Hot Topics in 2025: Legal Trends Shaping the Year Ahead

As 2025 unfolds, the legal landscape is brimming with change. From navigating the complexities of a new federal administration and the Texas legislature being back in session to decoding the rollercoaster ride of the Corporate Transparency Act and anticipating pivotal rulings from the Texas and U.S. Supreme Courts, this year promises no shortage of challenges and opportunities. Join us for an engaging session as we spotlight critical cases, key compliance updates, ethical considerations, and emerging policies that will shape the way we do business. Stay ahead of the curve and prepare for what’s next! Sponsored and presented by Dykema.

Raise your glass to global diversity! Please join the ACC NCR DEI Leadership Development Committee, ACC NCR AAPI Affinity Group, and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC) for a Virtual International Diversity Happy Hour, where we’ll take a flavorful journey through the art and history of mixology. This interactive experience will feature:

• Pre-Mix Cocktails: Celebrate the rich heritage of two iconic cocktails from two different countries (outside the U.S.) with specially curated pre-mix recipes that you can easily create at home. One of our featured cocktails will be the Singapore Sling, chosen to honor the vibrant festivities and cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year which this year falls on January 29, a celebration deeply rooted in many Asian cultures. The other will be the popular Brazilian Caipirinha!
• Live Bartender Demonstration: Watch a talented mixologist, Nicholle Pitera, craft the Brazilian Caipirinha from scratch, showcasing expert techniques and sharing insider tips on recreating this refreshing treat at home. (If you’re doing Dry January or don’t drink, not to worry! We’ll give you tips on how to convert these to mocktails!)
• Cultural Insights: Our program facilitators will dive into the stories behind these featured cocktails, exploring their origins, and cultural significance, along with a few fun facts about global celebrations like the Lunar New Year.

Get Ready to Mix Along! To make the event even more engaging, if you’d like to join in on the fun, we invite you to purchase a cocktail mixer kit for the featured drinks. You can:

1. Order the Suggested Kit: Click https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtfully-Cocktail-Margarita-Appletini-Hawaiian to purchase a pre-selected kit with all the essentials (except the alcohol) for crafting the cocktails.
2. Purchase individual ingredients: For those who wish to mix and create your own beverage during the virtual happy hour, we will send recipes to registered attendees.
3. Create and bring your own: Grab your own personal favorite libations and participate in the festivities that way!

This event is open to ACC members and in-house guests!

Beyond the Backlash: A Series on Driving Change and Defying Resistance in DEI

Sponsored by Gibson Dunn

Navigating Legal, Communications and Reputational Challenges in the Current DEI Landscape

In part two of our engaging webinar series on driving change and defying resistance in DEI, our expert panelists will take a deeper dive into the recent attacks on corporate DEI initiatives. As we face a new presidential administration, these attacks raise critical questions about their implications for organizations committed to DEI. The session will equip attendees with effective strategies to not only protect their DEI efforts from potential threats but also to reinforce their organizational values. Join Gibson Dunn’s DEI Task Force as they discuss strategies for optimizing outcomes in the face of accelerated corporate anti-DEI attacks.