Events

Seismic Shocks at the PTAB and How to Adjust IPR Challenges in 2025

Some of the recent changes to the PTAB could result in some fundamental changes that require shifts in strategies, tactics, and risk considerations.  This update provides an overview of the changes that have already occurred, likely changes coming this year, as well as suggestions on re-aligning strategies for patent disputes overall.

Speakers:

Harper Batts, Partner, Sheppard Mullin

Chris Ponder, Partner, Sheppard Mullin

Agenda:

11:30AM - 12:00PM Registration, Lunch, Networking

12:00PM - 1:00PM CLE Program

The ACC NCR Young Lawyers Affinity Group invites all members, in-house counsel, Corporate Scholars alums, and this year's Corporate Scholars to join us for happy hour in DC! 

Our ACC NCR Young Lawyers Affinity Group includes early-career professionals seeking to build connections, exchange ideas, and provide mutual support.  Join us to network and learn more!

We will have some appetizers to share, and guests will be responsible for purchasing their own drinks.  We hope you can join us!

Cozen O’Connor invites women lawyers to join them at their offices for a fun evening blending custom fragrances at a perfume bar. They will have an experienced perfumer on hand to blend your signature scent using notes you select. A reception will follow the workshop.

TECH TUESDAY WITH COBBLESTONE

WEBINAR LINK:

https://accinhouse.zoom.us/j/95210593203

"The 2025 State of Contracts: Navigating the Future with Data-Driven Insights"

Disorganization...missed key dates.... contract version confusion.... inconsistent clauses...

These are just some of the challenges we hear about from contract managers looking to improve their processes. This year, we called on hundreds of contract management professionals across various industries and roles to share their insights in the 2025 "State of Contract Management Survey."  This insightful survey reveals:

• Key trends
• Challenges
• Best practices

In this webcast, we will discuss the findings of the survey, their implications, and actions to take for a better contract lifecycle management process based on feedback from contract managers like you!

Sign up now to learn how to level up contract management in 2025 and beyond with a data-driven mindset and strategy!

Speaker: Michael Gormley, Sales Manager, CobbleStone Software

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR CLE WEBINARS

WEBINAR LINK:

https://accinhouse.zoom.us/j/99730257637

(Use the same Zoom Link for all three sessions)

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
"The ADA in Action: Real-World Scenarios and Solutions for In-House Counsel"
Presented by Obermayer Rebmann

The ADA can present challenges for HR and management, especially in the post-COVID world of remote/hybrid work, and return to the office mandates.  In this interactive presentation, we’ll discuss some tough accommodations issues facing employers in all industries and work through how to resolve them while minimizing the risk of legal claims.

Speakers:

• Michael Pepperman, Partner, Obermayer Rebmann
• Ivo Becica, Partner, Obermayer Rebmann
• Teleicia Dambreville, Director Managing Counsel—Employment, Burlington

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"Effective Strategies for Managing Employee Exits in Challenging Situations"
Presented by Ogletree Deakins

Even the most well-thought-out and legitimately supported terminations can be fraught with legal risk. This session will cover the many practical considerations that HR and legal must plan for, including securing data and equipment, timing, and deductions for final paychecks, navigating what and how to communicate about the termination to avoid defamation claims, analyzing whether to offer severance, and gauging the risk of a claim.

Speakers:

• Donald Gamburg, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
• Vanessa Ruggiero, Associate, Ogletree Deakins
• Christine Vigliotti, VP & Associate General Counsel, J&J Snack Foods

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
"Employee Relations Bootcamp:  Your Guide to Managing Employment Risk"
Presented by Stevens & Lee

This comprehensive presentation focuses on practical advice for avoiding and/or managing risks in all aspects of employee relations particularly given the new legal landscape, including the applicant/hiring process, performance management, workplace accommodations, medical marijuana and drug and alcohol policies; discipline and discharge, and post-employment obligations, including trends in employment related litigation.

Speakers:

• Lisa Scidurlo, Co-Chair, Labor & Employment, Stevens & Lee
• Theresa Zechman, Shareholder, Stevens & Lee
• Christina Kontis, General Counsel, Bayhealth

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
"Impact of the Current Administration on Federal Agencies’ Enforcement of Workplace Regulations"
Presented by BakerHostetler

In less than 100 days of the second Trump administration, the labor and employment bar has witnessed dramatic change at the federal agencies enforcing workplace regulations – including general counsel terminations, board and commission member terminations, repeal of Biden-era guidance, and requests to cut full-time agency personnel. Employers should understand what initiatives these regulatory agencies will focus on and how to defend against becoming a target.

