THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN POSTPONED - IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE.  PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES.

Pathways to Success: Corporate Counsel Partner with Milwaukee Law Firms on Lawyer Diversity

Wisconsin, like many states, has struggled to attract diverse business professionals to work in the state. The legal industry has experienced this struggle along with other Wisconsin-based businesses. Corporate general counsel in Wisconsin have launched an effort to examine this issue, partnering with a large Wisconsin university to collect and evaluate consistent, baseline data from their own legal departments and Milwaukee-based law firms, with a goal of using that information as a starting point in a collaborative effort to make substantive change. Our panel will discuss the efforts that have taken place to date and will examine ways that the ACC-Wisconsin members can engage in this effort, including by partnering with their own outside counsel.

The ultimate goal is to create pathways for success that can attract and retain diverse legal professionals in rewarding careers in Wisconsin.

Moderator:
Cornell Boggs
Of Counsel, Senior Strategic Advisor
Quarles & Brady LLP

Panelists:
Margaret (Peggy) C. Kelsey
Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
WEC Energy Group

Natalie Maciolek
Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Kohler Co.

Now more than ever it is critical for in-house lawyers to show their value, along with that of the legal department. A critical skill is being able to speak the language of business – numbers. While you may not need an MBA, you can definitely show how much of a superstar you are if you know the basics of corporate finance.

What you’ll learn:
•    The basics of corporate finance;
•    The difference between a cash flow statement, balance sheet, and P&L;
•    Key terms and important formulas that give insight into how the business is operating;
•    A lot more!

This is also a great refresher for those of us who are already familiar with the basics.

Hear Jeff’s Story, See the Distillery and Join in a Manhattan Cocktail Class

THIS EVENT RUNS FROM 5:00-6:30PM CENTRAL

Who doesn’t like kicking back with a tasty libation? Jeff Yosowitz and Bob Windy do. After meeting on a camping trip years ago while ACC member Jeff practiced in a traditional corporate attorney setting, the duo started making wine together. Winemaking evolved into brandy. Before long, Jeff and Bob founded their distillery Star Union Spirits in Peru, Illinois, near Starved Rock State Park.

Ever since they cut the ribbon and opened their doors, Star Union Spirits has distinguished themselves with their award-winning brandies and rums. From the raw materials to their ornate labels, the Illinois distillery ensures every facet of their process fosters unique and unexpected qualities in their small batch spirits and craft cocktails.

Keeping a piece of their winemaking roots, Star Union Spirits still uses the early-20th century wine press Jeff and Bob used. They shape their spirits using pure limestone water, fresh fruits, local grains, and a custom built still.  Twice a year Star Union Spirits sources their Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, from South America in the Spring, and California in the Fall. The grapes' essence runs through the buttery brandy. Aged in toasted American oak barrels, Single Barrel Immature Cabernet Sauvignon Brandy is accentuated with tones of caramel.  As their tag line reads, Invigorate, Libate, Inclinate!

ACC Houston Data Privacy & Security Practice Group CLE Webinar
Handling Data, IP Rights, and Cybersecurity Requirements Under Government Contracts
April 27, 2021 | 12-1 PM | 1.00 Hours CLE Credit (TX) | Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson

Safeguarding data is just as, and maybe more depending on the application, important when dealing with U.S. Government data.  As such, the Government is transitioning to a new set of regulations to ensure that its contractors are adequately safeguarding defense information.  We will discuss the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (“CMMC”).  We will also discuss other acquisition restrictions the Government has implemented in response to cyber-attacks, and how to protect your company’s IP rights in the data when doing business with the Government.

ACC Houston Half Day CLE Seminar: Employment Law 2021
What in-house counsel need to know in this pivotal year
April 29, 2021 | 1-5 PM | 3.50 Hours CLE Credit – Includes .50 Hours Ethics Credit (TX)
Sponsored by Hunton Andrews Kurth

Join top law firm and in-house counsel subject matter experts as we discuss the most important labor and employment law issues facing employers in 2021.  We will cover not only the legal but also the practical aspects of what all in-house counsel will want to know in this pivotal year.  Our topics will range from return to work/work from home issues to the latest changes in the law and expected hot legal issues in 2021.  CLE credit, ethics credit, and virtual networking time will be included.

