9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Registration
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
"Ethical Use of Generative AI Tools for Legal Professionals"
Presented by Holland & Knight
Once a niche technology, generative AI has obtained wider adoption even in professional settings. New providers offer gen AI tools for use by lawyers. Long-standing legal IT providers have added gen AI functionality into existing tools, often by default. Alongside the promise of greater efficiency and insight, legal professionals have to ensure discharging their duties of competence, candor, and confidentiality. This presentation will explore how lawyers and other legal professionals can evaluate these tools, and make strategic choices about using generative AI consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Speakers:
- Paul Bond, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP.
- Jonathan Margolis, Vice President and National Director of Privacy, Toll Brothers.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
"Ethical Issues and Pitfalls for In-House Attorneys When Conducting Internal Investigations"
Presented by Ballard Spahr LLP
This CLE presentation will cover many of the common—but complex—ethical issues faced by in-house counsel when an internal investigation is required. The presentation will use a hypothetical scenario to explore issues including: (a) who should lead the internal investigation (compliance, HR, in-house counsel, external counsel or someone else); (b) when can internal investigation activities be protected by the attorney-client privilege; (c) how should employee interviews be conducted; and (d) how should the results of an internal investigation be communicated, to both internal and external audiences. One goal is to stimulate participation and conversation among the attendees through polling questions posed during the presentation.
Speakers:
- Matthew Smith, Partner, Ballard Spahr
- Emilia McKee Vassallo, Partner, Ballard Spahr
- Christina Hud, Senior Counsel, Global Investigations, Legal Division, Pfizer, Inc.
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Luncheon
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
"Striking the Balance: D&I Ethical Considerations for Private Sector Employers"
Presented by Dechert LLP
This presentation will go over recent developments in civil rights non-discrimination law affecting D&I and legal ethics. It will begin by exploring the historical federal approach for advancing non-discrimination in the workplace. It will then describe the Supreme Court’s 2025 decision in Students for Fair Admissions as a critical turning point in the legal approach to D&I, impacting race-conscious programs, even outside of the educational context. Then the presentation will discuss the Trump Administration’s activity related to D&I, including four executive orders, updates to EEOC technical guidance, as well as DOJ directives prioritizing anti-D&I enforcement activities. Finally, it will conclude by identifying trends in private sector employer responses to these shifts and addressing best practices for minimizing legal, reputational and ethical risk in a shifting landscape.
Speakers:
- Sozi Tulante, Partner, Dechert LLP
- Ian Downes, Partner, Dechert LLP
- Ginene Lewis, Corning International
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
"Ethics and Professionalism in Negotiation:
Getting What You Want (Without Making Enemies)"
Presented by Reed Smith LLP
This session will explore the critical role of ethics in legal negotiations, examining how various negotiation dynamics—such as adversarial versus problem-solving approaches, one-time versus ongoing relationships, and the impact on third parties—shape ethical considerations for attorneys. It will highlight the importance of adhering to professional rules, including the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and addresses common ethical dilemmas such as withholding material information, distinguishing between permissible "puffing" and impermissible misrepresentation, and managing conflicts between organizational and individual interests. The session will also touch on the ethical implications of using AI tools in negotiations, emphasizing that while technology can aid legal work, lawyers must not abdicate their professional judgment or responsibilities. Throughout, the focus remains on maintaining integrity, protecting client interests, and upholding the legal system’s foundational principles.
Speakers:
- Michael Lurie, Partner, Reed Smith LLP
- Jackie Noyes, Associate, Reed Smith LLP
- Christine Maddison, Alliant
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