8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | YOU Are the Alchemist: The Transformative Power of Authentic Leadership
This frank and transparent keynote will explore the challenges we all face in the day-to-day of being ourselves at work, and the delicate balance of showing up and leading authentically - without "authenticating" ourselves out of a job. We will acknowledge some of the layered and intersectional differences in the workforce that can make "being your authentic self at work" harder for some than it is for others. Finally, we will tackle the responsibility leaders have to be a real human being - and the incredible power they have to make those they lead feel safe, seen, understood and included.
Nina Blackshear, Founder - Nina Blackshear Coaching + Consulting10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Cracking the Code: Innovative Strategies for Talent Acquisition and Fostering Growth
Aime Hadnot, Assistant Vice President, Legal Operations - AT&TAnne Sparks, Associate General Counsel - Thermon, Inc.
Jamy Sullivan, Executive Director - Legal - Robert Half Legal
Maria Wiemann, Senior Corporate Counsel - McGrath
Supported by: Robert Half
Track 2
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Litigation Challenges: Addressing the Top Concerns of Your Legal Teams and Business Partners
LaToyia Pierce, VP Legal Affairs & General Counsel - FirstService Residential, Inc.Tonya Holt, General Counsel - G2 Secure Staff, LLC
Dawn Diaz, General Counsel - OL Management, LLC
Tim Hudson, Partner - Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Supported by: Barnes & Thornburg
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Morning Networking Break
Track 1
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Prudent Spending: Tactics for Legal Department Budget Management
Ligia Bernardo, Vice President of Legal - Olam Agri Americas, Inc.Lisa Salinas Schneider, General Counsel - SpyCloud
Quintin Cassady, General Counsel - Modern Meadow, Inc.
Bridget Nalley, Senior Legal Counsel, Marine Americas - Fugro
Brenda Sapino Jeffreys, Senior Reporter - ALM
Track 2
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Labor and Employment Disputes: Current Trends, Litigation Strategy, and Fostering a Culture to Reduce Risk
Tracee Thomas, Global General Counsel - IncoraJaime Mata, Assistant Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel - AT&T
Victoria Nwankwo, Senior Employment Counsel - Dropbox
Heather Manderson, Corporate Counsel - Aflac
Gary Fowler, Esq., Mediator & Arbitrator - JAMS
Sarah Tincher, Editor, Business of Law - ALM
Supported by: JAMS
Lunch Roundtable Discussions | 12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
ROUNDTABLE LUNCH 1
Supported by:
Taylor Wessing
ROUNDTABLE LUNCH 2
Supported by:
Lex Ferenda Litigation Funding LLC
ROUNDTABLE LUNCH 4
ROUNDTABLE LUNCH 6
ROUNDTABLE LUNCH 7
ROUNDTABLE LUNCH 9
Supported by: Filevine
Track 1
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Strategic Approaches for Mitigating Third-Party Cybersecurity Risks
Jenifer Mcintosh, Of Counsel - Cybersecurity, Data Governance, and AI - Stinson LLPKirsten Bay, CEO - Cysrurance
Kelce Wilson, General Counsel, North Texas Chapter - InfraGard
Jeff Farr, Managing Partner - USA Cyber & Sera Brynn
Joshua Sadler, CEO - Leverage Technologies and Systems
Supported by: Stinson LLP
Track 2
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Controlling the Rise of the Machines - Strategies for Safe AI Implementation
William Munck, Managing Partner Munck Wilson Mandala - Munck Wilson Mandala, LLPGeorgia Yanchar, General Counsel - MRI Software
EJ Evans, General Counsel & VP, Legal - The Marketing Arm
Tarek Sultani, General Counsel - JLL Technologies
Supported by: Munck Wilson Mandala
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Lawyers as Leaders: Becoming an Effective Legal Leader
Are you ready to transcend from legal expert to influential leader? Join us for an immersive presentation and discussion designed to equip you with the essential skills needed to thrive in today's dynamic legal landscape. Led by Andrew Gratz, Founder of the University of Houston Law Center’s Initiative on Lawyers as Leaders and creator of Lawyers as Leaders, a course dedicated to providing critical leadership skills and training to lawyers serving in the public and private sector, this session is tailored to empower you to navigate the complexities of your leadership role with confidence and authority. Through a thought provoking presentation, followed by a conversation with Heather Nevitt, Editor in Chief, Corporate Coverage - ALM, we’ll examine how lawyers can become and remain effective and valued leaders of their organizations. Whether you're a seasoned general counsel or a rising star in your legal department, this keynote address will provide you with the tools and insights you need to elevate your leadership skills and make a lasting impact. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your full potential as a legal leader!
