Substantive Law

In the ever changing legal landscape, in-house counsel are being asked to be across everything. 

Three key areas that are essential for today’s GCs and legal teams are commercial issues, intellectual property and disputes. Bringing together the Page Seager team, this facilitated discussion with consider trending topics in these areas and using the collective brain power of attendees to work through how we would manage them.

In this session, join Page Seager for a roundtable discussion with ACC members covering trending legal topics across commercial law, intellectual property and disputes.

Programs are for all levels of practice and are developed by in-house, for in-house. Thanks to our generous sponsors this conference is complimentary to all in-house counsel!

Day includes lunch, and a networking reception.

Sessions: 9:30am - 3:30pm

Reception: 3:30 - 5:30 pm.

Programs:

• How to AI - Jason Howg, Partner, BLG, Crystal O'Donnell, CEO & Founder, Heuristica
• Government Impact: Tools to help your organization navigate the Federal Government - Marisa Maslink, Vice President, McMillan Vantage, Richard Mahoney, Managing Director, McMillan Vantage, Lorne O'Reilly, Lead Counsel, Dow Chemical Canada, Moderator: Michael Briggs, McMillan LLP
• ACC Alberta's Rapid Fire Round - 3 Quick HOT Topics for 2025 - Employment Law Update, Jason Kully, Partner, Field Law LLP, Poised for Success! Andrea Beckwith-Ferraton, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer and Interim General Counsel, AHS, Cara Sinclair, Associate General Counsel, MNP, On the Fly (mystery reveal).
• Are you Data Breach Ready? Ready, Set, Respond!, Birch Miller, Partner, Blakes Calgary, Andrew Kay, General Counsel, WestjetNicole Henderson, Partner Blakes Toronto

Commerciality is the gold standard for in-house legal teams—but what does it mean in practice? More than just knowing the law, being commercial is about delivering practical, business-focused solutions that create real value.

Join us Tuesday 8 April from midday for this insightful webcast featuring some of Australia’s most respected legal leaders. They’ll break down what it takes to run a high impact commercial legal function – from prioritising effectively, delivering actionable advice, to taking strategic risks while upholding legal integrity.

Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your legal team’s business acumen and influence!


GUEST SPEAKERS
Hear from legal luminaries, including:

   +  Jennifer Mulheron – General Counsel & Company Secretary, Harrison. ai
   +  Peter Hamblin – Head of Legal, Seek
   +  Georgie Gane – Corporate + Commercial Lawyer & LSaaS Coordinator, Law Squared and former GC & Company Secretary, Pepperstone

Moderated by renowned legal entrepreneur and Law Squared Global Community Development lead, Rohan Bilimoria, join us to sharpen your team’s business acumen, increase your strategic influence, and transform legal from a support function to a true business enabler.


WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

   +  Define what makes an in-house legal team truly ‘commercial’—beyond just individual expertise, and why this is the gold standard for legal functions today.
   +  Identify the key traits and priorities of a commercially-minded legal team, including strategic risk-taking, business acumen and alignment, and the ability to deliver pragmatic solutions.
   +  Develop a talent strategy that fosters commercial acumen—understanding the skills, mindset, and team dynamics required to embed commerciality at the core of legal operations.
   +  Implement actionable strategies to align legal advice with business objectives while maintaining legal integrity and ensuring legal remains a strategic enabler rather than a compliance bottleneck.
   +  Leverage legal operations and technology to enhance commercial decision-making, streamline processes, and position legal as a value-creating function.
   +  Navigate ethical challenges and potential conflicts between commerciality and legal duty.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This session is essential viewing for:

   +  General Counsel & Heads of Legal – those responsible for leading a legal team and embedding commerciality into legal strategy.
   +  Senior in-house lawyers – looking to enhance their team’s business impact and influence.
   +  All in-house lawyers – who want to sharpen their commercial acumen and deliver more business-focused legal solutions.

If you’re looking to elevate legal’s role as a true business enabler, this session is for you!

CLE LUNCHEON:
 

Thursday, September 25, 2025
11:30am – 1:30pm MDT

11:30am Registration & Lunch Buffet
12 Noon CLE Presentation
1:00pm Conclusion & Questions
$20 Members | $30 Non-members
One (1) CLE Credit Pending. 

Tamayo Restaurant | 14th Street & Larimer | Larimer Square
 

COMPLIMENTARY Valet Parking ($15 Value) | ACCESSIBLE AT 15th & LARIMER COLORADO VALETS STAND

As Australia moves towards a federal election in 2025, Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations and charities will face increased scrutiny in their advocacy efforts. But where is the line between advocacy and lobbying? How can NFPs influence policy and champion their causes without jeopardising compliance or crossing legal boundaries?

Join us on Tuesday 4 March from midday for this practical and insightful 60-minute webcast to explore the regulatory landscape and governance strategies that will help your organisation engage in meaningful advocacy while managing risks.

Whether you sit in the C-Suite, governance, legal, communications, or people and culture, this session will provide you with the tools to safeguard your advocacy efforts, navigate regulatory obligations, and strengthen governance structures—all within the legal framework for Australian charities and NFPs.

