Eastern Daylight Time

ACC Georgia Business Litigation Summit

March 26, 2025

Cobb Chamber
1100 Circle 75 Pkwy #1000
Atlanta, GA 30339

Agenda:

Lunch & Check-in: Noon - 12:45 PM 

IP Enforcement in the Online Marketplace: 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Who Gets the Check? Recovering Fees & Expenses in Affirmative Litigation (or Never Paying Them at All) 1:55 PM - 2:55 PM

Navigating Litigation When the Government is Involved: 3:05 PM - 4:05 PM

Cocktail reception: 4:05 PM - 5:00 PM

IP Enforcement in the Online Marketplace

Many of the largest online retailers, including Amazon, Temu, and Walmart, have developed mechanisms allowing companies to enforce their IP rights against copycat infringers without entering into litigation.  We will explore the enforcement mechanisms offered by these online retailers and the benefits and legal challenges experienced in enforcing IP rights in the online marketplace. 

Who Gets the Check? Recovering Fees & Expenses in Affirmative Litigation (or Never Paying Them at All)

This program will provide tools to help companies best enforce their rights while driving revenue from their legal departments.  The panel will first give an overview of corporate recovery opportunities. Then they will discuss various tools available to cover or recover attorneys’ fees, expenses, and other costs of litigation.  Topics will include:  contract provisions; Georgia and Federal statutes; fee arrangements; and litigation finance. 

Navigating Litigation When the Government is Involved

Litigation is always complicated, but litigation involving the government introduces complexity that the standard litigation playbook doesn’t cover.  This program will help prepare you to advance your company’s interests when federal, state, or local governments get involved, using real-world examples to demonstrate best practices and business-oriented solutions.

In this program, the panel will discuss recent developments in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) government contracting programs affecting both small and large contractors.  Topics will include:

• The future of SBA programs under the Administration, including the 8(a) and HUBZone programs;
• SBA’s new recertification rule, which impacts both small and large businesses that may be involved in acquisitions involving small business set-aside contracts;  
• Potential changes to the rules governing mentor-protégé joint ventures; and
• Updates to the small business subcontracting program.

Speakers: John Prairie and George Petel, Partners at Wiley Rein, and Chelsea Knudson, Assistant General Counsel at Leidos.

1.5 Hours of VA MCLE approved.

ETHICS & COMPLIANCE CLE WEBINARS

WEBINAR LINK:

https://accinhouse.zoom.us/j/97085731372

(Use the same Zoom Link for all three sessions)

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
"Recent Developments and Important Considerations in Asserting the Attorney-Client Privilege"
Presented by Ballard Spahr

Current issues, developments and considerations for in-house counsel concerning the attorney-client privilege.  Included in this would be discussion of the scope of ACP under current caselaw and in light of recent decisions; determining who is the “client”; and preservation of privilege in the contact of vendor relationships.

Speakers:

• Terence Grugan, Partner, Ballard Spahr
• Matthew Smith, Ballard Spahr
• Jaime Skinner, General Counsel, Brenntag NA

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"Crisis Mode: Best Practices for Ethical Client Communication And Attorney-Client Privilege In a Crisis"
Presented by Dechert LLP

In a crisis, how do you maintain attorney-client privilege when there are multiple stakeholders?  This CLE course delves into the best practices for maintaining clear, honest, and effective communication with clients, particularly in times of crisis. Participants will explore strategies for managing communications with multiple stakeholders, maintaining attorney-client privilege, and best practices for retaining PR firms. The course will also cover the ethical implications of communication methods, including email and other digital platforms, and provide practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls. By the end of the session, attorneys will be equipped with the tools to enhance interactions with clients, PR firms, and consultants, while upholding their ethical obligations.

