The USC Gould School of Law – LACBA Business Law Section Institute for Corporate Counsel drew hundreds of professionals to hear from Former White House Chief of Staff, Ronald Klain, as well as other industry experts, to explore recent developments at the intersection of law, business and politics.
The one-day continuing legal education event took place December 6, 2023 at the California Club – Los Angeles. Ronald Klain, former White House Chief of Staff for President Biden and current partner at O’Melveny & Myers, discussed his experience navigating complex legal and political landscapes while driving impactful solutions in crisis management and policy making.
“It’s like being a football coach,” said Klain. “You get a lot of credit for when things go right that you don’t deserve it, and when things go poorly you get credit when you don’t deserve it. It’s all about the team.”
The morning program offered a dynamic lineup, beginning with a deep dive into the United States Supreme Court’s recent and anticipated groundbreaking decisions, emphasizing their impact on businesses. Attendees then joined concurrent breakout sessions to explore advancements and complex legal risks of artificial intelligence, and practical insights on shareholder activism preparation.
In “New Frontiers of AI: Business Opportunities and Legal Risks,” Ghaith Mahmood, Partner and Global Vice Chair of Data Technology & Transactions Practice at Latham & Watkins LLP, stressed the urgency of AI litigation.
“The White House isn’t waiting for Congress to act for trustworthy AI,” said Mahmood. “The Biden Executive order is a call to action for additional rulemaking that is set within the next 90 days.”
The afternoon program offered a diverse array of insights, from navigating complex labor and employment issues in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to tackling ethical dilemmas in crisis management. Panels also explored challenges in California’s energy sector, and top legal concerns from general counsel.
In “California Supreme Court Justice Interview,” Former Supreme Court Justice, Associate Justice Ming W. Chin (Ret.), discussed innovative solutions in the courtroom.
“I think our courts ought to be citizen centric. They should be useful for you to use them and for their clients to use them.” said Chin.”If you can handle matters remotely, that’s the way they should be done”
The Institute for Corporate Counsel is a collaboration of the USC Gould School of Law and the Los Angeles County Bar Association Business Law Section. For over 40 years, the Institute has been the premier annual event at which in-house and outside counsel gather to compare notes, keep abreast of key legal developments and network with colleagues.
USC Gould School of Law offers continuing legal education opportunities for professionals who want to learn and network with leading experts in their industries. A fixture of the Los Angeles legal community since 1948, USC Gould Continuing Legal Education hosts six annual conferences for professionals at every level to learn from, and network with, the biggest players in entertainment, estate planning, business, tax and intellectual property. To learn more, visit or subscribe at gould.usc.edu/cle – and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
Previous Article