Heather Nevitt, Editor-in-Chief, Corporate Coverage, ALM - ALMAndrew Gratz, Founder--Initiative on Lawyers as Leaders - LyondellBasell
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Building Communities and Leading with Vision
Stephanie Culpepper will share her unique perspective on leadership, mentorship, and community service as an in-house counsel. Drawing from her experience being sponsored by a senior leader who helped advance her career, she will discuss the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in developing future leaders. She will also explore how she balances her busy work responsibilities with a strong commitment to giving back, including her involvement with the Women Lawyers Foundation. Stephanie's insights on building relationships, serving the business, and making a positive impact will provide valuable lessons for other in-house counsel looking to grow their influence and make a difference.
Stephanie Culpepper, General Counsel - LumentTrack 1
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Building Bridges and Demonstrating Value Through Strong Organizational Relationships
Kim Murphy-Ward, Former General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Reusables - Kimberly-Clark CorporationSharon Johnson, CLO - MODE Global, LLC
Lauren Medoff, Associate General Counsel - The Hain Celestial Group
Katie Hall, Bureau Chief, Texas Lawyer - ALM
Track 2
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Embracing Government Enforcement and Compliance in Highly Regulated Environments
Jay Dewald, Partner - Norton Rose Fulbright US LLPShamoil Shipchandler, Chief Counsel, Risk & Regulatory Legal Group, Charles Schwab - Charles Schwab
Michelle Harding, Chief Legal & People Officer - USABLE Life
John Peiserich, Executive Vice President - Environmental Health & Safety Practice Leader - J.S. Held LLC
Supported by: Norton Rose Fulbright
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Morning Networking Break
Track 1
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Legal Strategies for Managing ESG Backlash
Michael Rambert, SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary - Morehouse School of MedicineTasha Grinnell, Chief Legal Officer - The Container Store
Damon Griffin, Senior Counsel, Global Ethics & Compliance - International Paper
Earnest DeLoach, Sr. Vice President - Chief Legal Officer - Balfour Beatty Construction LLC
Track 2
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Adapting to Change: Navigating State Privacy Legislation
Casey Fraser, Senior Legal Counsel - Employer Direct Healthcare, LLCJay Johnson, Managing Director, Deputy Chief Counsel - Charles Schwab
Courtney Carrell, Vice President & Deputy General Counsel - Modernizing Medicine, Inc.
Vicky Husband, EVP, Head of Legal & CCO, Real Estate Management - The Amherst Group
Robert Manley, Principal - McKool Smith
Session supported by: McKool Smith PC
Track 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Operating in the Gray: Aligning Risk Tolerance with Corporate Objectives
Katharine Clark, Partner - Thompson Coburn LLPMarni Helfand, General Counsel - The Planet Group
A. Shonn Brown, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer - Heidelberg Materials - North America
Jessica Sampson, Legal Director - Uber Technologies, Inc.
Sarah Stroebel, Deputy General Counsel - U.S. Bank
Supported by: Thompson Coburn
Track 2
Supported by: A&O Shearman
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Exploring the Ethical Dimensions of AI Integration in Legal Departments
Heather Nevitt, Editor-in-Chief, Corporate Coverage, ALM - ALMEaramichia Brown, Snr Corporate Counsel, Compliance - Match Group
Amber Robinson, General Counsel - Improving
Georgia Yanchar, General Counsel - MRI Software
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM | Closing Networking Reception
Join us for a lively closing reception sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg, where attendees can relax, network, and reflect on the day’s discussions in a more informal setting. Enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and great conversations with peers and thought leaders as we wrap up General Counsel Conference Southwest. It's the perfect way to end the event with new connections and insights.