All times are in Australia Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
Monday 7 August, 2023
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Registration
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Opening Keynote | Maintaining a Strong Focus on Enforcing the Law with ASIC Deputy Chair, Sarah Court
Central to ASIC’s mission to support a fair, strong and efficient financial system for all Australians is enforcement of the law. In 2023, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) made a significant shift in how it approaches this task by signalling to the community and other stakeholders its enforcement priorities for the coming year. Join ASIC Deputy Chair, Sarah Court for an in-depth conversation about ASIC’s 2023 Enforcement Priorities and what’s already been achieved.
Sarah Court
ASIC Deputy Chair
9:50 AM - 10:20 AM | Partner Keynote | Risk, Responsibility and Reputation – Critical Lessons for GCs from Recent High Profile Proceedings
When it comes to disclosure and oversight, the spotlight on GCs has never been greater. ASIC’s prosecution of directors and officers of The Star Entertainment Group should not be viewed as a one off, and is indicative of their approach towards enforcing breaches of directors’ and officers’ duties, including those of GCs. This session unpacks the critical governance lessons for GCs in the wake of these and other proceedings and the steps that need to be taken to mitigate future risk.
Sandy Mak, Head of Corporate / M&A - Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Supported by: Corrs
10:20 AM - 11:05 AM | Outlook Panel | The Path Ahead: Navigating the Evolving Regulatory & Enforcement Landscape
A single change or even rumored upcoming changes in regulation can affect numerous aspects of a business, requiring them to transform their current operations and shift practices in order to comply. In a fast-paced, complex and uncertain world, the Australian legal industry continues to face a number of challenges in managing the impact of recent regulatory changes. Join this session as the esteemed panel explores the trends and priorities of the largest regulatory agencies, and offers insights into how to stay protected and out of the firing line of enforcement activities.
Nathan Hinde, Head of Legal, Compliance & Stakeholder Relations (AUS) - PointsBetScott Stierli, General Counsel - Financial Services - REA Group
Merinda Timpany, Legal, Risk & Compliance Counsel - mycar Tyre & Auto
Luke Barrett, General Counsel - UniSuper
Charles Coorey, Partner - Gilbert + Tobin
Supported by: Gilbert & Tobin
11:05 PM - 11:35 PM | Networking Break
11:35 AM - 11:50 AM | Securing a Strategic CLM Solution: How to Navigate the Market & Build a Business Case
Today, over 60% of corporate legal departments still use manual processes to manage agreements. Meanwhile, three quarters of today’s global executives acknowledge that a contract lifecycle management (CLM) solution - powered by AI - can be a critical part of any legal team. It’s essential to having immediate and continuous access to contracts and related documents, automated workflows, and advanced analysis.
- How to assess CLM solutions in the market
- How to define your CLM needs
- How to build a business case
Gaurav Soni, Regional Vice President, APAC Sales - ContractPodAi
Supported by: ContractPodAi
11:50 AM - 12:35 PM | Strategy Panel | The Great Realignment: Structuring Your Legal Department to Thrive in an Uncertain Climate
As primary problem solvers for many corporate issues, legal departments are forced to constantly adapt to changing business priorities and deliver high-quality service more efficiently. Having the right structure for your team can help you focus on the work of greatest strategic importance, avoid becoming captive to low-value work, enable your team to work at a sustainable pace, and enhance your sense of purpose and culture. Join this session as expert panelists discuss ways to realign your legal team structure to leverage efficiencies and facilitate business growth in the current economic environment.
Michael Antaw, General Counsel & Company Secretary - Nestle Australia LtdNatalie Buck, General Counsel & Head of Policy - Screenrights
Bianca Lau, General Counsel - Youi Insurance
Ben Farmer, Head of Legal - Gallagher Australia
Ramona Roach, Principal & CEO - Ethika Group
Supported by: Ethika Group
12:35 PM - 1:50 PM | Lunch Roundtables
Roundtable 1
Roundtable 2
Roundtable 3
Roundtable 4
Roundtable 5
Supported by: Dazychain
Roundtable 6
Supported by: Relativity
1:50 PM - 2:35 PM | ESG Panel | Leveling Up: Successfully Integrating ESG into your Risk Framework
ESG is multifaceted and continues to be an important priority for legal departments, so many in-house counsels are trying to find their way to shape the foundation of a successful ESG program. Effectively building ESG considerations into your strategy and risk management framework will help support better financial performance and long-term business success. Attend this session to discover the value of involving ESG into your risk appetite, learn how to influence and hold decision-makers accountable for ESG goals, and ensure your business is prepared for the challenges ahead involving ESG regulations and consumer expectations.