Speakers:

• Peter Fischer, Partner, Baker Hostetler
• Christian White, Counsel, BakerHostetler
• Dan Liang, EVP & General Counsel, HHM Hotels

Come enjoy a summer evening of lawn bowling with ACC MN colleagues, no experience required!

Learn a few helpful pointers beforehand here. We'll also have a game official on hand to teach participants how to play.

Games start promptly at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, July 30. Allow a few minutes to park and walk over to the rinks so you don't miss a minute of fun.

The event is free for ACC members and for first-time in-house counsel guests.

Thanks to our sponsor, Ballard Spahr!

Join ACC SFBA and our Sponsor, Faegre Drinker, for the 2025 Taste of Sonoma event, at the beautiful Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens for a VIP Group Experience!  Join other ACC SFBA members for a relaxing bus ride from San Francisco to Sonoma. After fun day at the winery, we will board the bus back to San Francisco.

Taste of Sonoma showcases Sonoma County’s renowned vintners and the bounty that Sonoma County has to offer in one immersive day. You'll taste wines from 100+ wineries, refuel with delicious bites and relax at themed lounges. The lineup will also include a walk-around wine tasting, guided tours, beer garden, premium wine experiences and more!

AGENDA

9:00am – Load bus in San Francisco (Four Embarcadero Center @ Drum St & Clay St)

10:30am – Arrive at winery

11:00am – 3:30pm – Taste of Sonoma Event

4:00pm – Load bus back to San Francisco

5:30pm - Arrive in San Francisco

*Tickets for ACC members are $60 and registration is non-refundable.

PRO BONO EVENT: LA Food Bank (Family Friendly - Minimum age is 5 yrs old)

IN-PERSON EVENT  Saturday, May 10, 2025 8:40 AM - 1:00 PM at 2300 Pellissier Pl, City of Industry, CA 90601

ACC-SoCal is excited to participate in the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank’s annual Food from the Bar campaign, a month-long fundraising and volunteering effort by law firms, law schools, legal services organizations, and bar associations. LA Food Bank has been mobilizing resources to fight hunger in LA County since 1973, and the Food Bank is now serving more than 900,000 individuals every month. This event will take place at LA Food Bank’s distribution center in City of Industry, which is a newer, larger location that plays a critical role in the Food Bank’s response to the LA Fires. What: Volunteers will be working in an assembly line fashion, and duties could include assembling and taping boxes, opening cases of food products, inserting items into the boxes, quality control checking, sealing boxes, stacking boxes onto pallets, breaking down boxes and tidying up the work area. LA Food Bank will match volunteers with jobs that suit their abilities. Where: 2300 Pellissier Place, City of Industry, CA 90601 When: Saturday, May 10 Please arrive around 8:45 AM for parking and check-in Volunteer shift is 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Parking is available on-site. This event is open to ACC members and their families. Community hour sign-off is available. Please wear your ACC shirt, comfortable clothes, and close-toed shoes. If you do not have an ACC shirt, please write your t-shirt size in the “Registration Note” section. RSVP as soon as possible since space is limited.

By registering for this event, I hereby voluntarily waive, discharge claims, and release from liability ACC-SoCal and its affiliates (“ACC”) from any and all claims resulting from my participation (and, if applicable, on behalf of my minor child and any guests for their participation) in this volunteer activity, and hereby agree to hold ACC harmless from any and all claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own or another person’s negligence while a participant in this volunteer activity. I understand this assumption of risk, waiver of liability and hold harmless agreement is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I also consent to the use of my image and name, and the image and name of any of my registered guests, by ACC in their publications, websites and productions.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
• Free parking is available on-site but it is limited.
• All volunteers are required to register individually and ahead of time; no walk-ins will be accepted.
• The minimum age requirement to volunteer is 5.

DRESS CODE:

• All volunteers must wear closed toe/closed heel shoes.
• Casual and comfortable attire is recommended.
  • Ex: t-shirt and jeans
  • For safety reasons, please no shorts or tank tops
• Mask are no longer required; however, are strongly recommended.
• Gloves will be provided on-site.

Please register with ACC and with the organization by CLICKING HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT

MUST SIGN UP BY MAY 5!

Sponsor: ACC Southern California Pro Bono Committee