Eastern Daylight Time

Whether you’re new to in-house, looking to broaden your topical awareness, or just need to beat the August compliance deadline, we’re excited to offer you 6 CLEs of in-house topics.

The CLEs will be brought to you by the Chapter’s 2025 Bootcamp sponsors: Babst Calland; Cozen O'Connor; Duane Morris; Fisher Phillips; Fox Rothschild; Ogletree Deakins; Porter Wright; and Spilman Thomas & Battle.

Refresh, Recharge, and Reconnect at This Year's Conference!

In addition to a full day of engaging sessions and networking opportunities, we're excited to offer wellness perks and a celebratory close to your conference experience:

• Optional Morning Pilates/Zumba Session: Start your day with movement! Join us for a fun and energizing Pilates/Zumba session suitable for all fitness levels.
  What to bring/wear:  Comfortable clothing is recommended.  For Pilates, bare feet or socks work best.  For Zumba, please wear sneakers.
• Complimentary Chair Massages Over Lunch: Take a well-deserved break with a brief chair massage, offered during the lunch hour. A limited number of certified massage therapists will be on hand to help you unwind and recharge.
• Garden Party: ACC Western PA Chapter members are invited to wrap up the day with a relaxed and festive garden party! Enjoy light refreshments and appetizers and great networking in the beautiful outdoor Priory courtyard—perfect for unwinding and connecting with fellow attendees.

These experiences are included with your registration, but space is limited for some activities—be sure to reserve your spot early!

Event Schedule

Registration and Breakfast - 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

     Optional Pilates/Zumba Session - 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

     Donation drop offs accepted for Dress For Success.

Program - 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Lunch - 12:00 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

     Optional Chair Massages - 12:00 p.m. - 1:05 p.m. 

Program - 1:10 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Garden Party - 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

CLE

This program has been pre-approved for five hours of PA substantive CLE credit and one hour of PA ethics credit.

COST

ACC Members - Complimentary
Non-ACC Members - $50 ($50 discount off your first year dues if you become a member.)

PARKING
Complimentary parking is available in the outdoor lot across from the Grand Hall entrance on Nash Street.

Community Outreach ACC Western PA invites our members and all attendees to join us in supporting Dress For Success Pittsburgh in their mission to empower women who are entering and returning to the workforce across the region.

Most requested items this year are purses, reuseable shopping bags/totes, gently used or new closed-toe shoes and unripped jeans in all sizes.  You may drop off your donations at the registration table on the day of the program or contribute financially directly to the Dress For Success Pittsburgh organization or by purchasing much needed items off their Amazon wish list. 

Join us at Mercedes-Benz USA Headquarters for a panel discussion on how your organization can responsibly oversee artificial intelligence in the workplace. From how AI is currently being used to how it should be used, the conversation will explore opportunities to enhance professional practice, address legal and psychological implications, navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, and more.

Agenda

Lunch & Networking: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

CLE Presentation: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Featured Speakers

Pritesh Patel – Director of Artificial Intelligence, Fisher Phillips

Terri Stewart – Regional Managing Partner, Fisher Phillips

Michael Elkon – Partner and Co-Chair of the Employee Defection and Trade Secrets Practice Group, Fisher Phillips

CLE credit will be provided.

Space is limited - please register by Thursday, August 28 to reserve your spot!

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

IMPORTANT REMINDER: ACC GREATER PHILADELPHIA EVENTS ARE STRICTLY RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE IN-HOUSE COUNSEL and INVITED guests and sponsors.  ACCGP reserves the right to confirm eligible status of all event registrants and cancel unqualified registrations.  Click Here to learn more about & how to join ACC Greater Philadelphia.

Join ACC NCR's VetNet Affinity Group and Community Service Committee along with Bronze Sponsor, Fluet for a unique evening of service and networking.

Attendees will participate in a service project supporting Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit dedicated to expressing appreciation to our nation's heroes.  Attendees will pack care kits and write letters of thanks for deployed service members—followed by a networking reception with fellow legal professionals and veterans.

Schedule
3:30 - 4:00 pm - Arrival and registration
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Service Activity
5:00 – 6:30 pm - Networking Reception

“Navigating Talent Transitions: Legal and Practical Best Practices for Employee Onboarding and Offboarding”

As the competition for talent increases and the legal landscape around restrictive covenants and trade secret protections evolves, join us for a timely and interactive discussion focused on best practices for managing employee transitions.

We’ll cover key legal updates — including the latest developments on non-compete agreements — and explore practical strategies for aligning with other stakeholders, managing differences between single-site and distributed companies, and addressing administrative obstacles and best practices. 

Attendees will enjoy a buffet dinner during the roundtable discussion.  No CLE Credit will be offered for this program.

