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Many of us grew up under a common law system. Others lived in countries that have a civil law system. As in-house practice grows increasingly global, however, it is essential that we understand both traditions and that we also understand the relationships that these two traditions have to the developing legal systems in the world’s emerging economies. This program gave the participants a better understanding of the basic differences between the various branches of these two legal traditions and looked at some of the nuances of the two systems’ different negotiating styles in order to help us more successfully negotiate international transactions.

This panel reviewed the basics of trade secrets and the practical steps in-house attorneys should take to protect trade secrets and educate company personnel on how to safeguard them. The panel highlighted recent cases to illustrate the types of disputes that arise from the misuse of trade secrets and how they might be avoided. Finally, the program addressed the nexus between trade secrets and employment agreements including, non-compete agreements and confidentiality agreements, as well as reviewed other important employee issues.

Sustainability concerns are poised to fundamentally change the way your organization does business. Corporate counsel are increasingly called upon to participate in everything from investing in alternative energy, sustainable products and technologies, to “greening” their companies’ facilities and operations, to verifying compliance with proliferating green reporting and disclosure requirements. The legal department will be a key focal point, and virtually every legal specialty can play a part. This panel focused on the central role of the legal department in addressing your company’s sustainability challenges and in designing and implementing your company’s green initiatives.

The recent US Supreme Court decision in Leegin Creative Leather Products, Inc. v. PSKS, Inc., relaxes the rules on price maintenance—but in Canada such activity remains a “per se” criminal offense. These and other differences can create traps or unnecessary burdens for companies which seek to operate on an integrated North American basis. This session, which was co-lead by a Canadian and a US practitioner, discussed the key areas of inconsistency and provided attendees with practical solutions for addressing them.

All departments in an organization are typically tasked with the establishment of a business plan that compliments the goals the organization intends to achieve for the coming cycle. Yet, this is an area where in-house counsels’ skill set has not been developed. This practical look at the mechanics of a usable business plan for law departments takes into account the need for simplicity, achievability, and accountability in the plan. The plan should also align well with the overall strategies of the organization. The panel provided guidance not only on plan development, but also communication, implementation, and periodic review to make sure your law department plan lives up to its potential.

Nonprofits now exist under increased scrutiny from state and federal regulators. Regulators from the IRS to state attorneys general are closely monitoring the activities of nonprofits to ensure they are acting as worthy stewards of the public trust. Learn what you can do to help your organization create and execute an effective ethics and compliance program and what to do when the regulators knock at the door. Participants left with a roadmap to address these issues.

The global expansion of criminal risk for international companies and their executives progresses with lightning speed: some countries are setting even more stringent standards than in the US. Cooperation between international agencies is growing. The EU arrest warrant now allows arrest by foreign prosecutors without the need for a court process and extradition from the US is a real possibility. Given the high financial and reputational damage that criminal liability causes, in–house counsel need to understand the risks that their global companies and executives face. In this presentation, practical illustrations were used to demonstrate the risks and possible counter-measures in a wide variety of legal areas.

An overview of employment law that will be relevant to in-house counsel. Provides a brief guide to wage & hour, performance management, discrimination, EEOC processes, FMLA, reductions in force & WARN Act, traditional labor law, independent contractors, affirmative action plans, EEO-1 reports, and employee privacy.

The webcast discusses the top ten online legal issues for nonprofits and what your organization should be doing to stay out of trouble.

This webcast includes advice on protecting your patent portfolio, recommendations on keeping track of patents filed in your industry and by your competitors, insights on monitoring patents trends and tools and solutions for being successful in IP asset management.

This webcast addresses the interplay between confidentiality agreements, residual clauses and feedback agreements and discusses best practices, legal language and a standard form feedback agreement.

Discusses new developments for accelerating U.S. and foreign patent prosecution including the patent prosecution highway program, acceleration of U.S. applications, and the impact on a global patent strategy.

This webcast discusses security, one of the most critical issues in complex sourcing and technology relationships, and it provides an overview of the lifecycle of the security issues in complex technology, services and sourcing transactions.

This webcast transcript examines digital issues in the workplace in light of the "Millennial" generation of employees.

This webcast transcript addresses the systemic discrimination enforcement strategies of both the OFCCP and EEOC and provides listeners with practical approaches to avoid adverse findings when under audit or investigation by the agencies.

Discusses how technology, economic pressures, demographic shifts and politics are changing the landscape of EEO law and impacting your workplace.

This webcast transcript discusses important opinions on patent law and provides practical guidance on patent litigation, opinions, prosecution, and licensing.

This webcast transcript focuses on the key issues that corporate counsel should be addressing with senior management team and board of directors on a proactive basis to help meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities created by the current unprecedented conditions in our financial markets.

Discusses the acquisition and divestiture process, focusing on three phases: preparing for a transaction, completing a transaction, and integrating a transaction. Also includes practical tips for a successful transaction.