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Upcoming Events
See what's happening in the coming weeks:
| 10.10.24 | ACC St. Louis CLE: Real Situations Impacting Your Company's Business | 4:30 check-in and in-person networking | 5-6:00 pm program followed by reception and drawings | Polsinelli St. Louis Office 7676 Forsyth Blvd. - Ste. 800 - 63105 | Validated parking | 1.2 hrs. CLE | Register | 10.16.24 | General Counsel Forum: GC Considerations in Legal and Compliance Operations | 5:30 check-in | 5:30-7:30 pm dinner and panel discussion | Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - 16493 Wild Horse Creek Road - 63017 | 1.0 hrs. MO CLE | Open to General Counsel/Chief Legal Officers only | Register | 10.23.24 | ACC St. Louis Virtual CLE: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Dangers and Pitfalls in Today's Hybrid Working Environment | 12:00-1:00 pm | Zoom details to be sent closer to the meeting | Speaker: Ben Woodard, Partner, Stinson, LLP | CLE: 1.2 MO CLE approved | Register | 10.29.24 | St. Louis Sponsor Appreciation & Wine Tasting | 5:00 pm Registration and Check-in | 5:45 pm Welcome and Tastings | Clayton Wine House - 7911 Clayton Road - 63117 | Get to know the 2024 sponsors and your in-house colleagues at this complimentary event for members and sponsors! | Register | |
11.01.24 | ACC St. Louis CLE Event: Superstition Explored: "Artful Observation with a Cultural Lens" - Interactive discussion led by
Facilitator, Dr. Cathleen Fleck, Ph.D. | Free event at St. Louis Art Museum - 1 Fine Arts Drive - 63110 | 1.2 Hours Ethics/Elimination of Bias| Register
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ACC St. Louis Chapter President,
Beverly Garner,
Associate General Counsel, Bunge
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Greetings from Nashville, TN where I am attending the ACC Annual Meeting with 17 other members of the Chapter. We are enjoying insightful CLEs, endless networking opportunities, exciting social functions, delicious meals, and, of course, visits to the Exhibit Hall. IYKYK (about all of the SWAG from sponsors and vendors).
On Sunday, October 6, the Chapter received an achievement award for the best diversity program for medium-size chapters for our Summer Internship Program. I want to congratulate the entire Chapter for this recognition. Special congratulations and appreciation go out to members of the Diversity Committee, led by Lisa Savoy, the Summer Internship Program chair, Vikas Sunkari, as well as Chapter member companies who hosted summer interns and Chapter members who served as mentors in the Program. The Summer Internship Program provides first year students from nearby law schools opportunities to gain valuable work experience within the legal departments of corporations in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The Chapter selects interns from demographic groups who are under- represented in the legal profession. Many of them are the first in their families to attend college and law school. The Chapter started the Program in 2011.
The Compliance and Ethics Network, for which Barbara Barrett serves as Program Chair, received an achievement award for Large Network of the Year. Way to go Barbara!
Four Chapter members were selected to speak during the Annual Meeting. Barbara Barrett presented on “How to Implement Compliance Risk Management, Compliance Audits, Root Cause Analysis, and DOJ Self Reporting;” Patrick Chavez provided information about “Creating an AI Governance Program;” and Helena Sullivan shared her knowledge about “Navigating Global Sanctions and AML Risks.” I participated on a panel entitled “Think M&A Litigation Can’t Happen to You? Think Again: What Every In-House Counsel Should Know.” Jennifer Denny, in her role with the ACC Litigation Network, coordinated this presentation by identifying the panel members and leading the preparation sessions. I am very proud of each of the presenters and coordinators from our Chapter!
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(L-R): ACC St. Louis Board members, Geoffrey Grammer. Cara Stuckel Baker, Susan Bassford Wilson, Chapter President, Beverly Garner, President Elect, Jay Repaso, Bob Craddick, Barbara Barrett, Program Chair of the Compliance and Ethics Network, and Jennifer Denny, happily showcase the 2024 Best Diversity Initiative Award bestowed upon them at the 2024 ACC Annual Meeting. | | |
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October is
National Pro Bono Month!
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The ACC St. Louis Pro Bono Committee had an active fiscal year of community service in which members dedicated their time and expertise to positively affect both hungry young students and well-deserving veterans alike!
Essica Zink, 2024 ACC St. Louis Pro Bono Chair and Senior Managing Consultant at Express Scripts, notes that “Throughout the year, ACC St. Louis members are going above and beyond. They’re volunteering countless hours of legal expertise and guidance to individuals and families in need.”
