ACCGP's Corporate Counsel University is a program geared toward in-house counsel who are new to in-house practice, while also offering introductory programs in general practice areas that may be of interest to more experienced lawyers.
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Registration
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
"Employment Law Trends New In-House Lawyers Can’t Ignore"
Presented by Fisher Phillips
This presentation provides a practical roadmap to the most significant employment law developments impacting in-house teams today—separating meaningful change from background noise. Designed for attorneys new to the in-house role, it focuses on how emerging trends affect day-to-day advice, policy decisions, and compliance strategies.
Key Takeaways:
- AI, automation, and algorithmic decision-making risks
- Pay transparency and wage equity developments
- Heightened scrutiny of DEI programs
- Social media, employee speech, and reputational risk
- Knowing when a “trend” requires action vs. monitoring
Speakers:
- Kelsey Schiappacasse, Partner, Fisher Phillips
- Michael Galey, Partner, Fisher Phillips
- Sandra McLelland, VP, Associate General Counsel – Global Employment and Labor Relations, MillerKnoll
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
"From the EEOC to the Workplace: Strategic Legal Support for HR in Investigations, Accommodations & Discrimination Claims"
Presented by Cozen O'Connor
As enforcement priorities shift and workplace expectations evolve, the role of general counsel in supporting human resources has never been more critical. This CLE provides a practical roadmap for in-house legal teams and HR professionals to partner more effectively in handling workplace investigations, accommodation requests, and discrimination complaints — all grounded in current EEOC focus areas and trends.
Starting with an analysis of the EEOC’s latest enforcement guidance and priority areas, the program translates federal enforcement signals into best practices for internal compliance, risk mitigation, and thoughtful management of complex employee issues.
Speakers:
- Dan Blanchard, Member, Cozen O’Connor
- Ben Shechtman, Member, Cozen O’Connor
- Dave Dambreville, Senior Vice President, Head of Legal, Power Home Remodeling
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Luncheon
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
"Protecting Competitive Advantage: Drafting and Enforcement of Restrictive Covenants"
Presented by Fisher Phillips
Restrictive covenant law is evolving rapidly, and in-house counsel needs to stay on top of these developments to protect goodwill and trade secrets while reducing litigation. This presentation will provide a practical framework for drafting, reviewing, and enforcing non-competes, non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality agreements, with a focus on key elements of enforceability, evolving standards of reasonableness, and consideration issues. In addition, we will address common drafting pitfalls and offer strategies for compliance for employers operating in multiple states.
Speakers:
- Andrew Gallinaro, Partner, Fisher Phillips
- Kathleen Laubenstein, Of Counsel, Fisher Phillips
- Aya Salem, General Counsel, FFF Enterprises
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
"Preventing and Defending Class Actions in the Age of Emerging Technology and AI"
Presented by Holland & Knight
As companies increasingly deploy website technologies to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency, they are also facing a new and evolving wave of class action litigation. This presentation explores the rapidly changing litigation landscape driven by emerging technologies—including AI-powered chatbots and AI-enabled interactive voice response (IVR) systems. We will examine current trends in class actions targeting these technologies, with a particular focus on claims alleging violations of consumer protection and wiretapping statutes. The presentation will also provide practical, defense-oriented guidance for companies deploying the AI technologies. Topics include how design choices, disclosures, and consent mechanisms can significantly impact litigation exposure. We will discuss how companies can proactively position themselves for defensibility—both to deter claims and to strengthen defenses when litigation arises — by aligning technology implementation with legal and compliance best practices. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how emerging technologies are reshaping class action risk, what plaintiffs are targeting today, and how organizations can responsibly innovate while mitigating legal exposure in an increasingly AI-driven environment.
Speakers:
- Paul Bond, Partner, Holland & Knight
- Kristen Ricci, Senior Counsel, Holland & Knight
- Dustin Martino, Assistant General Counsel, Aramark
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.