ACC CLE
Legal Updates & Libations: 
Happy Hour and CLE
Non-Competes, Trump Shake-Ups, Class Actions, 
Unions, and DEI

 

Thursday, September 18^th 
1801 California Street, Suite 3400, Denver, CO 80202 

Members: No Charge | Non-Members: $10 
One (1) General CLE & One (1) DEI CLE Credit Approved. 

CLE: Located in Main Level of Building 3-5PM | Cocktail Reception: Suite #3400 5-7PM

Parking
Parking validations will be available for 1801 Building garage.

AGENDA  

Introduction and Brief Discussion on Restrictive Covenants in Colorado  (3:00 – 3:10)

• Speaker: Chuck Weese

Defending Class Actions in Federal Court (3:10- 3:30)

This session will highlight practical strategies for defending class actions in federal court, with a focus on leveraging pretrial procedures to narrow claims, defeat class certification, and limit class membership.  

• Speakers: Mairead Dolan and Rena Meisler

Unions and Emerging Trends (3:30-3:50)

This session will examine what’s happening at the National Labor Relations Board and will include a lively discussion about the uptick in unionization, emerging trends, tactics, and insights directly from the Acting General Counsel and current Board Members.  

• Speakers: Bronwyn Pepple and Gavin Jacobs

Trump’s Effect on Federal Agencies (3:50-4:10)

This session will discuss the effects on federal agencies of the new administration and new agency leadership, including a willingness to be more action-oriented and less hesitant, at least on issues that are important to the administration, and willingness to take risks and adopt new and untested legal interpretations and positions.

• Speakers: John Bernetich and Chuck Weese

 U.S. vs DEI (4:10-4:40)

“U.S. vs. DEI” will be a discussion on examining the current administration’s executive orders, agency actions, and litigation reshaping diversity, equity, and inclusion nationwide.

• Speakers: Liz Austin and Greg Tan

Guest Speaker: Q&A with U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Starnella with moderator Carlos Romo (4:40-5:00)
This session will be a candid Q&A and discussion covering topics such as DEI in the federal courts, related litigation, and the use of AI in the courtroom. 

PROGRAM TAKEAWAYS

• Federal Agencies and Court: Discussions on how organizations must prepare to defend against class actions in federal court, as well as how Trump created a new chapter in federal agencies, and how that could affect legal interpretations and positions. 
• Labor and Employment Landscape Is Evolving: Discussion on the rise in union activity and why it’s needed for employers to understand emerging labor trends and regulatory priorities.
• The New DEI: Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are facing increased legal and political challenges due to recent executive actions and litigation, signaling a need for organizations to reassess their DEI strategies in light of shifting federal priorities. 

ACC After Hours: 
Navigating Colorado’s 2025 Labor & Employment Landscape
Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 5:30PM - 9PM 
One (1) CLE Credit Approved. 

COOHILLS RESTAURANT | 1400 Wewatta | Downtown Denver

AGENDA 
5:30PM 
Registration, Networking, Happy Hour Beverages & Hearty Bites
6:00PM 
Labor & Employment CLE Program 
7PM - 9PM
More Beverages, Bites & Networking 

REGISTER NOW 

Members: $20 | Non-members $35

Join ACC Sponsor Littler for an exclusive evening of insight, strategy, and connection where we’ll explore the most pressing labor and employment law developments shaping the business environment in Denver and across Colorado in 2025. This engaging presentation will cover: 

• Navigating the evolving interplay between Colorado and federal law
• How to establish lawful Inclusion, Equity & Diversity programs and initiatives
• Leave and accommodation issues, with a focus on remote work and mental health related accommodation requests
• Latest developments in restrictive covenants

Whether you're navigating compliance, advising on policy, or preparing for litigation, this event will equip you with the knowledge and foresight to lead confidently in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

SPEAKERS:

David Gartenberg, Office Managing Shareholder, Littler

Laurie Rust, Shareholder, Littler

Tom Carroll, Shareholder, Littler 

Grace McGuire, Special Counsel, Littler 

Complimentary parking available in 1401 Wynkoop Parking Garage.

