The
General Counsel Institute (“GCI”) is a multi-day program of networking, education, and inspiration designed for senior in-house women counsel. Sessions with the general counsel of major corporations and other inspirational speakers foster frank, collegial discussions about career advancement. Workshops on key topics with leading experts provide opportunities to refine skills.
With
in-house counsel comprising over 70% of the audience, GCI creates a unique environment to connect with other women counsel, share the highs and lows of in-house life, and build legal and leadership skills.
2024 General Counsel Institute
Wednesday, November 6 - Friday, November 8, 2024
Conrad New York Downtown
102 North End Avenue
New York, NY
This event has past.
Join us in 2025!
Featured Speakers
Michele Coleman Mayes
Former Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary,
New York Public Library
April Miller Boise
Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer,
Intel Corporation
Our Sponsors
Premier - Debevoise & Plimpton
Premier - DLA Piper
Premier - Faegre Drinker
Premier - Intel
Premier - Microsoft
Rain - Covington
Rain - Crowell
Rain - Greenberg
Rain - Hogan
Rain - Jenner
Rain - Lynn Pinker
Rain - Paragon
Rain - USAA
Rain - White & Case
Power - Groombridge
Power - Jackson Lewis
Power - Katten
Power - Lopti
Power - Tanenbaum Keale
Of Counsel - Bank of America
Of Counsel - Davis Wright Tremaine
Of Counsel - Gibson Dunn
Assoc - American Arbitration Association
Assoc - Conn Maciel and Carey
Assoc - Fisher & Phillips LLP
Assoc - Fried Frank
Assoc - Gibbons
Assoc - Jackson Walker
Assoc - JAMS
Assoc - Lewis Brisbois
Assoc - Manatt
Assoc - Polsinelli
Assoc - Saul Ewing
Assoc - Stoel Rives LLP
Assoc - Taft Stettinius
Assoc - Venable
Assoc - Western Alliance Bank
Ally - AT&T
Interested in Sponsoring?
The General Counsel Institute (GCI) offers a comprehensive program dedicated to in-house counsel to enhance their legal and leadership skills. GCI Sponsors can heighten their brand's visibility through numerous networking and business development opportunities with this exclusive audience.
Our Presenting and Rainmaker sponsors have an exclusive opportunity to showcase their organization's expertise by leading engaging plenary and workshop sessions on vital topics that elevate participants' skills and knowledge.
Click here to see a sample of the firms and companies represented at our recent conferences.
Partnering Organizations
Association for Women Lawyers
Association of Black Women Attorneys
Coalition of Women's Initiatives in Law
Diversity & Flexibility Alliance
Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Georgia Hispanic Bar Association
Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Minnesota Women Lawyers
Mother Attorney Mentor Association (MAMAs) Austin
New Jersey Women Lawyers Association
Women in eDiscovery (WiE)
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia
Women’s In-House Network (WIN)
Agenda
The agenda will be updated as programming is announced. Check back often!
Wednesday
Nov. 6
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ET
Welcome Reception
______________________________________________________________________
The day after a pivotal presidential election, join the NAWL community for an evening of unity as we honor our suffragist founders who paved the way for women's right to vote. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we'll honor the enduring impact of NAWL's founders on our democratic process. We encourage you to wear purple, white, or gold in their honor.
Please note NEW time this year.
Thursday
Nov. 7
8:00 am - 9:00 am ET
Registration,
Breakfast Reception and Mini Session "Branding over Breakfast"
Grab your name badge, fuel up with a grab-and-go breakfast, and connect over a mini personal branding workshop.
For the mini session: grab a tasty breakfast and head into the ballroom at 8:30 AM to join attorney, CEO, and personal branding expert Paula T. Edgar for an interactive and engaging 30-minute mini session, "Branding Over Breakfast."
This session is designed to help you refresh or upgrade your personal brand strategies, ensuring you're ready to make the most of the conference ahead. Whether you're looking to refine your message, increase your visibility, or strengthen your professional presence, this mini session will provide practical insights and actionable steps to elevate your brand.