An ACC St. Louis Pro Bono Rap'n Pack Evening event was held on February 8, 2024, at Operation Food Search, where participants networked over drinks and appetizers before working together to organize bags of food for Operation Backpack. With the help of volunteers, this program distributes approximately 6,500 backpacks of kid-friendly, shelf-stable food for students in need to take home each weekend!
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The National Labor Relations Board
Significantly Extends Its Reach Over the Last Two Years
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By: John J. Marino, Jr., Partner, and James Foster, Jr., Partner, McMahon Berger, P.C. | |
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In a tsunami like fashion, the National Labor Relations Board has, over the past 14 months, dramatically changed the landscape of the National Labor Relations Act enforcement. Starting mid-July of last year, the Board new took its core of Administrative of Law Judges up to 36, the highest number that it has been in several decades. Thereafter, in August of 2023, the NLRB issued a decision in Stericycle Inc., adopting a new legal standard for evaluating employer work rules overruling Boeing Co. (2017). According to the National Labor Relations Board:
"Boeing gave too little consideration to the chilling effect that work rules can have on workers’ Section 7 rights. Under the new standard, the Board will carefully consider both the potential impact on work rules on employees and the interests that employers articulate in support of their rules. …”
Obviously, this will create far greater challenges than employers have ever experienced over the past decade regarding NLRB scrutiny of their work rules and policies.
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“Is Missouri a ‘Lawsuit Inferno?’
Update on Tort Reform Legislation and Need for Additional Measures.”
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By: Brian Huelsman and Drew Kemp | |
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On July 31, 2024, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) officially designated Missouri as a “Lawsuit Inferno.” This bold statement underscores serious concerns about the state’s legal environment, characterized by excessive litigation and high jury awards. The ATRA specifically cited the Missouri legislature's inaction on critical bills aimed at preventing lawsuit abuse and criticized a faction of Missouri lawmakers for procedurally blocking these important tort reform measures.
Inaction in the Missouri Legislature
The ATRA expressed frustration over the slow progress of several key legislative proposals that are viewed as essential to reforming Missouri’s tort landscape. The organization argued that specific lawmakers have used procedural tactics to prevent these significant reforms from moving forward. These bills remain in various stages of consideration, but they have faced significant roadblocks. Many have not advanced past initial committee reviews or have been sidelined due to procedural challenges. The refusal of certain lawmakers to bring these bills to the floor for debate has drawn criticism from reform advocates who argue that immediate action is necessary to address the rampant lawsuit abuse that plagues Missouri.
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ACC ST. LOUIS MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION EVENT
AT GRANTS FARM
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Two-hundred and thirty-one ACC St. Louis members and their families attended the fun and family-friendly Membership Appreciation Event at Grant's Farm on September 25th. Attendees were able to enjoy animal feeding and carousel rides, along with great food and drink, all of which was topped off by a personal visit from a Clydesdale! | |
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CULTURAL COMPASS LISTING
(Community Events to Explore and Expand Your Horizons)
Brought to You by the Bridges Committee
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*October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
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ACC St. Louis Summer Diversity Internship 2024 | |
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The Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee of the Association of Corporate Counsel, St. Louis Chapter is proud to announce the successful completion of its 15th Summer Diversity Internship Program in 2024. This award-winning program continues to play a vital role in increasing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession by providing valuable experiences to law students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Program Overview: The D&I Committee accepts applications from students of Washington University School of Law, Saint Louis University School of Law, University of Missouri School of Law, and Southern Illinois University School of Law. These talented individuals are then paired with corporations in the greater Saint Louis community for summer internships.
In 2024, the program successfully placed six law students at Bayer, Bunzl, Charter, Communications, Emerson Electric, Rabo AgriFinance, and Washington University.
Mentorship and Activities
Each intern is paired with an ACC-STL member from a different organization, who serves as a mentor throughout the summer and potentially beyond. This mentorship provides invaluable guidance and networking opportunities for the interns.
Throughout the summer, all interns participated in various educational, training, and social activities. These experiences helped them gain legal knowledge, develop networking skills, and build connections within the St. Louis legal community. Some of the 2024 summer interns have even secured employment opportunities for the following summer as a result of their participation in the program.
