Business Better: Recent Episodes
Ballard Spahr LLP
Business leaders are striving to keep their workplaces healthy and productive, tackle issues of equity, and address unprecedented economic challenges. Succeeding in this ever-changing environment requires grit and ingenuity. Welcome to Business Better, a podcast that helps businesses navigate the new normal.
In this episode, Ballard Spahr's Brendan Collins speaks with Michael Davin, Senior Director of Energy and Resources Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), about why permitting reform is a top priority for manufacturers.
Davin explains that manufacturers support environmental protections but face permitting processes he describes as outdated, unpredictable, and costly, contributing to significant delays and reported costs to manufacturers of up to $8 billion per year (per NAM's "America on Hold" report, prepared with the Foundation for American Innovation). He highlights key reform themes: predictable timelines, streamlined treatment of routine permit changes, greater permit certainty once approvals are issued, and litigation guardrails to reduce last-minute project disruption.
The discussion also covers the current congressional landscape, including Senate negotiations involving leaders such as Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Sheldon Whitehouse and House activity such as the SPEED Act (focused on NEPA-related reforms) and the PERMIT Act (focused on Clean Water Act reforms). Davin notes that a potential legislative path could involve attaching permitting reforms to must-pass bills like surface transportation reauthorization.
Davin closes by emphasizing that permitting reform is also tied to energy affordability and meeting growing energy demand by enabling faster development of energy production, generation, and infrastructure.
On this episode of Sustainability Spotlight, Saint-Gobain's Dennis Wilson, Vice President of Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) and Managing Director of Circular Economy Solutions, discusses this global building products company's goal to be the world leader in light and sustainable construction, and how that commitment manifests itself in operations and investments. Dennis also talks about one of the company's biggest sustainability investments: a zero-carbon drywall production facility that recently opened in Montreal, Canada.
This episode is part of our Sustainability Spotlight series, which highlights the sustainability efforts that businesses are making to combat climate change and other environmental challenges.
This episode features a discussion with John Walsh, Senior Vice President of Investor and Government Relations, and Ali Snyder, Director of Sustainability and Marketing at Chart Industries, Inc. Chart Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for gas and liquid molecule handling for the Nexus of Clean™ — clean power, clean water, clean food, and clean industrials, regardless of molecule. The company’s unique product and solution portfolio across stationary and rotating equipment is used in every phase of the liquid gas supply chain, including engineering, service and repair, and from installation to preventive maintenance and digital monitoring.
Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia office and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Team, hosts the discussion.
This episode is part of our “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation” series, where we discuss trends in higher education consolidation and closures, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
In today’s episode, we consider the importance of advanced planning in relation to labor, employment, and benefits, to comply with legal obligations and navigate obstacles. We discuss unionization and collective bargaining agreements, the risks of failing to properly administer employee benefit plans, and the differences between affiliations and mergers in terms of the impact on employee benefit plans.
Bill Rhodes, a partner and leader of Ballard Spahr’s Education Industry Team, hosts the discussion. Bill is joined by Meredith Dante, a partner in Ballard’s Labor and Employment Group, and Finn Pressly, a partner in Ballard’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Group.
This episode is part of our “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation” series, where we discuss trends in higher education consolidation and closures, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
In today’s episode, we discuss rapidly evolving state privacy laws, and compliance regulations such as FERPA and GLBA, that are creating a complex landscape in higher education. We also consider post-consolidation integration challenges, as new cybersecurity requirements need to be implemented across combined organizations.
Laura Giles, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Mergers and Acquisitions Group and a member of the Education Team, hosts the discussion. Laura is joined by Greg Szewczyk, a partner and leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group.
This episode is part of our “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation” series, where we discuss trends in higher education consolidation and closures, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
In today’s episode, we focus on intellectual property developed at and managed by systems of higher education. We discuss how universities can best manage and leverage their portfolios, including intellectual property assets that they can package together to optimize and increase value of these assets. We also review federal funding and policies that could impact universities, such as potential changes to Bayh-Dole and diversity initiatives.
Laura C. Giles, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Mergers and Acquisitions Group and a member of the Education Team, hosts the discussion. Laura is joined by Scott D. Marty. Ph.D., a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Intellectual Property Group and co-leader of Ballard Spahr’s Life Sciences Industry Team.
This episode is part of our “Manufacturing Moment” series, where we discuss important developments in the manufacturing space, and provide insight on how these major changes will affect the industry.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by two special guests; Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, and Angela Wilhelms, President and CEO of Oregon Business & Industry. We discuss the manufacturing landscape in their respective states; including providing data driven research in the policy-making processes, the complexities of navigating federal, state, and local regulations, and perspectives on the new administration’s executive orders and the potential impacts on the manufacturing industry.
