Rising to the Challenge - Strategies to Navigate Turbulent Times
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The current macroeconomic climate can be daunting for any GC to navigate, let alone a first time GC. Budgets are being cut, layoffs are becoming commonplace, valuations are cratering, board pressure is increasing, and executives are grappling with a host of difficult decisions. Companies need strong leaders now more than ever, and the role of the General Counsel has taken on even more prominence as the primary advisor on risk.
As a first time GC, how do you rise to the challenge and become indispensable to your CEO and Board as your company navigates these choppy waters? In this full-day live summit, we’ll tackle this question head-on, providing playbooks for everything from working with your CFO and Board through crises to creating a legal function that helps drive bottom line results. Attendees will leave with practical insights and actionable strategies to implement at their companies immediately.
Leaders are forged during times of crisis. Join your peer GCs and some of the industry’s most respected advisors as we discuss what legal leaders need to thrive in today’s market.
**4.0 NY CLE / 4.0 CA CLE credits. This course is appropriate for experienced attorneys. TechGC has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board and the State Bar of California as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education. Additionally, we will seek accreditation in IL, WA, FL, TX, PA, CO, GA, and any of the other 50 states upon specific request from an attendee.
Crisis Management
- Employment/HR (e.g. RIFS, terminations, CEO transitions, etc.)
- Privacy (e.g. data breaches, violations of evolving privacy laws, etc.)
- Regulatory challenges (e.g. government investigations, unexpected regulations, unfavorable policies, etc.)
- Litigation
- Valuation Issues (e.g. down rounds, underwater equity issues, etc.)
- Shuttering or pivoting parts of the business
- Immigration issues
- Communication in a crisis
- Mergers and Acquisitions
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Cross-Functional Partnerships - Legal's Role in Accelerating the Work of Other Departments:Â
- Sales
- Product
- Finance
- Corporate Development
- Information Security
- Human Resources
- Board governance
- Marketing
Session I:Â The CFO Perspective: Battle Tested Strategies for Working Together Through Difficult Situations
The partnership between the GC and the CFO cannot be understated. The Legal and Finance teams must constructively work hand-in-hand to navigate many challenges. Whether it’s working together on cost-cutting measures like Reductions in Force or collaborating on financial planning issues, these two functions must develop a collaborative relationship to effectively manage risk and crises.
In this session, you will hear from a GC and a CFO on their process for managing chaos. You’ll get practical tips from leaders in the industry for working together to provide steady leadership in turbulent times.
Andy Brooks, Chief Financial Officer @ Holmusk
Holly Logue, General Counsel @ Holmusk
Josh Beser, Partner @ Wilson Sonsini
Our first session of small-group roundtable discussions will be focused on cross-functional partnerships, with a particular focus on how legal can help accelerate the work of other departments in the company such as sales, product, finance, corporate development, information security, HR, and marketing.
You’ll often hear your business leaders describe the legal department as a cost center. This term diminishes the role that the legal team can play, and the judgment and expertise a strong GC can provide. Just as the head of marketing is a business person with marketing expertise, the in-house lawyer is a business person with legal expertise. But how do you demonstrate the value of the legal team? What steps can a first time GC take to establish the legal department as a tool for driving to the bottom line, and not just the department that mitigates risk?
In this fireside chat, you’ll hear from a GC who has mastered the art of positioning the legal team as a value driver within his company.
Elliot Mark, General Counsel @ Everbridge
David Haber, Partner @ WilmerHale
Our third session of small-group roundtable discussions will be focused on crisis management including such crises as employment/HR (e.g. RIFS, terminations, CEO transitions, etc.); privacy (e.g. data breaches, violations of evolving privacy laws, etc.); regulatory challenges (e.g. government investigations, unexpected regulations, unfavorable policies, etc.); litigation; valuation Issues (e.g. down rounds, underwater equity issues, etc.); shuttering or pivoting parts of the business; immigration issues; and communication in a crisis.
Providing a steady hand to guide and counsel the executive team and board of directors can be the most challenging part of the GC’s responsibilities, especially during difficult times. As an executive leader, the GC plays a key role in crisis management, providing guidance to the board and senior management in times of crisis. What do CEOs, executives, and directors look to the GC for during turbulent times?
In this session, you’ll hear from a GC and a CEO discussing tips to make the GC an indispensable part of navigating thorny issues.
Erin Millender-Rubin, VP of Legal @ Hyperscience
Charlie Newark-French, Interim CEO @ Hyperscience
Ashish Walia, Co-Founder @ Lawtrades
Our Group Rate for this hotel has now been filled. If you are looking for accommodation, please email julia@techgc.co and we will see what we can do for you!
TechGC is a private, invitation only, organization for General Counsels of leading venture capital firms and venture-backed technology companies. Our mission is to drive innovation, education and mentorship in the legal industry while creating a strong peer group and community that supports each other for many years to come.
Membership includes over 2,000 prominent GCs across the US and world wide. TechGC hosts quarterly private GC-only events to connect members with link-minded peers.