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Alice Chicani a dual US-Brazil citizen, born and raised in Louisville, KY, fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and German, continued her studies at Saint Louis University School of Law after completing her BA in international studies. This summer, Alice interned with the in-house counsel team at Emerson Electric, gaining valuable experience in corporate law. Her academic prowess shines through her recent selection as a Staff Editor for the SLU Law ABA Labor and Employment Law Journal. When not immersed in legal studies, Alice indulges her passions for travel, language learning, kickboxing, and exploring St. Louis. | |
Myla Croft, a second-year law student (2L) at Southern Illinois University School of Law, brought her background in political science to her internship at Rabo. Myla's leadership qualities are evident in her roles as Vice President of SIU's Black Law Students' Association and as a Teacher's Assistant for Legal Writing. As a Taylor Mattis Fellow, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to academic excellence. Looking ahead, Myla aspires to practice immigration and family law, with a particular focus on representing underserved communities and being a voice for the voiceless. | |
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Madison Neath-Gordon, a 2L at Washington University School of Law, transitioned from the East Coast to St. Louis, embracing the city's diverse community and rich culture. Her academic journey, which began with a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University, led her to a summer internship at Bunzl. Madison's unique perspective, combining her psychology background with legal studies, fuels her aspiration to not only practice law but also teach it, honoring her educational roots. | |
Adesola Orogade, pursuing her Juris Doctor at Washington University School of Law, brought her public health background from the University of South Florida to her internship at Washington University's Office of General Counsel. Adesola's commitment to leadership and diversity is evident in her numerous roles, including serving on the WashU Student Conduct Board, presiding over the Women of Color Law Society, and acting as Secretary of the Women's Law Caucus. Her multifaceted interests extend beyond law school, encompassing community volunteering, travel, puzzle-solving, and literature. | |
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Mohamad Rajeh, originally from Syria and now a 2L at Saint Louis University School of Law, spent his summer as a legal intern at Charter Communications while simultaneously working as a Faculty Fellow at SLU. This dual role allowed Mohamad to gain diverse experiences in both corporate and academic settings. Outside of his legal pursuits, Mohamad finds joy in the pages of mystery novels and on the basketball court, balancing his professional growth with personal interests. | |
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Faith Whatley-Blaine, a St. Louis native, continued her academic journey from English major to law student at Saint Louis University School of Law. Her summer internship in the Crop Science division at Bayer provided her with invaluable experience in corporate legal work. Faith's passion for diversity and inclusion extends beyond her internship, as she currently works as a graduate assistant in the Saint Louis University Department of Diversity & Inclusion. There, she contributes to programs like MLK Scholars and Atlas interns, focusing on equity education and amplifying historically marginalized voices. An avid nature enthusiast, Faith balances her legal pursuits with her love for piano, game nights with friends, and poetry writing.
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Checkmate! How Chess Strategy Can Make You a Better Litigator
"Opening Moves" - the second in an ACC St. Louis event series in partnership with the World Chess Hall of Fame - took place took place on the evening of Oct. 1st . Participants enjoyed perusing the facility exhibits before networking and light refreshments, followed by the Grandmaster lesson and a variety of expert suggestions during group gameplay.
Join your fellow lawyers as they delve into the intricacies of chess, learning how to apply ancient wisdom to modern legal challenges. Each evening of chess will include lessons by a Grandmaster, networking, food & beverages, attendance prize drawings and strategic learning.
REGISTER NOW for any of the remaining chess lessons taught by the Grandmaster in Residence:
- Wednesday, November 6th - "Endgame Techniques" Lesson & Networking
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Wednesday, December 11th - CLE Program: Defending the King in a Black and White World: How Political and Cultural Polarization Drives Jury Verdicts with Galloway & WCHOF Grandmaster Demonstration
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|  | (Above): Grandmaster, Illia Nyzhnyk, offers key chess gameplay suggestions to attendees during a private lesson following his evening presentation. (Below): ACC St. Louis members take in Nyzhnyk's evening presentation, "Checkmate! How Chess Strategy Can Make You a Better Litigator". | |
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ACC Value Champions 2024 Nomination Opportunity!
The ACC Value Champions provide models you can adopt to drive value in your own organization. If you have innovated to improve the value of legal services start thinking about your application for 2024 now!
The ACC Value Champions program spotlights successful law department value initiatives and collaborations between clients and their legal service providers. The Champions utilize value-focused management practices to cut spending, improve budget predictability and achieve better outcomes. They represent varied industries and departments/firms of many sizes and employ an array of value levers. For ideas and inspiration, visit our Meet the Champions page to learn how their great results were achieved.
ACC Value Champions have made great strides in controlling legal costs and have shared their value practices and tools to inspire others. By cutting costs, improving predictability and achieving better outcomes, you could be recognized as an ACC Value Champion.
We are currently excepting nominations for the 2025 ACC Value Champions, and you can submit your application HERE before the November 8th deadline!
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