Brigitta Glunk, an associate in Ballard Spahr’s Environmental and Natural Resources Group, hosts the discussion.
This episode is part of our “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation” series, where we discuss trends in higher education consolidation and closures, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
In today’s episode, we discuss financial challenges facing many colleges and universities, such as declining enrollment, decreased funding, and restrictions that are associated with tax-exempt financing. We consider the tax and legal implications of a merger or acquisition, and the liquidation of assets in the case of university closures.
Laura Giles, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Mergers and Acquisitions Group and a member of the Education Team, hosts the discussion. Laura is joined by Bill Rhodes, a partner in the firm’s Public Finance Group and leader of the firm’s Education Industry Team, and Valarie Allen, a partner in the firm’s Public Finance Group.
This episode is part of our “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation” series, where we discuss trends in higher education consolidation and closures, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
In today’s episode, we focus on real estate and tax in education consolidation. We discuss the value and marketability of excess real estate, and factors to consider in consolidation transactions such as zoning, historic preservation, and local real estate market dynamics. We also discuss tax issues, including transfer taxes, property tax exemptions, and more.
Bill Rhodes, a partner and leader of Ballard Spahr’s Education Industry Team, hosts the discussion. Bill is joined by Chris Jones, a partner and leader of the firm’s Tax and Tax Controversy Teams, and Sara McCormick, a partner in the firm’s Real Estate Department.
This episode is part of our “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation” series, where we discuss trends in the consolidation and closures in higher education, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
To kick-off this series, we focus on mergers and acquisitions, and antitrust considerations in the higher education industry. We explore obstacles that institutions face when considering consolidation, such as cultural and academic alignment, and regulatory approvals. We also discuss the impact of antitrust regulations, including changes to the Hart-Scott-Rodino filing requirements.
Bill Rhodes, a partner and leader of Ballard Spahr’s Education Industry Team, hosts the discussion. Bill is joined by Laura Giles, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Mergers and Acquisitions Group, and Liz Weissert, an associate in Ballard Spahr’s Antitrust and Competition Group.
This episode is an introduction of our new series “Bridging Campuses: Legal Insights on Education Industry Consolidation,” where we will discuss trends in the consolidation and closures in higher education, and outline common characteristics of at-risk institutions.
In today’s episode, we focus on key factors driving these trends, including declines in demographic and enrollment, and the outline the challenges institutions face in making difficult strategic decisions due to competing interests of various constituencies.
Bill Rhodes, a partner and leader of Ballard Spahr’s Education Industry Team, and Laura Giles, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Mergers and Acquisitions Group, host the discussion.
This episode is part of our new series “Manufacturing Moment,” where we will discuss important developments in the manufacturing space, and provide insight on how these major changes will affect the industry.
Today, we’re taking a look at the Trump administration and his manufacturing priorities. This episode features a discussion with Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). We discuss regulatory priorities, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and preserving the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Environmental and Natural Resources Group, and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Group, hosts the discussion.
In light of recent executive orders, today’s podcast focuses on what organizations can expect with the new administration’s promises on immigration, as well as what employers can do when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrives to the workplace. We discuss which documents need to be in order, protocols that employers should have in place in case of a raid, and what to do in the aftermath of this event.
Stephen Stigall, a partner in Ballard’s White Collar Defense and Investigations practice group, leads the discussion. He is joined by Hank Hockeimer, a partner and leader of the White Collar Defense and Investigations practice group, and Dustin O’Quinn, a partner and leader of the Immigration practice group.
In this episode, we discuss the impacts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (a.k.a. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)) on U.S. infrastructure on its third-year anniversary. While the IIJA/BIL has unlocked significant funding for major projects, it has also highlighted afresh important questions about the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure investments. We explore the balance between immediate construction goals and the need for planning long-term maintenance and resilience. We also look ahead at key priorities for the future.
John P. Smolen, Co-Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Infrastructure Group, hosts the discussion. John is joined by Sam Headon, the head of infrastructure investments at S&B USA Concessions; and Jennifer Hara, the acting head of innovative finance and technical assistance for the Build America Bureau of the United States Department of Transportation.
This episode features a discussion with Nick St. John, Director of Federal Compliance at America’s Credit Unions. We discuss the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by FinCEN and federal banking regulators regarding the enhancement and modernization of anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (“AML/CFT”) compliance programs under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”). This discussion focuses on the risk assessment process, the NPRM’s impact on the industry, “de-risking” strategies, technological innovation, feedback from law enforcement on the utility of BSA filings, hiring qualified compliance officers, and what it means for an AML/CFT program to be “effective.”
Peter Hardy, partner and co-leader of Ballard’s AML Team leads the discussion. He is joined by Kaley Schafer, also a member of the AML Team and an associate in the firm’s business and transactions department.
