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In today's dynamic corporate environment, understanding the intricate balance between legal compliance and corporate governance is crucial. Effective governance is not just about adhering to regulations but also about fostering trust, transparency, and accountability within the organisation. 

Tackling the dual role of General Counsel (GC) and Company Secretary is a common ambition for in-house legal practitioners, but one that demands specific personal and professional skills to navigate a unique set of challenges, including the ability to manage potential conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality and prioritise a hefty workload.  

Whether you’ve just landed your first Company Secretary role or have ambitions for the future, this webcast will equip you with the knowledge and tools to excel in both capacities. 

Earn 1 CPD Point Over Lunch

Join us on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, at midday for a thought provoking 1-hour webcast on governance and the challenges of balancing being a GC with taking on the role of Company Secretary. 

Sharing advice for how GCs and aspiring Company Secretaries can prepare, our guest speakers Ilona Meyer, General Counsel and Company Secretary at Nuix, and former Company Secretary and General Counsel for Iris Energy, Billabong International and ME Bank, Joanna Brand, will join Law Squared Corporate + Commercial lawyer - and former GC and Company Secretary for Pepperstone, Georgie Gane, to discuss the importance of effective governance practices and strategic approaches to successfully fulfil both roles - without compromising on the quality or integrity of their responsibilities.

Hosted by Law Squared’s Chief Legal Officer, Kate Marshall, webcast highlights will include: 

   +  Mastering the Dual Challenge: Hear about the key responsibilities, challenges and priorities of being a Company Secretary from current and former GCs with real-world experience successfully balancing governance and compliance management. 

   +  Sphere of Influence: Understand the powerful interface between compliance and corporate governance and develop strategies for building influence and alignment between legal advice and governance practices.

   +  Beyond Legal: Understand the diverse and robust skills required (and the pathways for acquiring these skills), to balance the dual role, including strategic thinking, conflict management, ethical judgement, communications and increasingly, technological proficiency.  

   +  Build Role Clarity: Learn how to clearly define the responsibilities of a dual role and what boundaries might be needed to avoid conflicts of interest, build trust and manage workload. 

   +  Next Steps: Discover best practices for building trust with the board, providing strategic advice, and leveraging technology to streamline tasks. 

Who should watch this webcast? 

This webcast is a must-watch for all in-house legal practitioners who are embarking on, or aspiring to navigate the complexities of the important and challenging GC / Company Secretary dual role. 

Learning Outcomes:

After watching, viewers will:
- Understand the key responsibilities and distinctions of the General Counsel and Company Secretary roles.
- Learn techniques to clearly define responsibilities and set boundaries to balance dual roles effectively.
- Increase knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements and best practices in governance.
- Build skills to foster trust and maintain strong relationships with the board and other stakeholders.
- Master effective communication techniques for presenting complex issues to the board.
- Identify and assess risks from both legal and governance perspectives and learn strategies for mitigation.
- Acquire crisis management tips to ensure comprehensive coverage of both roles during emergencies.
- Discover technological tools that can streamline tasks, manage data, and enhance efficiency in the dual role.
- Identify actionable next steps and best practices for excelling in the dual role of GC and Company Secretary.

Free Entry!

ACC Australia, in partnership with G2Legal, would like to invite you to our celebratory End of Financial Year 2024 Drinks held at Cabana Bar, Sydney CBD at 6pm on Thursday 1 August 2024.

With great company, delicious canapes, music and flowing drinks, this promises to be a very popular social event and a great chance to catch up with your in-house legal colleagues and peers. 

Calling all pet lovers! 

In partnership with Justin Betar Lawyers and Notaries, we invite you and your furry four-legged friend, bird, turtle or other, to join us on a walk around Sydney Park, where you can meet other like-minded lawyers, take in the fresh winter air, and chat over a warm cup of tea or coffee at the Sydney Park Kiosk on Saturday 31 August 2024.

We can’t wait to see you there! Register now!

In this session, Brett Garth and Eve Dordhain discuss when legal professional privilege will attach to communications with in-house lawyers, and set out some simple and practical steps that can be taken by in-house lawyers to ensure that privilege is attracted and maintained.

The session will provide a quick refresher on the fundamentals of legal professional privilege, however the focus is on practical tips, tricks and traps to keep in mind when dealing with legal matters in-house.