Aarti Raniga, Chief Legal & Risk Officer - Charter Keck CramerNick Willetts, Senior Corporate Lawyer - Allianz
Louise Horrocks, Partner and Head of McR ESG - McCullough Robertson
Peta Jones, General Counsel - OSINT Combine
Supported by: McCullough Robertson
2:40 PM - 2:55 PM | Current Trends in Disputes GCs Should Know About
In this session, leading disputes lawyer, Trevor Withane will highlight the key trends in disputes in 2023 and beyond. This session is designed to give GCs and in-house counsel an insight into the key risks which their organisations need to be aware of, with some practical tips to address these risks.
Trevor Withane, Partner - Ironbridge LegalSupported by: Ironbridge Legal
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM | Technology Leading Legal Industry Transformation
Although legal technology is developing rapidly, is there a sufficient focus on outcomes as opposed to process? Why do lawyers so often go into reactive mode rather than proactively respond to their client’s needs?
To respond rather than react would mean asking a client what success looks like for them and what risks they are prepared to consider. If lawyers always ask these questions, they will enjoy stronger relationships and legal spend confidence because legal costs will be aligned to agreed strategic outcomes. Technology can facilitate this critical mindset and behavioural shift to achieve collaboration on strategy and transparent/accountable legal costs.
This session will explore how technology can facilitate behavioural change that will transform the legal industry.
Joanne Rees, CEO - AllyOneSupported by: AllyOne
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Afternoon Networking Break
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM | Data Privacy & Security Panel | Don’t Be the Next Headline! Staying Ahead of the Next Data Breach & The New World of Privacy Laws
In light of the significant data breaches seen in Australia recently, it is more important now than ever before that GCs take the right steps to avoid data incidents and extra scrutiny. With breaches becoming more frequent, GCs are expected to lead the way in data governance and retention, as well as safeguarding their organisations from falling into cybersecurity traps. During this session, our expert panelists will share best practices and resources to support in house counsel to drive compliance and prepare for new amendments to privacy laws that are coming into effect.
Eli Fisher, Senior Legal Counsel - ParamountJames North, Head of technology, media and telecommunications - Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Ivana Kovacevic, General Counsel - Formerly Aristocrat
Supported by: Corrs
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM | Afternoon Keynote - Protecting Your Legal Headspace: Managing Through Blurred Boundaries
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving legal landscape it is common for in-house counsel leaders to wear multiple hats within a company, which creates numerous challenges that can blur the boundaries of their roles and responsibilities. To effectively navigate these complexities, it is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain a balance between all of your competing priorities, whether that be work or life-related. Join us for an insightful session where we explore actionable strategies and best practices that aim to equip legal professionals with the necessary tools to maintain clarity, well-being, and resilience in their roles.
Shoshana Shields, Director of Legal, Google Australia and New Zealand - Google Australia Pty LtdHeather Nevitt, Editor in Chief of Corporate Counsel - ALM
Katrina Johnson, Group General Counsel - WiseTech Global
Ingrid Silver, General Counsel - ABC
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Networking Drinks Reception
6:00 PM | Close of Day One
Tuesday 8 August, 2023
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | Morning Keynote | A Conversation with ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe
Join this keynote as Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe shares key enforcement priorities and how this will impact organizations going into 2024. This session will spotlight issues and expectations for corporations making green claims, providing insight into the ACCC’s newly released draft guidance for businesses on how to mitigate risks and avoid misleading consumers when making environmental or sustainability claims.
