CLE - A Spot of Ethics: High Tea and Global Perspectives on In-House Counsel Ethics, presented by Gowling WLG

During this program, the speakers will explore “International Ethics for In-House Counsel: Managing Risk Across Borders (and Oceans),” highlighting the ethical challenges of cross-border matters with insights from Canada and the United Kingdom.

Attendees will learn practical strategies to navigate differences in privilege, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements while connecting with peers from the Northeast Ohio legal community.

The presentation outlines how ethical obligations for in‑house counsel differ across the US, Canada, and the UK, focusing on competence (including technology and AI), cross‑border practice limits, and confidentiality and privilege.

While all jurisdictions require lawyers to maintain competence, the US explicitly mandates tech proficiency, Canada treats it as context‑dependent, and the UK implies it through broader duties. AI can support legal work but never replaces professional judgment or cures unauthorized practice.

Cross‑border matters—such as deals, litigation, and employment issues—often require local counsel because in‑house exceptions do not extend to foreign law. Confidentiality rules diverge significantly, with Canada imposing the strictest limits and the narrowest exceptions.

Lastly, the presentation also highlights France’s forthcoming privilege protections for in‑house counsel and concludes with practical guidance: 
•    Maintain tech competence
•    Verify AI outputs, 
•    Avoid unauthorized practice, and 
•    Understand jurisdiction‑specific confidentiality and privilege rules.

PARKING
Free onsite parking is available.

CREDITS
1.5 CLE (This course has been submitted for approval by the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 1.5 ethics/professional conduct CLE hours)

AGENDA
2:30pm                        Registration opens
3:00pm – 4:30pm        Program
4:30pm – 5:30pm        Networking 

SPEAKERS
Gowling WLG Attorneys
Tom Cox
Partner, Commercial Litigation
London, UK

Selena Kim
Partner, Intellectual Property
Toronto, Canada

In-house Counsel TBD

Note: At the Northeast Ohio (ACC NEO) chapter level, event sponsors/hosts are provided the name, title, and company of all attendees. ACC NEO never provides or sells member emails, phone numbers, or addresses to sponsors or any other external audiences.

Attendees must abide by ACC NEO's Event Code of Conduct.

QUESTIONS
Contact neoh@accglobal.com