Room 3-04

Speakers

• Dennis Quinio, Chief DE&I Officer / Americas, A&O Shearman

• Rachel Lee, Associate, A&O Shearman

• Khanh Nguyen, DE&I Program Director, Fordham Law School

• Tanya Bovée, Partner and Regional Coordinator, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Moderator

• Richard Sui, Attorney at Law, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Program Chair

• Dennis Quinio, Chief DE&I Officer / Americas, A&O Shearman

Description

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DE&I”), important and intertwined concepts meaning different things to different people, are facing increasing challenges following the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action in June 2023. On this panel, we will explore the expectations often associated with DE&I in law firm and corporate legal settings and discuss practical tips and insights in navigating realities, such as (a) defining DE&I and setting expectations in a way that makes sense for the business of particular organizations, (b) responding to pushback on DE&I in today’s climate, and (c) leveraging DE&I involvement towards one’s success for attorneys of all levels and law students entering the field. By addressing these important but often unspoken areas surrounding DE&I, we hope to shed light on some ways law firms and companies can best utilize DE&I to build stronger foundations for their businesses and provide a brighter future for all employees, including those from AANHPI backgrounds.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Diversity, Inclusion, Elimination of Bias, (non-transitional only)

Room 3-02

Speakers

• Ron Lord, Chief Operating Officer, CompSci, LLC.

• Scot Crichton, Head of Disclosure Sales, Broadridge

Moderator

• Terrence Shen, Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Program Chair

• Kenneth McClure, Capital Markets & Compliance, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Description

This program uncovers the why and how behind Broadridge’s enablement of Issuer regulatory communications, from corporate actions to comprehensive shareholder meeting services as well as understanding the foundation of Public Company proxy mechanics. We will detail Broadridge’s role and capabilities creating simplified workflows, reducing risk, optimized outcomes and controlling cost for all stakeholders. We will provide actionable tips and insights around best practices for proxy preparation, timeline management and review the 2024 proxy season trends covering virtual meetings, shareholder proposals, universal proxy (contested meetings) and shareholder engagement tools. This program will enable corporate attorneys and in-house counsel who regularly confront these issues to be well prepared to meet any challenges and contingencies.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional)

Room 3-03

Speakers

• Eric Hwang, Associate, Milbank LLP

• Alex Xiao, Associate, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP

• Mandy Lam, General Counsel, HG Vora Capital Management

Moderator

• Lawrence Wee, Partner, Milbank LLP

Program Chair

• Lawrence Wee, Partner, Milbank LLP

Description

In response to a recent trend towards liability management transactions and out-of-court restructurings, the program gathers top professionals in the financial restructuring space to discuss how a capital structure influences outcomes in both in-court and out-of-court restructurings. The program is directed at younger attorneys and law students who might consider liability management as a potential area of focus, aligning well with the 2024 Fall Conference theme of "Building a Stronger Foundation for a Brighter Future."

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional)

Room 3-01

Speakers

• Eric Lunser, Cybersecurity Director of FTI Consulting

• Paula P. Plaza, Associate, Phillips Lytle

• David Wong, Director of Mandiant, Google Cloud

Moderator

• Francis Chin, Senior Systems Engineer, K2 Services

Description

Come join this discussion on how to secure your cyberspace and protect your legal practice from dangerous cybersecurity threats, cyber attacks and data breaches. Our speakers will focus on current cybersecurity scams, how to use modern technology wisely and ethically, and what are the professional responsibilities in protecting clients and law office’s data and communication. The purpose of this program is to help solo practitioners and mid-size firms with limited resources to minimize their risks and to develop cybersecurity, privacy and data protection measures in an ever changing and innovative world.