 

ACC Colorado Legal Recharge:
Come for the CLE, Stay for the Relaxation
 
CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT UPDATE 2024:
The Government in Your Business

1801 Wewatta St, Suite 1000 | Downtown Denver
Thursday, April 11, 2024 | 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Complimentary parking provided - details to follow.

One (1) CLE Credit Pending

 

REGISTER NOW!

 AGENDA
4:30 pm
Registration & Networking on the 10th Floor
5:00 pm
CLE Program: CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT UPDATE 2024
6:00 pm
Reception immediately following featuring connection building with your ACC Colleagues and the HB team, sweet and savory treats, cocktails and mocktails, and relaxing chair massages provided by Elevate Massage Company!   

Join Husch Blackwell for this engaging session about the Corporate Transparency Act (the legal and the practical).
 
The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) was enacted by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act to combat money-laundering conducted through created shell companies and became effective January 1, 2024. The CTA requires small and otherwise unregulated entities formed in the U.S. (or accessing U.S. markets) to report “beneficial owner” information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

On March 1, a federal court in Alabama found that the CTA was unconstitutional, and on March 4, FinCEN provided a response through an official notice.

This presentation will:

• Discuss the background and reporting requirements under the CTA
• Provide a timely update on the recent court decision, FinCEN’s response, and what this may mean for your business going forward
• Focus on the areas in which the panelists see more and more of the Government in your business

  HUSCH BLACKWELL PRESENTERS:

	Barbara A. Grandjean, Office Managing Partner - Denver Barb represents employers inside and outside the courtroom. She consults proactively with employers regarding workforce development and management issues based on her 25+ years of experience.  On any given day, she may be providing pragmatic advice on topics such as hiring; discipline and terminations; harassment, discrimination, and retaliation; privacy and social media; medical and non-medical leave; reductions in force; executive employment; wage and hour matters; drug testing and cannabis; and employment handbooks, policies. and training. As a leader of the firm’s Pay Equity team, Barb has overseen numerous multi-state and federal pay equity audits which can provide employers with defenses to the increasing numbers of pay-related claims across the country.
	Steve Levine, Partner The leader of Husch Blackwell’s Food Systems industry unit, Steve co-leads the firm’s national cannabis practice. As head of the firm’s Food Systems industry unit, Steve leads more than 50 professionals from numerous practice areas focused on the various food and agriculture industries. He excels in bringing innovative, cost-effective answers to the various challenges that our clients face, and he is especially passionate about working with new industries or industry disruptors. Steve’s gift for developing creative solutions to new problems makes him a perfect fit for fresh and rapidly growing industries. Since 2009, his major focus has been on the burgeoning cannabis industry, where he guides clients through the tangle of shifting regulations governing the sale and use of cannabis in both the marijuana and industrial hemp sectors across the nation.
	Chris C. Sundberg, Partner Chris concentrates his practice in commercial contracting and providing guidance on regulatory matters. Chris drafts, negotiates and manages complex commercial contracts for ongoing business operations. He manages large books of procurement contracts for clients that range from financial services to consumer goods to heavy equipment sales. Interacting with clients, he advises them on strategic contract positions and successfully negotiates those positions to further client business goals. Chris also assists with corporate formation, governance and structuring and handles mergers and acquisitions across numerous industries. With a deep background in aviation, Chris often represents commercial airline and business aviation clients. He provides advice on the purchase, sale and lease of aircraft and he drafts agreements for the maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines. Chris also offers federal regulatory guidance to aviation-related clients, including air carriers and airports, on matters related to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
	Yuefan Wang, Partner Yuefan guides clients through complex corporate transactions, with a focus on the cannabis sector and private equity. Yuefan also advises on compliance with the new Corporate Transparency Act. Yuefan has experience representing large corporations, multinational companies, and investors in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, equity financings, and complex commercial agreements in both the U.S. and China. Having worked extensively in the agribusiness, life sciences and energy industries, he currently focuses his practice on cannabis and industrial hemp. Clients appreciate his guidance through this ever-changing regulatory environment and the unprecedented opportunities of today’s market landscape. Yuefan especially enjoys the intricacies of drafting complicated deal documents tailored to the particular business transaction envisioned by the client, instead of offering a one-size-fits all approach.

