8:55 Welcome and Introductions
9:00 Employment Issues in the COVID-19 Era
Susan G. James, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh
Rosemary G. "Rose" Kenyon, Smith Anderson, Raleigh
Kathryn F. "Kathy" Twiddy, Mayne Pharma, Raleigh (Moderator)
Employers are facing a myriad of issues, whether operating on-site or working remotely, in light of COVID-19. Issues include complying with OSHA obligations to provide a safe work environment, conducting health checks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, considering accommodations for employees in high risk categories or suffering from anxiety, dealing with employees who are parents of school-age children, and facing layoffs/furloughs and pay cuts, among other things. This panel provides practical advice on key issues and share experiences regarding how various organizations have faced these challenges.
10:00 Break
10:10 Cybersecurity Lessons for Corporate Counsel‡
Allen T. O'Rourke, Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson PA, Charlotte
Shannon Ralich, Bandwidth Inc., Raleigh
Gain technical and legal insights to better enable corporate counsel to identify and address legal issues related to cybersecurity. This session explains key concepts of internet technology and cybercrime, discusses major areas of legal risk related to cybersecurity, and provides tips to help corporate counsel handle such issues effectively. In the process, we draw upon our own experiences helping organizations navigate cybersecurity legal issues in order to share practical lessons and insights.
11:10 Break
11:20 Force Majeure and Other Contractual Issues Raised by COVID-19
Robert E. "Rob" Harrington, Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson PA, Charlotte
Brandon Neal, Novant Health, Charlotte
This session focuses on the various contractual issues raised by COVID-19. Whether or not a contract has adequate protections or remedies to guard against COVID-19 ramifications depends upon how carefully it was drafted. Common contractual issues raised by COVID-19 include interpretations in the areas of force majeure, timely delivery, notice and mitigation, termination/cancellation/rescheduling flexibility, warranty, other key contractual terms which affect costs and dispute resolution.
12:20 CLE Adjourn for the Day
12:30 Optional Corporate Counsel/Smith Anderson Joint Diversity Discussion
Where We Stand and Taking it Forward Together: How Corporate Counsel Can Move Forward and Increase Allyship and Inclusion in the Workplace
This session does not offer MCLE credit.
Arin Reeves, Ph.D, Nextions LLC, Chicago, IL
Click here to join via Zoom (Zoom Dial-in | 408 638 0968 | Meeting ID: 916 7468 2701 | Passcode: 348885). Session runs from 12:30-1:30.
‡Indicates portion providing Technology Training credit