Compliance and Ethics

ACC Houston February Chapter Meeting CLE: Demystifying AI
February 11, 2025 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Maggiano's Little Italy

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, how lawyers provide legal services, and how courts function, offering unprecedented opportunities to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and unlock new avenues for business growth and efficiency. Using AI, however, comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in navigating the ethical and legal landscape.

Join Chief Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Jonathon K. Hance, Partner at Bracewell LLP, as they demystify AI and discuss best practices for harnessing its benefits in an ethical and responsible manner.

This program provides thought provoking conversations of the key issues impacting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape. Featuring the co-chairs of Seyfarth Shaw LLP’s Impact & Sustainability Practice, speakers Ameena Majid and Giovanna (Gina) Ferrari, and Ken Wilton, a partner in the Intellectual Property Group, the discussions span three critical and overlapping dimensions:  ESG governance in a politicized world, the intersection of artificial intelligence and ESG, and the evolving landscape of ESG litigation.

• AI and ESG Intersection: Insights into how AI is both a transformative tool and a key ESG topic impacting business strategy. The discussion covers this intersection while commenting on AI literacy, balanced disclosures, legal’s role and regulatory implications.
• Emerging ESG Litigation Trends: A conversation of what really is ESG litigation, and if the claims are new or just repackaged.  The program examines the interplay of regulatory changes and enforcement actions, providing strategies for mitigating litigation risks through enhanced governance and communication practices.
• Governance in a Politicized ESG Landscape: Guidance on adapting governance structures to navigate the politicization of “ESG,” as a monolithic topic. The program stresses the importance of integrating ESG considerations into mission-critical areas, implementing effective controls, and ensuring legal counsel plays a central role in regulatory compliance and risk management.
• This comprehensive discussion equips in-house counsel with the tools to navigate the complex and interconnected challenges of ESG and AI, fostering resilient governance and reducing legal exposure.

Generously sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP and the Law Department Management Network

This program explores the emerging landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) litigation. Speakers Amina Majeed and  Giovanna (Gina) Ferrari discuss the rise of ESG-focused lawsuits, which often blend traditional legal claims around securities, environmental, and consumer protection issues. They discuss the growing trend of "greenwashing" claims, where companies face scrutiny over misleading environmental statements and initiatives. The speakers also analyze the potential impact of regulatory changes and enforcement actions, noting that while some rules may be revised, the underlying legal frameworks will likely remain. The program provides insights for companies to proactively review their ESG-related communications and governance practices to mitigate litigation risks.

Generously sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP and the Law Department Management Network

This program explores the evolving landscape of governance in the context of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Speakers Ameena Majid and Giovanna (Gina) Ferrari discuss how governance serves as the foundation for effectively managing ESG matters, which are increasingly politicized and require a proactive, strategic approach. They emphasize the need to re-visit organizational structures to ensure ESG topics are integrated based on their relevance to mission-critical areas and/or areas identified as appropriate for board oversight given changes in business models and stakeholders. The program also highlights the importance of having the right controls, checks, and balances in place, especially for environmental and social statements, as well as the crucial role of legal counsel in navigating the complex regulatory environment.

Generously sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP and the Law Department Management Network

ACC Houston October Chapter Meeting CLE
OBBBA Impact - Implications for Your Business
October 14, 2025 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Maggiano's Little Italy

The recently enacted OBBBA legislation introduces significant changes to tax rules that directly affect how businesses manage financing, transactions, and growth strategies. In-house counsel are at the forefront of helping companies navigate these shifts, balancing compliance requirements with strategic planning. Join us for a practical discussion of what OBBBA means for your business, the risks you should be monitoring, and strategies to prepare for the road ahead.

This program explores the growing intersection between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in organizations. The discussion covers how AI can be both a tool and a governance issue, with implications for ESG strategies and reporting. Speakers Ameena Majid and Ken Wilton discuss the challenges that AI and ESG share in shaping business strategy and legal advice, the importance of AI literacy, understanding AI's impact on ESG matters, and ensuring balanced disclosures. The program provides valuable insights for in-house counsel on navigating the complex relationship between ESG and AI.

Generously sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP and the Law Department Management Network

Global capability centers (GCCs) are offshore hubs that handle a variety of functions for their companies like IT, engineering, R&D, HR, and finance. Corporate leaders are increasingly looking to set up GCCs to drive the transformation and innovation their Boards are expecting. 

Given the rising prevalence, if you haven't already started working with a GCC, your time will come sooner than later. As home to more than 50% of the global GCC market (more than half of which are headquartered in the US), odds are it could be in India. 

This Webcast from Khaitan & Co, India's largest law firm, will provide a comprehensive primer in just 60 minutes on everything in-house counsel need to know about the current legal and regulatory landscape surrounding GCCs. Attendees will receive practical insights on the corporate, employment, tax considerations of setting up and running a GCC in India, including the various models prevailing for GCCs. 

2030 Projections - GCCs & India*:

Domestic Market projection: US$110 billion

• 2,400 centres
• 4.5 million professionals   
• 115 new set-ups annually
• $37,760 overall cost per FTE

*Figures provided by "Can a future-back lens help you see a clearer path to success? Future of GCCs in India -a vision 2030 report" by EY

Generously sponsored by Khaitan & Co.

Employers across APAC are finding themselves addressing a growing focus on not just sexual harassment, but also power harassment and bullying.  Sexual harassment claims in Asia continue to be a priority among employers around the region.  But, in countries like Australia, Korea, and Japan, harassment and bullying have seen greater attention in the last few years in media and regulatory circles, leading to a greater willingness on the part of workers to make claims for protection under these laws.  Even in places where bullying or power harassment are not protected, employers face regular concerns related to incivility, disrespect, and unruly conduct unrelated to sex.  

This Webcast will address the current state of law around the region with regard to harassment and remind employers of important strategies they can implement to prepare themselves to avoid and/or remediate complaints as they arise.

Generously brought to you by ACC Singapore