00AM
Session 2
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Ethical Considerations Surrounding Zealous Advocacy and Litigation Behavior in Dealing with Opposing Parties

Troy Rackham, Partner, Spencer Fane

This session will explore the delicate balance attorneys must strike between passionately representing clients and maintaining professional integrity. Join in as discussions delve into the ethical boundaries that govern courtroom conduct, negotiation tactics, and interactions with opposing counsel, highlighting realistic scenarios where the line between advocacy and misconduct often blurs. Gain valuable insight into maintaining civility and ethical standards while still advocating effectively in high-stakes legal disputes both in and out of the courtroom. 
 

11:15AM – 12:15PM
Session 3
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Allies with Limits: Navigating Ethics in Joint Defense and Common Interest Agreements

Kellie Nelson Fetter, Of Counsel, Taft

Ethical challenges abound when privileged information crosses organizational boundaries in joint litigation, investigations, or transactions. Counsel must navigate complex duties that continue even after alliances end— from enforcing information-use restrictions and providing proper notice, to managing conflicts that can emerge long after cooperation fades.
 

12:30PM – 1:30PM
Session 4
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Leadership on the High Ground: The Business Imperative of Ethical Obligation

Stuart Risch, Partner, Retired Lieutenant General, US Army, Former Judge Advocate General of the US Army 

Settle in post-lunch for an engaging, interactive session focused on the desperate need and unfortunate lack of legal industry leadership and ethics training. Before joining Shook, Stuart Risch served as The Judge Advocate General (TJAG), Lieutenant General, the most senior uniformed legal officer within the United States Army appointed by the President and Senate. In the role, he oversaw the defense of Army interests in thousands of lawsuits, leading one of the nation’s largest law firms of over 10,000 lawyers, paralegals and support staff with offices across the globe. This presentation explores leadership definitions, styles, behavior patterns, and the challenge of being a leader you want to be versus the leader your people need. Learn the top ten priorities of effective leadership, leadership case studies, plus legal, ethical, and moral challenges that leaders often face. 

1:30PM – 2:30PM
Session 5
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Representing Corporate Entities: 
Navigating 'Upjohn' Warnings and Client Identity in the Rockies 

Jon Buck, Deputy General Counsel, Perkins Coie LLP
Dave St. John Larkin, Denver Office Managing Partner, Perkins Coie LLP

This session explores the ethical considerations that arise when lawyers represent corporate entities, particularly in scenarios involving internal investigations and factual inquiries. Attendees will gain insights into the challenges of delivering "Upjohn" warnings in less formal work environments, such as those found in Colorado's tech and startup cultures. The discussion will also examine how in-house and outside counsel may differently perceive "the client" within multi-layered corporate structures, highlighting the implications for effective legal representation.

2:40PM – 4:20PM
Session 6

Corporate DEI:  
In-House Counsel’s Ethical Duties in a Post-DEI Executive Order Era: 
Navigating Legal Compliance and Inclusive Practices

Moderator: 
Lila Harvey, Legal Counsel, Arrow Electronics
Panel: 
Lauren Polk, Senior Corporate Counsel, Oracle
Kathy Nesbitt, Executive Director, Office of Human Resources, City & County of Denver 
David Powell,  Former Deputy Attorney General, State of Colorado  
(Shareholder, Garnett Powell Maximon Barlow)
 

This session explores how corporations must balance moral commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion with emerging legal constraints and risks. This timely panel will examine how shifting regulations and litigation trends reshape what companies can—and should—do to pursue equitable workplaces in a legally defensible way.
 

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