Note: no CLE credit for the mini session
Paula T. Edgar
CEO,
PGE Consulting Group LLC
Thursday
Nov. 7
9:00 am - 10:00 am ET
Opening Mainstage
Women in Leadership
Driving innovation and growth in today’s business environment requires more than just embracing unique perspectives; it demands developing a robust pipeline of unique talent to refresh the ranks. While the evidence for this approach is well-documented, many organizations still fail to embrace it.
Join us for a fireside chat featuring April Miller Boise, Chief Legal Officer at Intel, and Heidi Friedman, Partner at Thompson Hine. They will share their inspiring journeys to leadership and their tips for how to confront—and ultimately embrace—change, discuss the strategic solutions they’ve developed for their organizations, and highlight their intentional efforts to create more leadership opportunities for women. For them, this commitment is a key component of their competitive edge as leaders. The conversation will provide valuable insights on how to thrive and lead with impact in a rapidly evolving world.
Note: no CLE credit for this session
Sponsor:
April Miller Boise
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary,
Intel Corporation
Thursday
Nov. 7
10:00 am - 10:15 am ET
Networking Break
Thursday
Nov. 7
10:15 am - 11:15 am ET
Sponsor:
Mainstage
ProJourn: How lawyers across in-house, law firm, and non-profit legal departments developed a pro bono program to support journalists
Lawyers play a critical role in protecting journalists (and the Fourth Estate) through "ProJourn," a collaboration across in-house, law firm, and non-profit lawyers to provide journalists with pro bono legal support. In this hour, we will cover the evolution of ProJourn - from its pilot program origins and development by the legal teams of Microsoft and Davis Wright Tremaine - to its expansion into a growing national program with the support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the leadership of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
Learn how ProJourn leverages a unique and dynamic model to provide legal support to freelance journalists and small digital newsrooms, and understand how this support allows journalists, especially those in underserved areas, to share the critical news and stories that might not otherwise be told. We'll give you the key insights and our lessons learned. Leave excited to mobilize your own legal departments to support pro bono work.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Other") and the Illinois MCLE Board ("Legal Ethics"). Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Thursday
Nov. 7
11:15 am - 11:45 am ET
Networking Break
Thursday
Nov. 7
11:45 am - 12:45 pm ET
Concurrent Workshops
______________________________________________________________________
Sponsor:
Leveraging Outside Counsel to Elevate Your Career
Join us as senior in-house lawyers share insights on how relationships with outside counsel can drive career growth and development. Outside counsel make excellent sponsors to advocate for you inside and outside of your organization. Learn strategies on how to elevate your career and avoid ethical pitfalls along the way.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Other") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Sponsor:
______________________________________________________________________
Full Time Hire vs Outside Counsel vs Flex Talent: How to Rightsource Your Legal Team for Success
Join us for a dynamic, participant-driven session on "How to Rightsource Your Legal Team for Success," where you’ll gain valuable insights and actively collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow legal leaders to tackle real-world challenges.
According to ACC’s 2023 CLO Survey, rightsourcing is the second highest priority for CLOs and GCs. In a dynamic and fast-moving legal landscape, it is more essential than ever for legal departments to find both the most efficient and the most cost-effective ways to meet the many legal needs of the business. The primary goal of rightsourcing is to maximize value and speed by leveraging the unique strengths of in-house counsel, law firms, and alternative legal service providers (ALSPs).
So, where do you start? How do you know what work to send where? How do you capture cost savings and value creation? And how do you move with speed, while also maintaining the quality of service and appropriate risk tolerance the business requires? Please join us in this conversation and learn from one another on how to build the most efficient legal department using FTEs, outside counsel, and flex talent.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Other") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Sponsor:
______________________________________________________________________
Leading the Charge: One Team, One Mission
Successfully inspiring and leading diverse teams requires positive organizational cultures, connection, and authenticity. At USAA, our corporate mission provides a common goal to support the military community and their families. Join us for an interactive panel about leadership in a mission-centric culture and how we strive to foster inclusion, belonging, and bringing diverse in-house professionals together as One Team.
Note: no CLE credit for this session.