 

 

Folsom Field | Boulder, CO | Home of the Colorado Buffaloes
 

Saturday, September 6th | Touchdown Club

12:30pm Club Access | Kickoff: 1:30pm

 

ACC SPONSOR SNELL & WILMER INVITES ACC TO SPEND A BEAUTIFUL BOULDER SEPTEMBER AFTERNOON 
WITH COACH PRIME & THE BUFFS IN THE FOLSOM FIELD TOUCHDOWN CLUB! TICKET INCLUDES FOOD & BEVERAGES.
IMPORTANT:
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING IS ALL ON-YOUR-OWN (PLAN AHEAD) 
GAME DAY IN BOULDER IS LIKE NO OTHER 
UNLESS YOU ARE A BOULDER RESIDENT NEAR FOLSOM FIELD
 MAKE SURE YOUR GAME DAY PLAN INCLUDES A PARKING OPTION (OR RTD/RIDESHARE) 

DIRECTIONS 
Once you park, take Colorado Avenue (at the bottom of the map below) until you reach Buff Walk.
Head north on Buff Walk and enter through the "Buff Walk North Entrance" (highlighted in yellow on the map).
After your ticket is scanned, continue walking north until you reach the Champions Center, then turn left.
Tickets distributed electronically in advance of Game Day!

MORE PARKING DETAILS

Parking is available on campus but is very limited. You’ll need to arrive on campus at least an hour before kickoff. 
The  CU website is a resource for parking information.

Buses
It’s usually easier to park your car off campus and ride one of these routes to and from the game.

Free Bus: From East Campus: Park off Colorado Avenue & Discovery Drive, for $20 Text to Pay after you park. A free shuttle to/from the stadium begins three hours prior to kick-off and runs for one hour after the game ends. Details pending. Map area HERE

The HOP: Take the HOP bus to campus, which is $3 for a 3-hour pass. Park at Twenty Ninth Street shopping center or other spots along the route.

Flatiron Flyer: If you're coming from Denver, you can take the RTD bus called the Flatiron Flyer (FF1) and disembark at Broadway and Euclid in Boulder. From there, it is a half-mile walk to the stadium.
 

PLAN AHEAD | #GOBUFFS

FROM SIDELINES TO THE SUITE: 
A GC's PLAYBOOK 

EMPOWER FIELD CLE, PRIVATE TOUR & RECEPTION 

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 | 4:30PM - 7:00PM
EMPOWER FIELD AT MILE HIGH | 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204
 

SOLD OUT!
 

Members: $15 | Non-Members: $25 | One (1) General CLE Credit Approved

AGENDA
4:30PM Registration & Networking
5:00PM CLE Program
5:50PM Private Stadium Tour
6:20PM Reception & Networking 

What’s it like to go from law firm partner to the top legal seat in a professional sports organization? 

Tim Aragon, General Counsel of the Denver Broncos, will give ACC Colorado a look into his move in-house and the legal complexities of a major sports franchise. With Jon Watson of Spencer Fane moderating, this CLE will blend practical insights with interesting anecdotes. Attendees will discover an inside perspective on making the shift from law firm to serving as in-house counsel and behind-the-scenes look at a unique legal landscape.

Immediately following CLE program, stick around for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and ACC networking!

