Litigation and Dispute Resolution

ACC Houston May Chapter Meeting Webinar CLE
Multidistrict Litigation: How to Surf the Tsunami 
May 29, 2024 | 12:00 Noon - 1:00 pm | Zoom

This program, led by Anna Rotman, Danielle O’Neal, and Orla O’Callaghan, trial lawyers with substantial experience defending mass tort and product liability actions through trial, will feature an introduction to Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), how an MDL differs from a class action, and the costs and burdens associated with defending an MDL, and will offer strategies and practical tactics for staying afloat should your company find itself battling an MDL tsunami.

Business & Commercial Litigation Update: The program focuses on recent Nevada Supreme Court decisions that provide guidance to in-house counsel on key substantive and procedural issues involved in a variety of business and commercial litigation matters. A few examples of the cases and issues that will be covered include (1) offers of judgment that are inclusive or exclusive of costs, expenses, interest, and attorney fees, (2) modifiable and unconscionable noncompete provisions, (3) foreseeability and the traveling employee rule in workers’ compensation benefits, (4) breach of contract claims and interpretation issues involving ambiguity in payment terms and novation vs. modification, and (5) no signatory consent to arbitration. The program is designed to provide in-house practitioners with legal insights, litigation strategies, and practical approaches to business and commercial litigation.

Presenters are McDonald Carano attorneys, Chelsea Latino and Phil Mannelly.

ACC Houston Best Practices Practice Group CLE
The In-House Practitioners Best Practice Guide To Trial Preparation
June 18, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Bari Ristorante

Best practices in preparing your C-Suite for trial and what to expect from your outside counsel to make it seamless, avoiding the chaotic fire drill. Learn best practices in securing clear communication, direction and planning from outside counsel.

The Canadian government is in the process of enacting the most substantial changes to the Competition Act in over a decade, with significant implications for businesses across all industries. Join us for an informative discussion with an expert panel that will explore both the recently enacted and proposed further amendments to the Competition Act. The panel will cover the Competition Bureau’s enforcement priorities, implications of the enacted and proposed amendments on business conduct, and practical compliance considerations for in-house counsel. 

Key topics include:

• Overview of the recently enacted and proposed further amendments to Canada’s Competition Act, including in respect of abuse of dominance, competitor and non-competitor collaborations, deceptive marketing, mergers, and private enforcement
• Competition Bureau's enforcement strategy and priorities
• Key risks and considerations for businesses
• Strategies and opportunities for in-house counsel to prepare their clients for compliance

Do you control your digital life or does it control you? Whether texting, emailing, posting on social media, or browsing the Web, many people are at the mercy of their digital devices. Indeed, Internet addiction is on the rise and is linked to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. In 2019, the average American checked their phone 96 times a day. By the end of 2021, that figure skyrocketed to 344 times a day―a 3.5 times increase since the start of the pandemic. Those suffering from severe internet addiction are 8 times more likely to be depressed, 9 times more likely to have anxiety, and 14 times more likely to experience both of these mental health concerns.

Join attorneys Becky Howlett and Cindy Sharp as they present strategies designed to help attorneys manage and even unplug from the digital world - ethically and mindfully.

In this timely program, we will explore:

• Dangers of digital addiction on mental health and well-being,
• Ethical ramifications of mismanaged use of technology, including relevant Model Rules of Professional Conduct,
• Suggestions for creating an organizational digital policy, and 
• Specific steps to mindfully disconnect from the digital world.

Do you control your digital life or does it control you? Whether texting, emailing, posting on social media, or browsing the Web, many people are at the mercy of their digital devices. Indeed, Internet addiction is on the rise and is linked to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. In 2019, the average American checked their phone 96 times a day. By the end of 2021, that figure skyrocketed to 344 times a day―a 3.5 times increase since the start of the pandemic. Those suffering from severe internet addiction are 8 times more likely to be depressed, 9 times more likely to have anxiety, and 14 times more likely to experience both of these mental health concerns.

Join attorneys Becky Howlett and Cindy Sharp as they present strategies designed to help attorneys manage and even unplug from the digital world - ethically and mindfully.

In this timely program, we will explore:

• Dangers of digital addiction on mental health and well-being,
• Ethical ramifications of mismanaged use of technology, including relevant Model Rules of Professional Conduct,
• Suggestions for creating an organizational digital policy, and 
• Specific steps to mindfully disconnect from the digital world.

This event has a new date.  Please make a note of the new date, June 5, 2024

This event is now SOLD OUT

ACC Houston Litigation Practice Group CLE
Spring Cleaning...Up Your Contracts
June 5, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Brennan's

“Spring Cleaning…Up Your Contracts” will explore best practices for drafting and negotiating agreements with litigation in mind.  We’ll consider recent updates to Texas law and the potential impacts of routine provisions, including liquidated damages provisions, arbitration agreements, venue selection provisions, and more. Focusing on the ever-evolving legal landscape in Texas and the upcoming implementation of the Texas business courts, attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to tackle agreements to best meet their business goals and position themselves when/if litigation ensues.

Event Agenda:
11:30 am - 12:00 - Check In and Networking
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Program
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm - "Office Hours" for Q&A

This 1-hour session focuses on the essential issues that in-house counsel needs to know to advise on these issues, and to manage litigation together with external counsel.  

Drafting and litigating employment agreements represent ever-present and challenging issues for any employer and, consequently, for in-house counsel. The law is constantly evolving and less-than-cutting-edge drafting and terms can lead to problems in enforceability and litigation.   

You will hear about the latest learnings and insights from the courts and practice on the most pressing issues relating to your employment contracts, including:  

• Termination clauses  

• Restrictive covenants 

• Independent contractor vs. employment relationships, and, 

• Fixed term vs. indefinite term contracts.