Catriona Lowe
ACCC Deputy Chair
9:50 AM - 10:20 AM | AI in Legal: Striking the Balance between Practicality and Ethics
Artificial intelligence is progressing rapidly and we're already seeing the impacts it can have on society. From revolutionising industries and increasing productivity to displacing jobs and increasing bias, it's critical that we carefully consider how to mitigate the risks while maximising the benefits of AI. This session will look at the opportunities AI presents specific to Legal practice balanced with how to use the technology responsibly and ethically.
Ramona Roach, Principal & CEO - Ethika Group
Supported by: Ethika Group
10:25 AM - 11:10 AM | Leadership Panel | How Many Fires are Too Many Fires? Future Proofing Your Organization to Avoid Crisis after Crisis
As a present-day legal leader, it may feel like you are facing one crisis after another and while you have become adept to handling these situations, it’s important for GCs to take a proactive approach to prevent future crisis rather than believing their value lies in the quality of their response to the crisis. This panel will focus on strategies leaders should implement to help their teams get ahead of crisis, minimize its impact and avoid it as much as possible overall. While you can't always predict what's coming around the corner for your organisation, you will walk away from this session with tools that help leaders shift to rewarding efforts in preparing for and minimizing future crisis.
Michael Guilday, General Counsel & Head of Property - Sydney Fish MarketKaren Healey, General Counsel and Company Secretary - Cashrewards
Anna Sutton, General Counsel, Syngenta Australia & New Zealand - Syngenta
Amy Barwick, General Counsel - Sharetea Australia
Heather Nevitt, Editor in Chief of Corporate Counsel - ALM
11:10 AM - 11:45 AM | Morning Networking Break
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM | Legal Operations Panel | The Uphill Battle of Change Management: Implementing Technology to Optimize the Modern-Day Legal Department
When change is the only constant, it’s impossible to predict precisely how the legal market will look in the future, but it’s clear that effective change management is essential to achieve operational efficiency. Creating a culture of change is essential and that creates the foundation for analysis, planning and implementation to facilitate the redesign of legal processes. Panelists will explore the value of combining critical change management strategies and implementing the right technology to drive legal team performance and overall business success, no matter the size of your legal department.
Ethan Doan, Head of Legal Operations and Technology - APA GroupSacha Kirk, Co-Founder & CMO - Lawcadia
Marc Nethercot, Legal Automation Manager - Nutrien Ag Solutions
Petra Stirling, Head of Operations, Transformation, Knowledge & Development, Legal & Secretariat - Westpac Group
Supported by: Lawcadia
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Lunch Roundtables
Roundtable 1
Roundtable 2
Supported by: EY
Roundtable 4
Roundtable 5
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM | Talent Panel | Thinking Outside the Box to Recruit & Retain In-House Legal Talent
The talent war continues to plague legal departments with many organisations struggling to retain their talent, but also attract quality legal professionals. As candidate and employee expectations have shifted, organizations are being forced to identify their employee value proposition or face the risk of missing out on quality talent. Join this panel session as our experts consider the trends driving the talent war and explore creative ways to showcase your organization’s culture and recruit new talent when money isn’t the sole decision driver.
Angela Martinelli, Legal and External Relations Director ANZ - General MillsSerryn O'Regan, Executive Manager Governance & General Counsel - Evolve College
Heather Nevitt, Editor in Chief of Corporate Counsel - ALM
Jeremy Child, Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary - ARN Media Limited
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Afternoon Networking Break
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM | Closing Keynote: Understanding the Ethics & Reputational Risk Behind the Respect @ Work Act
The Respect @ Work Act is one of the most pivotal pieces of legislation aimed at addressing workplace culture and misconduct. Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking session that delves into the complexities of the Respect @ Work Act, examining the profound ethical considerations and reputational risks it presents. We will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the legislation, its intent, and the mechanisms it sets in motion to promote a safe and respectful working environment. Attendees will gain an understanding of what the risks and implications are, as well as what is expected and required for businesses and employees.
Ruby Leahy Gatfield, Head of Research and Insights - Future Women
Katrin O'Sullivan, General Counsel - The Fred Hollows Foundation
Cassie Howman-Giles, Deputy General Counsel - Tabcorp - Tabcorp