SPEAKERS

Tim Aragon, General Counsel, Denver Broncos 
Tim Aragon serves as general counsel for the Denver Broncos and is an active member of the Denver community with more than two decades of experience, Tim joined the Broncos after spending years with the global law firm Hogan Lovells. Most recently, he was Denver office managing partner on Hogan Lovells' Americas-region leadership team while holding various civic board positions, including with the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Jon Watson, Partner, Spencer Fane 
Jonathon (Jon) Watson represents clients with a singular focus: to serve as a solutions-oriented business partner for employers facing labor and employment issues. What sets Jon apart is his drive to learn clients’ businesses and to give advice based on their unique circumstances and strategic priorities. Jon does more than simply tell clients what “can” and “cannot” be done; he helps clients assess and balance risk to meet each challenge. With a local and national practice, Jon assists businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies to mitigate risk and deliver results that align with their specific business operations.
 

COMPLIMENTARY PARKING (LOT C) & ENTER AT GATE 2

BEFORE YOU GO:

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ATTEND

 

THINKING ABOUT JOINING ACC COLORADO OR 
KNOW SOMEONE WHO SHOULD?
 

There's no better time than right now!

ACC COLORADO 
New Memberships Discount

Use code CHP50 for a $50 discount 
on a NEW ACC Colorado membership!
(new members only)
Must be qualified In-House Counsel to Join
Expires July 31, 2025

Questions: membership@acc.com 
 

OFFER EXTENDED TO JULY 31, 2025

REGISTRATION FULL!

2025 Nonprofit Legal Audit Clinic: Sponsored by
Colorado Lawyers Committee of Colorado 

Nonprofit Legal Audit Clinic 
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 8:30am to 1:30 pm
DAVIS GRAHAM
3400 Walnut | Suite 700
New address!

This half-day program includes a free 2 hour CLE on nonprofit law, followed by meetings where teams of transactional lawyers review a checklist with representatives from small nonprofits to evaluate their organizations’ legal health.' 
 

ACC Mountain West Chapter Best Practices Roundtable CLE

CHG Healthcare Services | 7259 Bingham Jct Blvd., Murray, UT 84047

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 8:00-1:30

8 to 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Networking

8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – The Evolving Role of the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel

• Beyond traditional legal duties and responsibilities
• Setting and executing business strategy
• Defining reporting relationships – with the CEO, Board

Courtland Astill, General Counsel Traeger
Christina Hardesty, Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Amalgamated Sugar
Adelaide Maudsley, General Counsel, ALSCO
Michael P. Petrogeorge, Vice President & General Counsel, Management Training Corporation
Bruce H. White, Shareholder, Parsons Behle & Latimer
 
9:40 to 10:40 a.m. – 2025 Employment Law Update
Mark and Jesse will summarize the most important employment law developments for Utah employers over the last year. Their presentation will highlight Utah legislative updates, caselaw developments, President Trump’s employment-related Executive Orders and related agency action and litigation trends.

Jesse Oakeson, Vice President of Corporate Legal Affairs, Myriad Genetics
Mark D. Tolman, Shareholder, Parsons Behle & Latimer
 
10:50 to 11:50 a.m. – The Ethical Gauntlet – Navigating AI Risks and Professional Responsibilities
Alex and Alexander will provide a deep dive into the specific ethical rules and practical risks lawyers, especially in-house counsel, must manage.

Alex B. Leeman, General Counsel and Shareholder, Parsons Behle & Latimer
Alexander Sun Chang, Associate, Parsons Behle & Latimer
 
Noon to 1 p.m. – Dos and Don’ts of Contracts: Mitigating Litigation Risk

Our panel will discuss common contract best practices and provide tips on how to effectively prepare contracts and mitigate litigation exposure.

Panelists:

Adam D. Ott, Shareholder, Parsons Behle & Latimer, 

Jason S. Nichols, Shareholder, Parsons Behle & Latimer,

 Sarah Jenkins Dewey, Associate, Parsons Behle & Latimer

1 to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch and Networking

Thursday, July 24, 2025  | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

One (1) CLE Credit pending!

TAVERNETTA RESTAURANT 
1889 16th Street Mall

$20 Members | $30 Non-Members
One (1) CLE Credit Available. 