We will also discuss general guidance to New York lawyers relating to cybersecurity issues under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.0 CLE Credits, Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection - General; 0.5 CLE Credits, Cybersecurity, Privacy and Data Protection - Ethics (transitional and non-transitional)

Room 3-02

Speakers

• Jane Wasman, President, JWasman Advisors

• Hatsuki Miyata, General Counsel, Balchem

• Sipi Bhandari, General Counsel, Paychex

• Da-Wai Hu, General Counsel, Chewy

• Peter Kim, EVP, General Counsel and Secretary, Sony Corporation of America

Moderator

• Terrence Shen, Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Program Chair

• Anushree Bagrodia, Vice President, IHC

Description

The General Counsel Roundtable will explore the career paths of esteemed diverse General Counsels, as well as explore strategies for embracing DEI for their teams and the legal profession as a whole. Panelists will draw on personal and professional experiences to discuss challenges and goals with respect to the road to becoming a diverse General Counsel, and how they have navigated DEI in their careers and encourage creating a strong foundation for a bright future for the AANHPI community in the legal profession.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.0 CLE Credits, Law Practice Management, 0.5 CLE Credits Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias (non-transitional only)

Room 3-04

Speakers

• Tanya Bovee, Partner, Regional Coordinator, and Board Member, Jackson Lewis P.C.

• Tanyee Cheung, Partner, Finn Dixon & Herling

• Ginny Kim, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance and Diversity Officer, State of Connecticut Office of the Treasurer

Moderator

• Joanna Plerpa, Associate, Finn Dixon & Herling

Program Chair

• Tanya Bovee, Partner, Regional Coordinator, and Board Member, Jackson Lewis P.C.

Description

Join us for a thought-provoking presentation on the dangers of microaggressions and the crucial importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Engage and explore concrete ways you and your organizations can combat microaggressions and other subtle biases and prejudices. Microaggressions can erode trust and employee engagement, undermine productivity, and contribute to a poor work environment. Explore the nature and impact of microaggressions, as well as strategies for identifying and addressing them. Learn how creating a culture of psychological safety can help address these concerns and promote a healthy and thriving workplace culture. Psychological safety in the workplace allows employees to speak up candidly with ideas, questions and concerns, without fear of reprisal or adverse repercussions. The resulting security created by a culture that supports a safe workplace can improve performance, engagement and connection at work. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to address microaggressions and create a more inclusive, supportive, and productive work environment for all.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Diversity, Inclusion, Elimination of Bias (non-transitional only)

Room 3-03

Speakers

• Rose Cuison-Villazor, Professor of Law, Rutgers Newark Law School

• Phil Tajitsu Nash, Lecturer in Asian American Studies Program, University of Maryland

• Gautam Hans, Associate Clinical Professor, Cornell Law School

Moderator

• Marina Lao, Edward S. Hendrickson Professor of Law, Seton Hall Law School

Program Chair

• Gaurav Mukherjee, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, University of Connecticut School of Law

Description

The need for diversity within the legal academy has never been more pressing, as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) scholars remain underrepresented in law schools across the United States. This roundtable aims to address the various pathways AAPI individuals can take to enter the legal academy, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching legal education and scholarship. By discussing the multiple routes to academia, including traditional academic tracks, practice, public service, and interdisciplinary studies, the roundtable will explore common challenges and barriers faced by AAPI scholars and how institutions can support them. Key discussion points will include the role of mentorship, the impact of diversity on legal education, and initiatives law schools can undertake to promote inclusion.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

1.5 CLE Credits, Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias (pending)

Room 3-01

Speakers

• Shirley Luong, Staff Attorney, The Legal Aid Society

• Dianna Lam, Associate, TD Securities

• Beatrice Leong, Principal, Law Office of Beatrice Leong

• Gary Yeung, Associate, Schulte Roth and Zabel

Moderator

• Lina Lee, Former Executive Director, Communities Resist

Program Chair

• Beatrice Leong, Principal, Law Office of Beatrice Leong

Description

The Pro Bono Legal Clinics offer free consultations with volunteer lawyers to the AAPI communities so that low- to middle -income individuals have an opportunity to discuss their legal problems, learn how to navigate the court process, and seek legal referrals. This program will teach lawyers at initial consultations to spot the legal and any other underlying issues not presented by the clients, to identify the procedural and substantive laws, legal referrals, and other non-legal recourse, and how to provide efficient and effective legal counseling. Our panelists will discuss the ethical rules under New York State Rules of Professional Conduct and the obligations of attorneys involved in limited scope of representation, participation in pro bono legal services, and conflicts. There will be a mock client interview to show how our experts handle difficult cases and clients.  