Discussion Leader:  Jonathan S. Krause, Partner, Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP

Jonathan is a co-chair of the Litigation Department. He represents employers in all aspects of employment and labor law, with a particular emphasis on trade secret/non-compete, whistleblower issues, wage and hour, and discrimination/harassment matters. Jonathan partners with clients to achieve their business goals while effectively mitigating risk and prides himself on achieving creative and practical results whether that means counseling clients on workforce issues through litigation if and when it arises.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: ACC GREATER PHILADELPHIA EVENTS ARE STRICTLY RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE IN-HOUSE COUNSEL and INVITED guests and sponsors.  ACCGP reserves the right to confirm eligible status of all event registrants and cancel unqualified registrations.  Click Here to learn more about & how to join ACC Greater Philadelphia.

Join ACCGP and Fisher Phillips for a Meet Your Counterparts at Citizens Bank Park!  This event includes a private reception with a traditional ballpark food in an All-Star Suite at 4:30 p.m. and a game against the Marlins at 6:05 p.m. 

Space is limited for this exclusive event, so please register early! Tickets will be distributed via the MLB app.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: ACC GREATER PHILADELPHIA EVENTS ARE STRICTLY RESERVED FOR ELIGIBLE IN-HOUSE COUNSEL and INVITED guests and sponsors.  ACCGP reserves the right to confirm eligible status of all event registrants and cancel unqualified registrations.  Click Here to learn more about & how to join ACC Greater Philadelphia.

AI and the Legal Profession:  A Responsible Approach to Adoption

A panel comprised of law firm professionals and in-house counsel will provide insight into how to evaluate, pilot and implement AI tools in a deliberate and process-driven manner.  The panelists will discuss best practices and how to embrace innovation without compromising quality of work or professional obligations to internal and external clients.  They also will exchange ideas on effective ways to champion positive results and promote widespread adoption

Presenters:

Mariette Clardy-Davis
Primerica

Celeste Gaines
McKesson

Regan Lemke
Polsinelli

Larissa Marshall
Polsinelli

Leslie F. Spasser
Polsinelli

CLE information
The following CLE credit is being sought:
Georgia: 1.0 Credit (1.0 General)

The Wellness Reset: A Holistic Approach to Boundaries, Balance, and Burnout Prevention for In-House Counsel

In the midst of constant demands and competing priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of your well-being. The Wellness Reset is an interactive virtual experience designed to help you pause with intention, reflect on what matters most, and reconnect with the areas of life that need attention. We’ll explore the multiple dimensions of wellness—emotional, relational, physical, and beyond—while uncovering how patterns like poor boundaries, chronic stress, or over-functioning might be impacting your ability to thrive. Through guided exercises and meaningful discussion, you’ll gain insight into the key dimensions of wellness, be able to assess your tailored self-care needs, and walk away with practical strategies to manage stress, buffer burnout, and lead a more balanced life. 

*The Florida Bar has approved this course for the following CLE credit:

1.0 General / 1.0 Mental Health & Wellness 

CONTRACTS & COMMERCIAL CLE WEBINARS

WEBINAR LINK:

https://accinhouse.zoom.us/j/94843318252

(Use the same Zoom Link for all three sessions)

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
"Mitigating Legal Risk When Contracting with Pro Se Parties: Preventive Strategies, Ethical Considerations, and Dispute Avoidance"
Presented by Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP

This presentation offers proactive strategies for engaging with pro se (self-represented) parties in a way that reduces the risk of future litigation. Attendees will learn how to identify and address potential legal pitfalls early in the negotiation and drafting stages—whether in business agreements, service contracts, or real estate transactions. The program will highlight common areas where misunderstandings with unrepresented parties can escalate into disputes and offer practical tools for enhancing clarity, fairness, and enforceability. Ethical responsibilities when dealing with pro se individuals will also be discussed, along with communication techniques and documentation practices that support both compliance and conflict avoidance. By focusing on prevention, this presentation equips practitioners to protect their clients while promoting smoother, lower-risk transactions.

Speakers:

• Alexandra Jacobs, Partner, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP
• Rachel Welsh, Associate, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP
• Sarah Sigurdson, Managing Counsel, Carfax

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"Joint Ventures and Limited Liability Companies – Don’t Get Deadlocked"
Presented by Stradley Ronon

Do your governing documents properly ensure that your joint venture or collaboration is able to withstand circumstances where the governing managers can’t agree on a path forward? Are the right people making the right decisions? Are you best positioned to avoid costly and protracted litigation or worse – stalemate. This program will focus on drafting tips for organizational and operating agreements to avoid deadlock down the road. Discussion will include tips and lessons learned from litigation.  

Speakers:

• Colin H. Cassedy, Managing Counsel, Stradley Ronon
• Lisa Jacobs, Partner, Stradley Ronon
• John C. Ungar, Corporate Counsel and Director of Planning, NewCourtland

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
"Managing Complex Commercial Contractual Disputes: Pre-litigation Considerations and Best Practices for Avoiding Litigation"
Presented by Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

This panel will discuss best practices for managing contractual disputes, including pre-litigation tips to avoid litigation and steps to take to protect your organization in the event of litigation. As sometimes litigation is unavoidable, the panel will also discuss best practices for managing the contractual dispute from the outset.

Speakers:

• Nicholas Verna, Associate Counsel, The Bancorp
• Stephanie Riley, Of Counsel, Womble Bond Dickinson
• Zachary Murphy, Associate, Womble Bond Dickinson