Investigation Pitfalls and Pratfalls: 
Workplace Investigation Mistakes that will Sink Your Case

Join two experienced workplace investigators for a lively discussion of all the various ways that you (or your investigator) can compromise your workplace case.  This session presents a cautionary tale that you will come away from with practical tools enabling you to identify red flags, head mistakes off at the pass, and bypass workplace investigation mistakes that will plague you in your efforts to defend your organization from claims of misconduct. Register and enjoy a delightful lunch with ACC colleagues and carry away practical workplace investigation information. 

Guests will leave with further insight into:

• Top mistakes to avoid making in workplace investigations
• When and how to work with a third-party investigator
• 2025 trends in emerging employment claims

Register for this informative workplace programming, free valet parking, and lunch in a member restaurant of the  James Beard award-winning and Michelin-starred Frasca Hospitality Family. 

PANELISTS

 
Liz Rita
Senior Partner, Senior Attorney Investigator
Liz has been an investigator even before she knew that was to be her life’s work. She read every Nancy Drew book as a kid, as soon as it came out, which may have been a clue about where her professional life would take her. Read more.

Anne Rooney McCord, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PI, AWI-CH 
Senior Partner, Senior Investigator
Anne has dedicated her career to building transformational work cultures that drive business results. She has over 20 years of Executive-level Human Resources experience in the high tech, start up and non-profit worlds and brings a client-centered vantage point to the ILG team. Read more.

DINNER WITH CHIEF LEGAL OFFICERS 
ANNUAL DINNER

The Evolving Role of CLO:

From General Legal Counsel to Corporate Officer in a Time of 
Fiscal Uncertainty, Increased Regulatory Oversight and Smaller Corporate Budgets

 Thursday, August 21, 2025
OCEAN PRIME

8000 E Belleview Ave C10, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Belleview Promenade

Registration & Reception 5:30 pm | Dinner & Discussion 6:00 pm | Conclusion 7:30pm

REGISTRATION: $40.00 | MEMBERS ONLY 
One (1) CLE Credit Approved.

MEMBERS* ONLY 

The role of the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) is evolving from traditional legal advisor to a strategic corporate officer with broad organizational influence. In these times of fiscal uncertainty, CLOs are increasingly expected to contribute to cost management and risk mitigation well beyond legal matters. With heightened regulatory oversight, CLOs must proactively guide corporate compliance and governance to protect the organization’s integrity. Shrinking corporate budgets are pushing CLOs to find innovative ways to deliver legal services more efficiently, and this transformation underscores the CLO’s growing importance as a key decision-maker in shaping business strategy and ensuring long-term resilience.

Join your ACC colleagues for this annual dinner program as select Colorado CLOs offer individual table discussions and valuable insight on the following:

• How has the role or the expectations for CLO shifted in the past 5 years (with a larger focus to be a business lead as opposed to an evaluator and mitigator of risk?
• With the current macro economic climate, many companies are tightening their budgets, implementing cost cutting measures or streamlining workloads. Are such changes happening for companies represented at the dinner and how are CLOs involved in managing these?
• How is the CLO involved in navigating the changes in DEI and ensuring culture and hiring is still achieving the company’s goals?
• Are CLOs seeing an increase in regulatory oversight and how are companies responding? 
• How are hiring pipelines for in-house counsel faring? 

• What may more junior in-house attorneys be cautious of in their growth or what should they be doing to position themselves in the best way inside a company? 

  TABLE SPEAKERS
  
   

  Marc Bonora, Chief Legal Officer, AccentCare
  
  Ben Carver, General Counsel, Ambrosia Biosciences
  
  Mary Gritzmacher, Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, CoorsTek

   

  Jyll Lottner, Vice President, Head of Legal Services, CorePower Yoga
  
  Quincy Stott, General Counsel, Maxar Space Systems

   

  Elizabeth Vonne, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Advanced Energy

  ~~~

  * ACC Colorado reserves to the right to confirm active ACC membership and 
  qualified in-house counsel status of all event registrants. 
  Click to learn more about & how to join ACC Colorado!