Thank you for visiting Dorsey’s New York Symposium for Corporate Leaders web page. We have posted information from the event held on May 7, 2009 including copies of presentation materials and related resources. If you have questions about any of the sessions or would like to inquire about hosting a Dorsey CLE at your place of business in the New York City area, please feel free to contact the speakers below.

Symposium Presentation Materials

Lawyers, Guns and Money: Perspectives on Global and Domestic Corporate Fraud

Speakers:  Nick Akerman, Nicholas Burkill, Zachary W. Carter, Roger J. Magnuson and Michael Piazza (Dorsey & Whitney)

Description: In the wake of financial scams, the ongoing bailout of the financial industry, and the increasing Government role in private industry, we know to expect heightened scrutiny of many business practices. Our panel, which included a former US Attorney from the Eastern District of NY, a former SEC Regional Trial Counsel, and an expert in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act with experience as a Department of Justice-approved FCPA monitor, assessed the current state of fraud prevention and detection in corporate America today from their unique perspectives.

Resources: (Download full set of session materials)

Dealing with the Financial Crisis: Opportunities and Pitfalls

Speakers: Jeff Stuart (U.S. Bank); Steven Khadavi, Eric Lopez Schnabel and Christine L. Swanick (Dorsey & Whitney)

Description: The financial crisis not only impacts a company's ability to access capital and challenges its ability to meet its obligations, it also offers unique opportunities. Our panel of experts discussed how to obtain capital and financing in these challenged markets, debt and equity alternatives for companies that cannot raise capital, a top ten list on how to manage debt obligations, and the impact of the credit crisis on debtor-in-possession lending and recent bankruptcy filings.

Resources: (Download full set of session materials)

In-House Ethics FAQs – Answering the Top 10 Questions

Speakers: Ella K. Solomons (Deloitte & Touche USA LLP); Kenneth L. Jorgensen, David C. Singer (Dorsey & Whitney)

Description: Ethics issues for in-house counsel are complex and fast-changing. A diverse and expert panel identified and addressed the most important and interesting ethics issues of the day, such as New York's new Rules of Professional Conduct, unauthorized and inadvertent disclosure of privileged information, agreements restricting practice (in-house and plaintiffs’ counsel), access to evidence, negotiation ethics, increased duties of candor to tribunals, unauthorized practice issues, conflicts and more.

Resources: (Download full set of session materials)

Whenthe Going Gets Tough, the Tough Start Suing:
Director and Officer Liability in a Challenging Economy and Practical Advice on What to Do About It

Speakers: Robert A. Bartell, (Duff & Phelps, LLC); G. Michael Bellinger, Michael Foreman and Creighton R. Magid (Dorsey & Whitney)

Description: The economic crisis has brought renewed scrutiny of officers and directors of both public and non-public companies. In addition, evolutions in the law and public opinion are creating more potential sources of director and officer liability. Our panel of experts discussed the brave new world of fiduciary duties and director and officer liability and offered practical advice for minimizing the risk to officers, directors and their companies.

Resources: (Download full set of session materials)

Securing Electronic Business Information: Do You Know What You May Be Missing?

Speakers: Peter Rabinowitz (Wyeth); Nick Akerman and Steven S. Fang (Dorsey & Whitney)

Description: A data security breach, whether at the hands of a competitor or through inadvertent disclosure, can expose a company to significant losses, including regulatory penalties, private litigation and other less tangible damages. The economic crisis and resulting threat posed by terminated employees who have stolen sensitive data from former employers has put vital information at unprecedented levels of vulnerability. This session reviewed cutting-edge legal solutions designed to help companies protect data, comply with regulatory obligations and pursue those who steal data.

Resources: (Download full set of session materials)