SVP, General Counsel of USAA Federal Savings Bank and Chief Corporate Governance Officer and Corporate Secretary,
USAA
Thursday
Nov. 7
12:45 pm - 3:00 pm ET
Sponsor:
Lunch and Mainstage
From Reactivity to Opportunistic Proactivity: Elevating Credibility and Influence in the Boardroom Through Strategic Planning and Creative Problem Solving
Over the course of the last decade, companies have navigated unpredictable and uncertain global markets, responding to novel problems in efforts to minimize risks to their organizations. These challenging years have taught us that the key to a strong boardroom voice is to pivot from reactivity to opportunistic proactivity.
Early conversations with restructuring attorneys will create opportunities and preserve optionality for your company, whether you are looking to:
- identify and protect the company from supply chain or customer base disruptions,
- hedge risks stemming from a counterparty’s distress,
- opportunistically acquire strategic assets at an attractive price from a distressed competitor, or
- navigate a liquidity crisis.
Join as seasoned general counsel, an independent board director, and DLA Piper restructuring partners offer tips and tricks to help you elevate your image and amplify your voice in front of your CEO and Board.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Other") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Partner and Global Co-Chair, Consumer Goods, Food and Retail Sector, and Chair, New York Office Restructuring Group,
DLA Piper US
Thursday
Nov. 7
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Concurrent Workshops
______________________________________________________________________
Sponsor:
Building Your Personal Brand and Making a Strong First Impression
Join General Counsels from luxury fashion brands as they discuss presenting professionally for work, what "professionally" means in an age of business casual and work from home, and whether you should care if your work is supposed to speak for itself.
Approved for 1 "Other" CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association.
No CLE credit for this session in IL, NY, PA, or TX.
Sponsor:
______________________________________________________________________
Key Considerations in Negotiating Debt Instruments
The environment for corporate borrowers seeking to access the debt capital markets is ever-evolving. CFOs, treasurers, and board members need to consider a myriad of developments—from recent and anticipated rate cuts to increased market participation by direct lenders—as they evaluate financing options.
Our panelists will provide corporate borrower and lender perspectives for companies and their senior in-house counsel to consider when structuring and negotiating credit facilities and related collateral arrangements. In particular, they will discuss current market trends and strategic negotiation tactics to align financing needs with market realities.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Law & Legal") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Deputy General Counsel, Head of Policy,
LSTA
Sponsor:
______________________________________________________________________
DEI in Flux: An Evolving Landscape, Legal Challenges, and Election Implications
As political and legal dynamics have shifted over the last several years, corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives – both internal workforce and external programs – have come under increasing scrutiny, including in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s 2023 opinion in Students for Fair Admissions. And the outcome of this year’s presidential election is sure to further shift the landscape for corporate DEI efforts. This workshop will explore the legal and political pressure points for DEI initiatives pertaining to the workforce, supplier diversity, and corporate grants and sponsorships, discuss potential impacts of the election outcome, and offer insights into strategies companies can use to navigate this uncertain environment while continuing to create lawful opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Ethics Equity") and the Illinois MCLE Board ("Diversity and Inclusion"). Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Jenny Champlin
Global DEI Strategy & Alignment Leader,
GE Vernova
Managing Director and Head of Litigation, Regulatory Enforcement, and Employment Law,
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Thursday
Nov. 7
4:00 pm - 4:15 pm ET
Networking Break
Thursday
Nov. 7
4:15 pm - 5:15 pm ET
Sponsor:
Mainstage
Election Effects: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape
Just days after the 2024 election, we'll explore how its outcome will reshape the regulatory environment and its impact on businesses. Hear from leading General Counsel on what they're preparing for and strategies for adapting to the evolving landscape. This is a must-attend session for anyone seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Law & Legal") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Helen V. Cantwell
Co-Chair of the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group and Partner,
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
Whitney Chatterjee
Partner and Chief Legal Officer,
Apollo Global Management
Thursday
Nov. 7
7:00 - 10:00 pm ET
Limited Availability Add-On:
Suffs Broadway Musical Ticket
In celebration of NAWL's 125th anniversary and as a nod to our suffragist founders, NAWL has reserved a block of tickets at the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Suffs.
It’s a given that the women of the suffragist movement—who called themselves “Suffs” for short—were brilliant, but as they fought tirelessly for the right to vote, they were also flawed, stubborn, passionate and funny. Suffs tells their story: the remarkable friendships, the heartbreak, and how this movement brought them together—or, in some cases, tore them apart. Boldly exploring a struggle for equality that’s far from over, Suffs is a “theatrical masterpiece that demands to be seen” (Forbes) and a reminder that progress is always possible but never guaranteed.