Agenda:

Welcome and Introduction (5 min) – 1:00-1:05 PM CT

• Scott Nelson, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth – Event Moderator and Host
• Kim Pilcher, Executive Counsel, U.S. Labor & Employment Law, Exxon Mobil – Event Host

Session 1:  Returning to work, working from home, or some flexible combination?  Issues employers will need to address.  (45 min) – 1:05-1:50 PM CT

• Scott Nelson, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth – Moderator
• Kim Pilcher, Executive Counsel, U.S. Labor & Employment Law, Exxon Mobil
• David Comeaux, Chief Counsel - Employment and Benefits Law Group, McKesson Corporation
• Susan Wiltsie, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• Savannah Gibbs, Associate, Hunton Andrews Kurth

Session 2:  Hot Employment Law Issues in 2021 (60 min) – 1:50-2:50 PM CT

• Holly Williamson, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth – #metoo Returns to Work
• Michael Reed, Associate, Hunton Andrews Kurth – New Cannabis Laws and Drug Testing
• Latasha McDade, Senior Counsel, Exxon Mobil – Layoffs
• Marshall Horton, Associate, Hunton Andrews Kurth – Independent Contractor/Joint Employer Issues and the New Administration
• Victor Wright, Director, Global Labor & Employment Law, KBR Inc. – FLSA Collective Actions After the Recent Swales Ruling
• Crawford LeBouef, Associate, Hunton Andrews Kurth – The Future of Day Rate Pay in the Fifth Circuit

(10 min break) - 2:50-3:00 PM CT

Session 3:  The Rapid Rise in Employee Benefits Litigation and New Trends You Need to Know (20 min) – 3:00-3:20 PM CT

• Scott Nelson, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• John Shely, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth

Session 4:  Emerging Design Considerations in Executive Compensation:  Diversity & Inclusion, Human Capital, and Change of Control (20 min) – 3:20-3:40 PM CT

• Tony Eppert, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• Drake Frazier, Senior Counsel-Benefits and Data Privacy/Security, ConocoPhillips Company

Session 5:  Whether Unionized or Not, Traditional Labor Law Issues Facing All Workplaces (20 min) – 3:40-4:00 PM CT

• Amber Rogers, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• Alan Marcuis, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• Jennifer Jones, Managing Counsel – Labor & Employment Advocacy & Partnership (LEAP), Toyota

Session 6:  Privilege and Ethics Issues When Conducting Internal Employee Investigations (30 min – Ethics) – 4:00-4:30 PM CT

• Emily Burkhardt Vicente, Partner, Co-Chair Labor and Employment, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• Kevin White, Partner, Co-Chair Labor and Employment, Hunton Andrews Kurth
• Elizabeth Hawkins, General Counsel, SESCO

Session 7:  Social/Networking (30 min) – 4:30-5:00 PM CT

• Stay online and connected to participate in breakout rooms for networking and Q&A with other attendees and panelists.

Total time:  3.5 CLE hours (0.5 Ethics) with an additional 30 minutes of networking

Join us for an informational discussion on pending Texas House Bill 1875 on the creation of Business Courts in Texas. For the first time, all of Texas ACC members are invited to attend a webinar CLE together, thanks to the sponsorship of The Texas Lawbook. 

With the goals of improving efficiency, predictability, and avoidance of pandemic-related delay in complex commercial litigations and fostering business in Texas, HB 1875 proposes that Texas join Delaware and 28 other states and create specialized business courts to handle sophisticated business litigations. Key panelists will be discussing the pros and cons of HB 1875 with moderator Mark Curriden of The Texas Lawbook. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions when they register, to be considered by the panelists.

Digital technologies (including AI, apps, connected devices, and blockchain) are revolutionizing entire industries and creating new opportunities. But with them comes new rules and different legal issues and risks. Exercising digital diligence helps to ensure that companies will navigate these issues effectively, mitigate risks, and maximize likelihood of achieving success.
 
This program is intended for any company using or intending to use digital technologies including startups and traditional companies pivoting to digital. It touches on issues of IP, data management and security, regulatory compliance, AI/software concerns, and best practices and strategy.