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Ethics and Professionalism (transitional and non-transitional)

Costantino Room

Speakers

• Hon. Marilyn D. Go, Commissioner, New York City Districting Commission

• Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Assemblymember, New York State Assembly

• Elizabeth R. OuYang, Coordinator, APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force

• Grace Pyun, Acting Executive Director and General Counsel, New York City Districting Commission

• John Park, Executive Director, MinKwon Center

Moderator

• Vishal Chander, Managing Attorney, The Chander Law Firm PC

Program Chair

• Vishal Chander, Managing Attorney, The Chander Law Firm PC

Description

How congressional, state, and local districts are drawn directly impacts communities and their power, not only affecting the outcome of elections, but in a host of other ways beyond the distribution of government funds. Redistricting in the 2020 Redistricting Cycle brought into focus the importance of redistricting because of the significant growth of Asians in New York State, particularly New York City. Speakers will give an overview of the legal framework for federal, state, and local redistricting, voting rights laws and how they impact redistricting, and the role the courts have played in the New York State redistricting process. They will also discuss their experiences participating in the 2020 Redistricting Cycle from the perspectives of a Commissioner and the General Counsel of the New York City Districting Commission and a leader of APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force, the largest coalition of APA groups involved in redistricting and mobilizing the Asian American community to ensure that the views of the many diverse communities in NYC would be heard.

The 2020 Redistricting Cycle lasted almost 4 years and preparations for the 2030 Redistricting Cycle will be underway soon. The speakers will also discuss the importance of continuing to educate the community about redistricting and how the AAPI community, including lawyers, can ensure that the Asian American voice is heard."

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Diversity, Inclusion, Elimination of Bias (non-transitional only)

Room 3-01

Speakers

• Rasmeet K. Chahil, Counsel, Lowenstein Sandler LLP

• Elizabeth L. Mo, Counsel, The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C.

• William H. Ng, Partner, Littler Mendelson P.C.

• Stewart Hsiao Loo, Investigator, Private Investigator and retired NYPD Deputy Inspector and Commanding Officer of Detectives.

Moderator

• Hin Ton “Tracy” Wong, Associate, The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C.

Program Chair

• Elizabeth L. Mo, Counsel, The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C.

Description

Companies of all sizes can face issues or complaints leading to internal investigations. These range from noncompliance with regulatory requirements to Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance, harassment or discrimination concerns, data breaches, and whistleblower complaints. While there is no “one size fits all” approach, this panel will address investigation best practices from a variety of perspectives – in-house, government, and outside counsel – to provide the necessary tools when such issues arise. From receipt of a complaint to submission of a final report, there are critical decisions to be made at each juncture in the investigation. Starting with who should conduct the investigation and determining its scope, the panel will then provide strategies for effective fact-finding through witness interviews, including providing the necessary Upjohn warnings, and how to deal with difficult or uncooperative witnesses. Another key consideration throughout the investigation is preserving privilege, including when working with experts. Finally, the panel will discuss how to provide investigative findings and how to decide whether to make a written report public or make voluntary self-disclosures to the government. Overall, this investigations playbook will facilitate in-house counsel’s decision-making and communications with outside counsel, and help companies navigate parallel internal and government investigations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• How to determine who should conduct the investigation (HR, compliance, in-house counsel, outside counsel)

• How to determine the nature and scope of the investigation

• Best practices to address document retention, collection of cell phones, and data privacy issues, as well as document collection and review

• Tips to effectively manage labor and employment law issues

• Strategies for conducting witness interviews, including providing Upjohn warnings and the tenor of the conversation

• How to protect the attorney-client and work product privileges, including when working with experts such as forensics

• How to best provide investigative findings

• Gain insight into how the government uses, evaluates and weighs internal investigations and how to tailor your investigation accordingly

• Deciding how and when to engage with media and other outreach, including deciding whether and to what extent to make findings public

INTERACTIVITY: We plan to include a hypothetical internal investigation situation that we will develop throughout the program. We plan to have some role-playing exercises where we invite members of the audience to conduct a mock questioning of a panel member who will play a potential witness. Each exercise will contain a key take-away lesson for attendees. We also plan to incorporate audience polls and ask the audience about how to handle a particular step in the investigation. Overall, through these exercises, we will develop a “checklist” that attendees can use to guide investigations when issues arise for their client or company.

