Resource Library

Learn how to structure your compliance program based on recent actions by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulators. A panel of experts will discuss recent deferred prosecution agreements and non-prosecution agreements; how corporate integrity agreements and declinations provide a wealth of information and direction; and how these agreements provide insight into the expectations of the DOJ, SEC and other regulators. Panelists will dissect the most recent agreements and discuss key takeaways for compliance programs.

In October 2013, for the first time in twenty years, the United States produced more crude oil than it imported. US oil and gas production is evolving rapidly. The prospect of an energy- independent United States will dramatically reshape domestic and foreign energy industries and reposition the United States as an energy exporter rather than an importer. This session will equip you to advise clients on the major regulatory developments emerging from this significant transformation, including regulations regarding shale oil and gas production, transportation and storage and liquified natural gas storage and export. The session will also touch on US and global views from a policy perspective, including the longer term implications for US energy policy and international trade and foreign policy—particularly considering recent developments in the Middle East.

All law departments handle an ongoing mix of contracts requiring drafting, review and revision. Traditional ways to handle contracts are very labor-intensive. This session will take you into the evolving process, labor and software solutions addressing the “more for less” challenge of efficiently handling contracts. Modeled after “hackathons,” this session will team you with 5 to 7 other participants to design and map an efficient process to handle agreements in a hypothetical case, from intake through storage. You will learn about and practice integrating workflow and software solutions into your maps.

As product manufacturers expand markets, supply chains and partnerships globally, they must comply with distinct—and sometimes conflicting—product safety and product recall requirements. Drawn into legal and regulatory actions half a world away, manufacturers and resellers can experience serious financial and brand losses in markets with unfamiliar legal environments. Gain perspective from people who have been on the front line of developing preventative measures and managing the fallout of product recalls. Using recent examples to illustrate best (and sometimes worst) practices, panelists will provide practical tips on how companies can manage their risk and coordinate global product recalls, regulatory action and follow-on litigation.

Many US businesses conduct cross-border transactions with Canadian trading partners. These transactions may involve a security interest in the assets of a Canadian debtor. While Canadian secured transactions law is similar to US state law under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), there are some significant differences that can create confusion for creditors. Secured creditors must understand how to comply with the perfection and priority rules in Canada or they could find their security interests at risk. Acquire a basic understanding of secured transaction, perfection and priority rules under Canada’s Personal Property Security Act (PPSA), including differences between the UCC and PPSA in terminology, filing rules and search practices, as well as the special rules for Ontario and Quebec.

People, companies and even governments generate an enormous amount of data about themselves every day. From ordering a latte without foam to negotiating a major contract, there is a growing perceived need to collect and mine the resulting data for useful insights about markets, customers, competitors or competitive threats. How can we do this? What legal issues surround the collection of this data? What issues surround the use of the data? If your company is using big data, what should it be concerned about? How does it stay out of trouble and out of the headlines?

This presentation will examine the risks/rewards of using open-source software (OSS) for productivity purposes within a corporation versus incorporating OSS into a product or solution that is presented and sold to the public; and recent trends in indemnifications, warranties and other considerations for OSS that is embedded within the software and/or application.

Discover how to handle alcohol-related issues that every company must address, from meetings and social events to HR issues. What is the three-tier system and how does it work, including restrictions on marketing practices, licensing, etc.? What is the regulatory framework (state and federal) for becoming part of the industry and/or having an event where alcohol is served? What is the liability of businesses that host events where alcohol is served to the public or to employees (i.e. driving while intoxicated, personal injury, etc.)? Speakers will discuss workplace drug and alcohol programs and policies and provide sample materials.

Leverage your partnership skills with the business and bring legal strategies to use sustainability for cost savings or profit. Panelists will discuss their experience with transactions such as water reuse efforts, solar rooftops, clean energy fleet services, becoming your own utility, public–private partnerships, power purchase agreements using clean energy brokers, reduction in inventory packaging, wrapping and disposal. Materials will include US Securities and Exchange Commission disclosures of sustainability efforts, sample contracts and case studies.

Sustainability has created pressure on suppliers to adhere to strict codes of conduct and include assurances that sellers meet new standards and adhere to new processes. From the point of view of both buyers and sellers, this panel will discuss non-governmental organization (NGO) impacts on business, regulation by retail (“If you want to sell to me, agree to my terms/code of conduct”), vendor management, questionnaires, representations and warranties in contract, change terms of purchase orders, corporate codes of conduct, hazardous or other materials/chemicals in products, NGO engagement and other tricks and tips to navigate this increasingly complex landscape.