Speakers:

• May Chiang, Partner, Dechert LLP
• Thomas Cordova, Senior Counsel, GSK
• Stephen Helvin, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel - Ethics & Investigations, Verizon

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
"Ethical Oversight and Best Practices: AI Integration in Compliance Departments"
Presented by Troutman Pepper Locke

Compliance departments face new ethical challenges and responsibilities as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into corporate operations.  This session will explore the critical need for AI use guidelines and oversight, including how to implement robust policies, procedures, and best practices. The discussion will also cover how compliance departments can leverage AI to enhance their functions and strategies in this evolving landscape.

Speakers:

• Hyung P. Steele, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke
• Abigail Hazlett, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke
• Jeffrey Scott, Lead Compliance Counsel - Digital, Reporting, and Analytics, Pfizer, Inc.

CAREER MANAGEMENT WEBINAR

WEBINAR LINK:

https://accinhouse.zoom.us/j/98231925672

"Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth & Professional Visibility"

In today’s digital-first world, a strong LinkedIn presence is essential for career growth, networking, and business development. This session will cover key strategies to enhance your profile, build meaningful connections, and leverage LinkedIn’s tools for visibility and engagement. Whether you're actively job-seeking or looking to strengthen your industry presence, you'll walk away with actionable steps to elevate your LinkedIn strategy.

Speaker:

Richard Bliss is the CEO of BlissPoint Consulting and a distinguished figure in LinkedIn training and social selling. Named as one of LinkedIn's Top Voices in Sales, Richard brings exceptional expertise having trained organizations across 22 countries. His company, BlissPoint Consulting, has been recognized as the #1 LinkedIn Sales Training Company, making him an ideal partner for elevating your social branding capabilities.

In advance of the The Global Women in Law & Leadership Symposium & Honors Dinner in the Delegates Dining Room at the UN on June 18th,  the ACC Foundation is excited to host a week of complimentary virtual programing that will explore the issues confronting women in the workplace, celebrate their achievements and contributions in law and business, and offer strategies and solutions for further advancement. This programing will focus on career strategies, leadership, mentoring/sponsorship, and wellness, and is open to all - registration is required.

Please join us for an ACC NCR Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Affinity Group networking dinner.  We invite you to join us to network, enjoy great food, and talk about the upcoming year with the co-chairs.  All are welcome, whether you self-identify as South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, or any other member of the Asian community, have intersecting identities, or just want to support the group.  We look forward to connecting with you!

JOIN OUR 2025 ACC NCR Lawyers Have Heart Team

Mark your Calendars!

Saturday, May 17, 2025

In-Person race registration ends on May 12.

In DC at West Potomac Park or join our Richmond Meet-Up on that same day!

Do you like to run?  Do you like to walk? Do you like supporting a great cause?

We are excited to announce that the 35th Lawyers Have Heart 10k, 5k, and Fun Walk will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Fun Fact: The race originated in 1991 in response to a Washingtonian magazine portraying DC's legal community as “heartless,” and showing that lawyers, in fact, do have heart.

Why join us?

• You will support a great cause: By registering, you'll be helping the American Heart Association raise money for important scientific research. To reach team goals, we kindly ask that you consider a $100 donation at the time of registration that goes to helping cure heart disease and stroke.

• It is flexible and open for everyone: With in-person or virtual options, Join us for a fun-filled run or walk or participate virtually from anywhere in the world. 

• You can connect with fellow ACC NCR members: Join us for a meet up before the race. Be part of a supportive community and share your training journey, provide encouragement, and join monthly challenges by joining us on the Strava fitness app .

Ready to make a difference? Register now at Join ACC National Capital Region.

Unable to participate? Click here to make a donation to the ACC NCR team.

May 12 is the last day to register online.  There will be NO REGISTRATION on the day of the race.  

The festival opens at 6:30am

Visit our FAQ for more Information, including parking, transportation, etc.

With no geographic boundaries for virtual participants, we would love for you to recruit your colleagues, family, and friends to join our team. 

We can't wait to see you there!

Your ACC NCR Lawyers Have Heart Team Captain– Mitch Bashur