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE: A panel event on internal investigations highlights the essential practices and principles that form the bedrock of fair process, ensuring protection against unfair treatment, bias, and procedural errors. It is critical to provide expertise, support, and strategic guidance to navigate the investigation process effectively. Developing the insight to mitigate potential negative consequences allows everyone to emerge from an investigation stronger and more resilient. For organizations, strengthening institutional integrity also promotes public confidence and trust. The ability to take a proactive approach to compliance and risk management allows for adaptability to ever changing regulations and challenges—ensuring long-term sustainability and success.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Skills

Room 3-04

Speakers

• Judge John Zhuo Wang, Presiding Judge, Midtown Community Justice Center

• Judge Melissa De Jesus, Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Kings County, Brooklyn Treatment Court

• Carlette Quinto, Clinical Supervisor, Midtown Community Justice Center

Moderator

• Hon. L. Austin D'Souza, Judge, New York City Civil Court, Past President, SABANY; AABANY member

Program Chair

• Judge John Zhuo Wang, Presiding Judge, Midtown Community Justice Center

Description

Problem-solving court is the general umbrella concept for alternatives-to-incarceration, mental health, drug, veteran, youth, and emerging adult courts.  The term “problem-solving” applies to the general proposition that these courts are not specifically adjudicatory courts that decide the narrow legal issues before them, but address underlying needs and risk factors that led to the case being filed.  These courts – often specialty courts of the criminal court system – utilize social service and community-based providers to treat criminogenic factors such as substance abuse, criminal thinking, and negative social supports that are proven to increase involvement in the criminal justice system.  “Person-centered Justice” is the umbrella term for tenets such as procedural justice or therapeutic jurisprudence that emphasize dignity, voice, and fairness as a component of the court’s treatment of these individuals – often in the courts viewed as most dehumanizing.  In the most recent NYS State of the Judiciary, the Chief Judge expressed a vision to expand problem-solving courts throughout New York State.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional).

Room 3-03

Speakers

• Buck Gee, Executive Advisor, Ascend

• Charles Jung, Civil Rights Attorney, Nassiri & Jung LLP

• Michelle Lee, President & General Counsel, Stand with Asian Americans

Moderator

• Elaine Chiu, Professor of Law, St. John's University School of Law

Program Chair

• Elaine Chiu, Professor of Law, St. John's University School of Law

Description

Virulent anti-Asian hate and violence inspired by COVID was a rallying cry for Asian Americans. The explosion in political and social advocacy has been historic. This panel explores how this new consciousness has shifted its focus from the streets to our workplaces. Did Asian Americans experience COVID-related discrimination and bias from their bosses, colleagues, or clients and customers? As with the senseless violence of attacks on the streets, there is a long history and an ongoing crisis of workplace injustice against Asian Americans. According to Pew Research Center (2023), about 1 in 5 Asian adults has experienced some form of workplace discrimination because of their race or ethnicity. What have been the experiences of those who have spoken up about the harms they have suffered in their jobs and careers? Have the strategies of data collection and public awareness campaigns been successful? How have the law and lawyers helped? Anti-Asian injustice exists in many spaces and greater awareness and advocacy around all the spaces are necessary to a strong foundation and brighter future for Asian Americans.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional)

Speakers

• Lingfei Wu, CEO and Co-founder, Anytime AI

• Wei Wu, Founder & CEO, Roundblock

• Sateesh Nori, Adjunct Clinical Professor of Law

• Bianca Lin, Partner, Allegaert Berger & Vogel LLP

• Sapna Palla, Partner, Allen & Overy

Moderator

• Susan Song, Co-Chair, Immigration Law Committee

Program Chair

• Susan Song, Co-Chair, Immigration Law Committee

Description

This panel delves into the impact of AI on the legal profession, offering a thorough examination of Generative AI. It covers the introduction of Generative AI, its integration into legal practices, and discusses its benefits, risks, challenges, and future trends. This session aims to equip legal professionals with insights on leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in their work.

