The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the world's largest organization serving the professional and business interests of attorneys who practice in the legal departments of corporations, associations, nonprofits and other private-sector organizations around the globe.
This program will provide a comprehensive framework for employers to protect trade secrets through effective agreements, compliance with legal regulations, and strategic management of employee transitions. In addition, panelists will outline best practices for handling employee departures and onboarding new hires, as well as litigation strategies to prepare for potential disputes over proprietary information.
Presented by Carrie Amezcua, Counsel and Vince Barbera, Shareholder at Buchanan, along with an in-house panelist.
Join us for an enriching evening of pro bono workshops hosted by HKU Law's Clinical Legal Education Programme, a barrister volunteer from Pro Bono HK, and international law firms. This event will feature three real case interactive workshops designed to provide hands-on experience and valuable insights into the legal profession.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and engage in meaningful legal work. Secure your spot early!
Join us for an evening of connection and camaraderie! Whether you are already part of the pro bono community or looking to get involved, this is the perfect chance to mingle, share stories, and enjoy a drink with like-minded peers, professionals and friends.
Come and say cheers to new friendships and a stronger pro bono network!
Registration is not required. Venue to be announced.
In this Roundtable, we will be hearing from leaders from the legal and non-governmental organization (NGO) field who will explore the challenges and solutions surrounding women's rights and pro-bono legal representation. This panel aims to shed light on systemic barriers, highlight successful initiatives, and foster future collaborative public interest efforts to enhance access to justice for women.
We are honoured to begin the 2025 Hong Kong Pro Bono Week with welcoming remarks from esteemed members of the Bar and the Judiciary. There would be an engaging panel discussion showcasing diverse perspectives across the legal profession. It will be followed by a networking reception, providing an excellent opportunity to connect and engage with fellow professionals.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Corporate Investigations: Moving Beyond the Fundamentals Join a distinguished panel of experts as they delve into the essentials of conducting internal corporate investigations. Topics will include utilizing attorney-client privilege, navigating new limitations on privilege scope, best practices for preserving evidence, strategies for employee interviews, working effectively with outside counsel, and considerations for reporting to government agencies. The panel will offer diverse perspectives, including those of in-house counsel, outside counsel, a former prosecutor, corporate monitor, and compliance consultant. This session will provide invaluable insights you won’t find in a textbook!
Moderator: David Axelrod, Partner, Shumaker
Panelists:
Sherri Dahl, Associate General Counsel, U.S. Operations, Cenovus
Carolyn Davis, Director of Employment Law, Greif
Kate Decker, Partner, Shumaker
Bart Schwartz, Co-Founder and Chairman, Guidepost Solutions
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Leveraging AI While Ensuring Data Privacy Compliance As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize business operations, organizations must balance innovation with compliance, particularly regarding data privacy, employee communication, and ethical considerations. This panel will provide practical guidance from legal and business leaders on adopting AI responsibly. Using real-world examples, best practices, and an interactive Q&A format, the session will cover strategies to mitigate risks, foster employee trust, and navigate U.S. data privacy regulations—even in jurisdictions like Ohio where comprehensive privacy laws are absent.
Moderator: Jade Davis, Partner, Shumaker
Panelists:
Brandon Covert, Vice President of Information Technology, Cleveland Browns
Rob Buchwald, Owner, Akron Innovations
Brian Focht, Attorney, Shumaker
Peter Lovens, General Counsel, Columbus Blue Jackets
11:30 a.m. Lunch and Memorial Golf Tournament Please note: Only 40 tickets are available for the Tournament on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important Information for Tournament Attendees: Memorial tickets will be issued electronically. Your mobile device will serve as your entry pass. To receive your ticket, you must have a Ticketmaster account. During registration, please provide your first name, last name, phonenumber, and email address linked to your Ticketmaster account. Reminder: Kindly request a ticket only if you are certain you will attend, out of consideration for other participants.
REGISTRATION FEES
$25 for members
$45 for non-members Seating is limited to 55 participants
CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellations must be submitted by Monday, June 26, 2025. No refunds will be issued after this date.
LOCATION The Country Club at Muirfield Village 8715 Muirfield Drive Dublin, OH 43017
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (CLE) This course is pending approval by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 2.0 total CLE credit hours.
DISCLOSURES This event is made possible through the support of our sponsors and partners. By registering, you consent to sharing your name, company, and email address with program sponsors, enabling them to follow up with information related to the event or their services. If you prefer not to have your information shared, you will not be able to register or attend this program.
Participation is open to CO-ACC members, prospective members, and guests of the sponsoring firm. Attorneys employed at law firms are not eligible for membership. ACC membership is open to in-house counsel working in the private or public sector who do not have regulatory, enforcement, or policymaking authority and who do not market themselves as practicing attorneys to the public.
IMPACT OF NO-SHOWS: No-shows hinder program effectiveness, waste resources, and prevent others from participating. If you are unable to attend, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance to allow us to offer your seat to someone else.
We are excited to invite you to Hong Kong Pro Bono Week 2025! Organized by the Pro Bono Week Working Group and Committees, this year's program promises to be both inspiring and impactful.
Theme: “Pro Bono in Action: Turning Law into Justice”
This year, we focus on the vital themes of engagement, participation, and collective action. Together, we want to honor the importance of collaboration and participation in our shared mission to enhance access to justice in our community.
Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to: - Share Strategies: Collaborate with fellow legal professionals to expand access to justice. - Learn from Trailblazers: Gain insights from leaders in the field who are making a difference. - Reignite Your Passion: Remember why you chose this profession and how you can contribute to meaningful change.
Join us in celebrating the spirit of pro bono work and take an active role in making a difference.