This episode is part of our Sustainability Spotlight series, which highlights the sustainability efforts that businesses are making to combat climate change and other environmental challenges.
This episode features a discussion with Matt O'Malley, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Jeannie Morris, Vice President of Government Affairs at Vicinity Energy. Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems in the U.S. and the first in the nation to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to rapidly decarbonize customers and achieve net zero carbon emissions across all operations. Our guests share the ways Vicinity is combating the climate crisis and why more businesses need to take action now.
Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia Office and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Group, hosts the discussion.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.
Today, we’re joined by Paolo Sbuttoni, a partner at Foot Anstey with years of experience specializing in technology and data. We compare the AI regulatory landscape in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We also provide insight on the scope of recent regulations that have been enacted in the EU and U.K., and those that will be enacted on a state by state basis in the U.S.
Greg Szewczyk, leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, hosts the discussion.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.
In today’s episode, our lawyers explore the basics of Daniel's Law and how it has ignited a wave of privacy class action lawsuits. They delve into the elements of a claim, recent litigation, and practical steps businesses can take to mitigate risk.
Matt Thornton and Lexi Chapman, Associates in our Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.
Today, our lawyers discuss new state consumer health data laws in Connecticut, Nevada, and Washington, highlighting the laws’ scope, obligations for regulated entities, and enforcement mechanisms.
Greg Szewczyk, Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, and Kelsey Fayer, an Associate in the Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.
This is the first episode in our new Sustainability Spotlight series, highlighting the sustainability efforts that businesses are taking to combat climate change and other environmental challenges.
This episode features a discussion with Alan Horowitz, Vice President of Sustainability at Aramark, a leading global provider of food and facilities services. Alan provides insight on Aramark’s “Be Well. Do Well.” ESG platform. We also discuss Aramark’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and what they’re focusing on in order to reach this goal.
Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia Office and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Group, hosts the discussion.
In this episode, we are joined by Special Agent Jonathan Schnatz, Senior Analyst with IRS Criminal Investigation. Special Agent Schnatz will discuss his work with an international law enforcement and tax compliance group, and how that work directly impacts U.S. businesses and individuals.
Peter Hardy and Chris Jones, co-leaders of Ballard Spahr's Tax Controversy team, are joined by team member Siana Danch to lead this discussion.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by D.J. Lipke, a Principal at Prairie Capital. Prairie Capital is a private equity firm that has provided businesses with thought partnership and strategic guidance for over two decades.
Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.
The privacy and cybersecurity landscape is evolving in the financial sector, from more specific data security reporting requirements, to potential data subject rights and the use of artificial intelligence. Today, our lawyers will highlight key developments and provide practical insights on how to stay ahead of the regulatory, litigation, and hacker threats.
Greg Szewczyk, Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, and Sarah Dannecker, an Associate in the Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Meahgan O’Grady Martin, Head of Business Development at Palladium Equity Partners. Palladium is a private investment firm that targets opportunities in the middle-market, with a focus on companies in the U.S. Hispanic market, founder- and family-owned businesses, and companies with accretive M&A opportunities.
Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.
Realigning an underperforming property and its attendant financing takes a high degree of detailed knowledge not only of the particular building, but the market and industry as a whole. In this episode, five members of our national Distressed Office Buildings team share their perspectives on the key considerations office building owners and their lenders should focus on as they take stock of their particular situation.
Dominic De Simone, who co-chairs our national Finance Department, leads this discussion. Dom is joined by Brian Schulman, Raymond Quaglia, William Wassweiler, and Karla Vehrs, whom together have decades of cumulative experience in real estate workouts and enforcement.
In this episode, we’re joined by Porter Hall, a Principal at SBJ Capital. SBJ Capital is a private investment firm with a focus on lower middle-market consumer, business services, and healthcare services companies. They provide strategic advice, domain expertise, and flexible solutions to support the value-creation goals of entrepreneurs, owners, and management teams.
Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.
In this episode, we discuss the recent US Supreme Court ruling in the Students for Fair Admissions Inc.'s lawsuits against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, which challenged the constitutionality of their race conscious admission policies. We'll consider the potential implications across multiple settings, from university admissions policies, to workplace and other DEI programs.
Bill Rhodes, a Partner in Ballard Spahr’s Public Finance Group and Leader of the firm’s Education Industry Team, hosts the discussion. Bill is joined by Brian Pedrow, a Partner in our Labor and Employment Group, and Co-Leader of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Counseling Team; Dee Spagnuolo, a Partner in our White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations Group, and Co-Leader of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Counseling Team; and Elizabeth Wingfield, an Associate in our Litigation Department.