The topics covered in this session include:
   +  the nature and purpose of legal professional privilege;
   +  what communications are privileged;
   +  how privilege may be lost;
   +  dealing with privilege issues arising in the course of a dispute/proceedings;
   +  special considerations for in-house lawyers;
   +  tips, tricks and traps – what to do and what not to do; and
   +  practical examples and case studies.

The CPD event will be followed by a some drinks to celebrate the end of the financial year and welcoming a new year with your in-house colleagues! 

To help you make the most of your membership, Brendan McGowan, our Senior Manager for Chapters and International Membership will take you on a little membership handbook tour.  He'll cover: 

MyACC Magic: Updating your mailing preferences, using the global membership directory, and making sure your details are up-to-date.

Australia Highlights: We've got events and resources that you'll want to know about.

Global Gatherings: From worldwide events to our Online Learning Portal, we’ll show you what’s happening globally.

ACC Resource Library: It's a treasure chest of information. We'll help you find what you need.

Network Navigation: Learn how to make the most of our Networks and Forums. It's a great way to connect with others.

Career Chat: Get some tips on boosting your career.

Any Questions?: If you have questions, we’ve got answers. Ask away!

No pressure at all, but it we’d love to meet you online!

To help you make the most of your membership, Brendan McGowan, our Senior Manager for Chapters and International Membership will take you on a little membership handbook tour.  He'll cover: 

MyACC Magic: Updating your mailing preferences, using the global membership directory, and making sure your details are up-to-date.

Australia Highlights: We've got events and resources that you'll want to know about.

Global Gatherings: From worldwide events to our Online Learning Portal, we’ll show you what’s happening globally.

ACC Resource Library: It's a treasure chest of information. We'll help you find what you need.

Network Navigation: Learn how to make the most of our Networks and Forums. It's a great way to connect with others.

Career Chat: Get some tips on boosting your career.

Any Questions?: If you have questions, we’ve got answers. Ask away!

No pressure at all, but it we’d love to meet you online!

To help you make the most of your membership, Brendan McGowan, our Senior Manager for Chapters and International Membership will take you on a little membership handbook tour.  He'll cover: 

MyACC Magic: Updating your mailing preferences, using the global membership directory, and making sure your details are up-to-date.

Australia Highlights: We've got events and resources that you'll want to know about.

Global Gatherings: From worldwide events to our Online Learning Portal, we’ll show you what’s happening globally.

ACC Resource Library: It's a treasure chest of information. We'll help you find what you need.

Network Navigation: Learn how to make the most of our Networks and Forums. It's a great way to connect with others.

Career Chat: Get some tips on boosting your career.

Any Questions?: If you have questions, we’ve got answers. Ask away!

No pressure at all, but it we’d love to meet you online!

Doors open at 12:30pm for a light lunch prior to event commencement; drinks and networking opportunities follow the 6pm finish.


With the legal landscape of employment legislation facing unprecedented change, ACC Australia in partnership with Baker McKenzie, Swaab, and Source, are delighted to announce that on 29 August we will be hosting a ½ day event in Sydney, commencing at 12:30pm AEST. 

With the regulatory and legislative landscape of employment law facing a number of significant changes, the relationship between in-house legal teams and in-house HR teams is becoming more important and the lines of responsibility are blurring.

The 2024 Employment Law Event, hosted by ACC Australia’s Lori Middlehurst, Senior Director, APAC Employment Law, Salesforce, Inc., in partnership with Baker McKenzie, Source, and Swaab will bring together experts to share key insights into the latest series of legislative changes.


Program

AMAZING DEALS AVAILABLE!

Below are two special deals we currently have on offer, in conjunction with purchasing a "Cracking the Code" ticket.  These offers are time-restricted so register soon, so as not to miss out!

Special Non-Member Bundle:
For those who aren’t ACC Australia members we’re offering a special bundle: A ticket to the "Cracking the Code" event combined with a discounted, one year, ACC membership for just $450.*

Members Only: Exclusive NatCon Offer
As an ACC Australia member, and attendee of our "Cracking the Code" event, we are offering you an exclusive offer to attend the ACC Australia 2024 In-house Legal National Conference from 13-15 November 2024, for just $1400, a saving of $350. Register by 30 August 2024 to secure this discounted rate; the discount code will be included in your registration confirmation. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! 

*For eligible non ACC members. Includes 12-months membership. This registration type is for in-house lawyers working in the corporate, not for profit or government sector who are not current financial members of ACC Australia but want to become an ACC member. For new members only. This package includes 12 month ACC Annual Membership. To see all the benefits of becoming an ACC member please click here.