By promoting innovation, adaptability, and responsible use of AI, the program fosters a forward-thinking legal community prepared for future challenges and opportunities. This discussion not only focuses on the current practice of law but also ensures that legal professionals are ethically and effectively utilizing AI, thereby laying a robust and progressive foundation for the future of the legal profession.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional).

Speakers

• Lihua Zheng, Co-Founder and former Board Member, Anheart Therapeutic

• Peter Young, CEO, Young & Partners

• Minkyu Park, Senior Associate, Cooley LLP

• Mi Zhou, Senior Associate, Paul Hastings

Moderator

• Hardy Zhou, Associate, Cooley LLP

Program Chair

• Hardy Zhou, Associate, Cooley LLP

Description

In this panel, we will explore the legal landscape surrounding biotech investments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among founders, investors and attorneys. Our esteemed speakers, including successful biotech founders, will delve into the complexities of structuring deals, tax considerations and regulatory compliance. We’ll discuss how these legal foundations contribute to a brighter future for the biotech investment and the industry.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional)

Speakers

• Linda Kenney Baden, Founding Partner, Law Office of Linda Kenney Baden; Anchor, Law and Crime Network

• Priya Chaudhry, Founding Partner, ChaudhryLaw PLLC

• Juda Engelmayer, Chief Executive Officer and President of HeraldPR

Moderators

• Imran Ansari, Trial Partner, Aidala Bertuna Kamins, SABANY Board of Directors

• Hon. L. Austin D'Souza, Judge, New York City Civil Court, Past President, SABANY; AABANY member

Program Chair

• Hon. L. Austin D'Souza, Judge, New York City Civil Court, Past President, SABANY; AABANY member

Description

Our panel of trial experts will discuss their approach to trying high profile, nationally covered cases. The discussion will cover such topics as: trial preparation, including witness preparation; messaging and PR strategy and execution; dealing with difficult, controversial, or embarrassing developments; gag orders; media in the courtroom and televised trials; letting your client talk to the media; and overall media management strategies. Our experts have all represented high profile clients, including movie stars, athletes, and other celebrities.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Skills (transitional and non-transitional)

Speakers

• Greg Pan, Partner, Nolan Heimann LLP

• Ada Wang, Associate, Wilson Sonsini

• Stephen Stanley, CEO, Matrix Brand Dynamics

• William Coppola, Executive Director, Intellectual Property at Celularity

Moderator

• Jeffrey Mok, Partner, Fish & Richardson

Program Chair

• Ada Wang, Associate, Wilson Sonsini

Description

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the intricate art of building successful licensing programs tailored for emerging businesses. In this session, our expert panelists will delve into the nuances of intellectual property (IP) licensing, patent licensing, and the potential antitrust pitfalls that may accompany these endeavors.

From navigating the complexities of IP licensing agreements to leveraging patents as strategic assets, attendees will gain valuable insights into developing robust licensing strategies that can drive growth and innovation for their businesses. Our panelists will share real-world experiences, best practices, and useful tips for structuring effective licensing deals that foster collaboration, protect intellectual property rights, and mitigate legal risks.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking to monetize your innovations or a business leader looking to expand your company's reach through strategic partnerships, this panel promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of licensing in today's competitive market.

The panel aligns with the 2024 fall conference theme of ""Building a Stronger Foundation for a Brighter Future" by providing insights and strategies for businesses to establish sustainable partnerships and revenue streams through licensing, thereby fortifying their foundations for long-term growth and success in the evolving market landscape.

Click here for the CLE materials for this program (in Google Drive).

Approved for 1.5 CLE Credits, Areas of Professional Practice (transitional and non-transitional).