Guest Speakers
Hear from leading experts, including:

     •  Gautam Raju – Global Advocacy + Policy Director - Movember, Board Director, Australian Democracy Network
     •  Jo Scard – Impact Communications & Engagement Advisor, Founder + CEO - Fifty Acres
     •  Demetrio Zema – Founder & CEO - Law Squared, Chair + Board Member - Expression Australia

Moderated by Law Squared’s own Annika Childs, this session will provide practical insights, real-world case studies, and governance best practices to ensure your NFP makes an impact while remaining compliant.

What You’ll Learn
By the end of this webcast, you’ll be able to:

     •  Differentiate between advocacy and lobbying within Australia’s legal framework.
     •  Understand key legal and regulatory obligations
     •  Recognise common pitfalls - and how to avoid them.
     •  Implement governance best practices to safeguard advocacy efforts and mitigate regulatory risks.
     •  Develop risk-aware communication strategies to ensure your messaging stays within advocacy boundaries.
     •  Equip your board and leadership with the tools to oversee advocacy and good governance.

Who Should Attend?
This session is essential for professionals in the NFP and charity sector, particularly those in:

     •  C-Suite & Board Leadership
     •  In-House Legal & Governance
     •  People & Culture
     •  Communications & Advocacy Teams

Register now and equip your organisation with the knowledge to advocate effectively—without the legal headaches!

ACC Colorado and Taft/Sherman & Howard

Present

CLE and Wine Tasting with Vinera
 

Government Policy: 
What Counsel Should Know about the Regulatory Process and How to Influence Policymaking

Wine Tasting offering Vinera Wine samplings including intercontinental wines featured exclusively in the Vinera Wine portfolio.

Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM MDT

Taft/Sherman & Howard
Block 162 | 675 15th St | Suite 2300
(15th & California)

Registration Check-in: Main Floor Lobby 

Pricing
Members: Complimentary
Non-members: $10.00
Complimentary Parking at Block 162 Garage Entrance

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

One (1) General CLE Credit Pending 

AGENDA
4-5:00 pm – CLE
5:00 pm-6:00 pm – Wine tasting

This session discusses how in-counsel can stay informed, and influence, government policymaking to the benefit of their corporate clients, and sometimes an entire industry. Consider Colorado’s push to be the first state to enact artificial intelligence legislation and its impacts versus how various federal agencies shape policy and consider how you can make an impact.

Attendees will leave with the following:

• A refresher on government policymaking
• How to use your in-house position to offer public comments
• Current policies we can all influence
• Resources to support the in-house comments and messaging

Panelists

• Shawn Cheadle | Member | Taft Law
• Terrance Carroll | Member | Taft Law
• Daniel Porras, Corporate Counsel and Director of International, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Rogue Space Systems
• Moderator:  Taylor John | Associate | Taft Law

Parking at Block 162 Garage Entrance
The main entrance to park in the building is on 15th Street between Welton and California. There is also an entrance on Welton Street. Once you enter the garage, proceed to the 2nd floor to receive a parking ticket. Follow the signs to guest parking. Take the garage elevator to the first floor of the building lobby. Please check-in at the registration desk in main floor lobby area to gain access to the 23rd floor.
Validation
Parking validation will be provided at the event.

Join ACC WA and Francis Burt Chambers for an interactive session on litigation 101 in Western Australia.  

Our panel of respected in-house counsel and barristers will take you through the challenges faced by in-house counsel during high-profile litigation, such as:  

•    Getting across State and Federal court procedures; 
•    How to translate litigation jargon to senior executives, Ministers and boards;  
•    How to manage media attention under high pressure;
•    Ethical considerations as an in-house lawyer in the public and media spotlight.

Whether you’re managing a legal team, advising senior executives, Ministers or government director generals, or simply want to be ready for whatever comes your way, this event will provide valuable insights, actionable strategies and practical advice you can take straight back to your desk.


CPD Points:  1 CPD Point in Professional Skills, 0.5 CPD Points in Substantive & Procedural Law

CLE Dinner: 
Jump-Start Your Political and Advocacy Efforts 
for a new 
Presidential Administration

January 23, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM MDT

5:30PM Registration & Networking 
6:00PM Buffet Dinner 
6:30PM CLE Presentation 
8:00PM Conclusion

Angelo's Taverna 6885 S Santa Fe Dr Littleton, CO, USA 80120

One (1) General CLE Credit Approved.

REGISTER

Join Platinum Sponsor Spencer Fane for a CLE dinner and an ACC Colorado reconnection in the new year. Listen and learn how to jump start your interactions with the new presidential administration and Congress.

Whether you represent a business, nonprofit, or an association, the post-election landscape in Washington, D.C. will likely lead to significant changes in your industry. Spencer Fane speakers will break down what obstacles and opportunities are presented by the new political and regulatory environment, and discuss specific tactics for engaging with lawmakers, administration officials, and other key policymakers.

Spencer Fane also will discuss how to leverage the various tools available to you for engaging with Washington including how to:

• Form a Political Action Committee (PAC)
• Navigate political giving
• Stay compliant with federal lobbying and ethics rules
• Discover available tactics for facing agency rulemaking

SPEAKERS

Anthony (AJ) Ferate, Of Counsel, Spencer Fane

William (Bill) Powers, Partner, Spencer Fane

Jon Watson, Partner, Spencer Fane