Limited number of tickets still available! Add one on when you register.
Note, transportation to and from the theater is not included.
Friday
Nov. 8
8:00 am - 8:45 am ET
Bollywood Dance Class
Hosted by Junoon Dance and led by Host Committee member, Ayushi Rajpurohit, step into the vibrant world of Bollywood with this lively dance class designed to add a burst of energy to the final day of GCI! Perfect for all skill levels, this class will have you moving to the music, learning fun choreography, and connecting with fellow attendees.
Friday
Nov. 8
9:00 am - 10:00 am ET
Breakfast Reception
Mingle over breakfast on the final day of GCI.
Friday
Nov. 8
10:00 am - 11:15 am ET
Mainstage
Adapting to a New Global Order: Strategies for Dynamic Frameworks
Sponsor:
In today's ever-changing world, this session will explore how international policy shifts and geopolitical events are reshaping traditional business frameworks. The session will be led by legal experts and General Counsel representing diverse sectors, who will discuss innovative methods for navigating disrupted supply chains, heightened sanctions, and the constantly evolving landscape of enforcement measures. By attending this session, you will gain insights and equip yourself with the necessary tools to not just survive, but thrive in this fast-paced global arena.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Law & Legal") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Friday
Nov. 8
11:15 am - 11:30 am ET
Networking Break
Friday
Nov. 8
11:30 am - 12:30 pm ET
Concurrent Workshops
______________________________________________________________________
Sponsor:
Advocating for Reproductive Rights
Gain the tools and strategies needed to: advocate for reproductive rights within your organization, collaborate with law firms on meaningful pro bono initiatives, and make a lasting impact on the fight for reproductive rights as an in-house lawyer.
Approved for 1 "Law & Legal" CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association.
No CLE credit for this session in IL, NY, PA, or TX.
Jeffrey Chasnow
Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel,
Pfizer
Mini Timmaraju
President and CEO,
Reproductive Freedom for All
Joanna Wright
Partner,
Jenner & Block LLP
Sponsor:
______________________________________________________________________
ESG in the Crosshairs: Hot Trends and Related Risk
Join Hogan Lovells LLP for a review of recent trends in ESG litigation and enforcement, including anti-ESG actions, and considerations for in-house counsel in managing risk, particularly with respect to public statements, data, and filings that may later form the basis of these actions.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Law & Legal") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Sponsor:
______________________________________________________________________
AI from Insight to Action: A Map for GCs Tackling Generative AI
Nearly two years ago, OpenAI launched a publicly accessible version of ChatGPT. According to OpenAI, ChatGPT acquired over 1 million users within five days after launch. Generative AI’s rapid evolution and relatively recent entrance to society’s mainstream has resulted in C-suites and board rooms grappling with whether and how to embrace this incredible technology. General Counsels are on the front lines, expected to deliver guidance on how this emerging technology impacts a broad range of critical business issues.
Whether your company is simply AI-curious or 100% AI-committed, join White & Case and Shutterstock for a practical look at the opportunities and risks of generative AI through the lens of governance, M&A, and regulation.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Law & Legal") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Colleen Kearney
SVP, Deputy General Counsel,
Shutterstock, Inc.
Friday
Nov. 8
12:30 pm - 2:15 pm ET
Lunch and Mainstage
Perspectives on Leadership from the General Counsel's Office Featuring Michele Coleman Mayes with Renada Williams
Join us for an insightful and inspiring fireside chat featuring Michelle Coleman-Mayes, a trailblazer in the legal field and former General Counsel with Renada Williams, GC at Kenneth Cole Productions. In this intimate conversation, we will explore the pivotal moments of Michele’s distinguished career, her unique challenges, and the evolving landscape for women in law.
This session will begin by discussing the notable rise of women in General Counsel roles, with Michele offering her perspective on the critical factors behind this shift. Drawing from her personal experiences, she will address how she overcame gender and diversity challenges in the legal profession, particularly in an era where public figures like Kamala Harris have been scrutinized for their qualifications and identities. This session will provide invaluable advice for women lawyers aspiring to break these barriers today.
Beyond her impressive legal career, we will delve into her broader societal contributions and strategies for expanding influence beyond the confines of law. Finally, we will look toward the future as she offers her hopes and aspirations for the legal profession, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and innovation. This conversation promises to provide practical advice and thought-provoking insights from one of the legal industry's most respected voices.
Approved for 1 CLE credit hour by the Washington State Bar Association ("Other") and the Illinois MCLE Board. Pending in NY, PA, and TX.
Michele Coleman Mayes
Former Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary,
New York Public Library
Friday
Nov. 8
2:15 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Closing Reception
Don't miss this sweet sendoff as we celebrate NAWL's 125th anniversary one final time. Indulge in delectable desserts and connect with your community before the 2024 General Counsel Institute is over.
The General Counsel Institute program is open to registered attendees only.
Pricing
Registration Types
NAWL Member / Sponsor
New Member
Includes NAWL membership through 2025.
Non-Profit / Government Attorney
Law Firm Attorney
Optional Add-On: Suffs Musical Ticket
More information. Tickets still available!
By October 6
$800
$900
$650
$4,000
$99
After October 6
$900
$1,000
$750
$4,000
$99
Member and New Member registration types are limited to in-house counsel or event sponsors. The only option for law firm attorneys not with a sponsor is the Law Firm Attorney registration type.
Complimentary unemployed attorney registrations are available. Please apply for a scholarship as indicated in the FAQs section.
Need help making the case to attend GCI? Click here to download a template letter to send to your manager.
Venue
CONRAD NEW YORK DOWNTOWN
102 North End Ave
New York, NY 10282
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
NAWL's room block at the Conrad is sold out. To make a reservation outside of the block, click here.
Alternatively, nearby hotels include:
- Millennium Downtown New York City (9-minute walk to the Conrad)
- The Washington New York City (11-minute walk to the Conrad)
Leadership Team
Alexandra Bodnar
Chief Legal & People Officer
ThirdLove
Chair
Sheea Sybblis
Vice President, Human Pharma Business Law
Boehringer Ingelheim
Vice Chair and Plenary Chair
Julia Simon
Partner
Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann
Board Liaison
Heather Bell
Intel Corporation
Sponsorship Chair
Divya George-Wedge
AT&T
Plenary Vice Chair
Ayushi Rajpurohit
Amazon
Workshops Chair
Katherine Gnadinger
Microsoft
Workshops Vice Chair
Brande Smith
Allstate
Engagement Chair
Roxana Barsalona
Consolidated Edison Co. of New York Inc.
Engagement Vice Chair
Punam Alam
ETS
Rachel Barack
Athens Services
Lystra Batchoo
Vox Media
Melodie Craft
P10, Inc.
Andikan Daniel
Law Student
Sonica Dixon
Attorney
Maria Feeley
Washington and Lee University
Maggie Girard
MFG Consulting Services
Monica Johnson
MSI Surfaces
Lauren A. Jones
Consolidated Edison Co. of New York Inc.
Saba Khan
UBS
Cristal Lambert
ETS
Adrienne Logan
Vans
Anna Lozoya
CommUnityCare
Mimi MacDonald
AT&T
Paulette Mara
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
Megan Scholz
Bank of America
Nina Senn
Paragon Legal
Ora Sheinson
Jade Mountain Partners
Kirsten Silwanowicz
Great Lakes Water Authority
Jasmine E. Simmons
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Danielle Williams
Allstate
Saren Williams
JPMorgan Chase
Ambassadors
Ambassadors are women GCs who are passionate about NAWL’s mission and creating an environment for in-house counsel to connect and discuss key topics impacting the in-house role.
Rachel Barack
General Counsel and Chief HR Officer
Athens Services
Alex Bodnar
Chief Legal & People Officer
ThirdLove
Romy Horn
General Counsel
Real Chemistry
Ramona E. Romero
Vice President and General Counsel
Princeton University
Cathy So
General Counsel, Senior Vice President - Legal
Tiffany & Co.
Renada Williams
SVP, Human Resources and General Counsel
Kenneth Cole Productions
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NAWL is a 501(c)6 Non-Profit Professional Association.