In this episode, we discuss the current trend in the health care industry regarding the development of micro-hospitals, especially in certain rural areas. We explain what a micro-hospital is (and is not), the drivers behind the proliferation of micro-hospitals in certain areas of the country, and the various ways they are being financed.
Phil Legendy, Of Counsel and Co-Leader of Ballard’s Health Care Industry Team, hosts the discussion. Phil is joined by Bill Rhodes, a Partner in our Public Finance Group and Leader of the firm’s Education Industry Team, Kevin Cunningham, Senior Counsel in the Public Finance Group, and Eric Temmel, an Associate in the Health Care Industry Team.
In this episode, we discuss what employers, in-house counsel, HR departments, and business owners need to know about effective confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements, and the future of non-compete agreements.
Mitch Turbenson, an Associate in our Litigation Department, hosts the conversation. Leslie John and Jay Zweig, both of whom are Partners in our Litigation Department, and who focus their practices on antitrust and employment law matters, join Mitch.
In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Nodland and Michael Ferkovic, CEO and Vice President of Business Development, respectively, at Ridgemont Equity Partners’ portfolio company Sunvera Group, a management services organization providing management and administrative solutions to ophthalmology practices across multiple subspecialties.
Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Paul Silverman, Co-Founder and Principal of SILVERMAN. SILVERMAN is a real estate company that restores and transforms historic architecture into thoughtfully designed residences in Jersey City.
Krishana Pleasant, Of Counsel in our Real Estate Finance Group, hosts the conversation.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security.
The emergence of tools like ChatGPT has demonstrated the tremendous business potential for artificial intelligence. At the same time, businesses need to be aware of the growing patchwork of laws and regulations in the U.S. and EU governing the development and use of AI. Our lawyers will provide an overview of the current regulatory landscape for AI in the U.S. and EU and identify some best practices for businesses to employ as they consider use of AI tools.
Phil Yannella and Greg Szewczyk, Co-Leaders of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion. John Kerkorian and Tim Dickens, both of whom practice in Ballard’s Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, participate in the conversation.
The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has caused concern across the country among investors, consumers, and businesses. Today, our lawyers recap on the series of events that unfolded since March 10, 2023, and answer the most frequently asked questions regarding SVB’s receivership and derivatives.
Scott Diamond, Co-Leader of Ballard’s Derivatives, Structured Products, and Secondary Markets Team, and a member of the firm's Distressed Assets and Opportunities initiative steering committee, provides his insightful analysis on these issues. Matthew Summers, Co-Leader of Ballard’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group and Distressed Assets and Opportunities initiative facilitates the discussion.
In this episode, we discuss the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ proposed changes to the Medicare Advantage risk adjustment payment model, which will take effect in 2024 if finalized. We’re joined by special guest Alex Oliphant, Director of Berkeley Research Group’s Health Analytics practice, who has extensive experience in the workings of the Medicare Advantage payment model.
Phil Legendy, Of Counsel in Ballard’s New York office and a member of our Health Care Group, hosts the discussion.
In this episode, we focus on environmental justice and how President Biden’s initial environmental justice policies and executive orders are playing out two years later. We also provide an update on the latest policies from the EPA and DOJ.
Lea Phillips, a Partner in Ballard’s Phoenix office and a member of our Environment and Natural Resources Practice Group, and Alyssa Domzal, an Associate in Ballard’s Baltimore office and a member of our Real Estate Development and Transactions Practice Group, participate in this conversation.
In this episode, we discuss affordable housing in Chinatown, Los Angeles. We’re joined by special guest Sissy Trinh, Founder and Executive Director of the Southeast Asian Community Alliance, a community organization.
Spencer Eldred, an Associate in our Los Angeles office and member of our Real Estate Development and Transactions Group, hosts the conversation.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security.
2022 proved to be a historic year for privacy and data security, and 2023 is likely to follow suit. With privacy compliance deadlines looming under three state laws, a surge in data privacy litigation, new federal cyber-regulations, new state laws governing children’s data, and new EU legislation regulating digital services – privacy lawyers will be busy this year. We discuss the main privacy issues that are likely to dominate headlines in 2023.
Phil Yannella and Greg Szewczyk, Co-Leaders of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.
In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Lisa Stauffer, Managing Senior Counsel at PNC Bank. We discuss Lisa’s career transition from practicing in a law firm to in-house counsel, and navigating notable challenges. We also discuss how she is preparing for the possibility of an economic downturn in 2023.
David Zive, Of Counsel in our Philadelphia office and member of our Real Estate Finance Group, hosts the conversation.
In this episode, we discuss how the $4.2 billion authorized in New York’s Environmental Bond Act will be spent. We talk about the types of projects that will be funded and financial benefits to the State, including short-term job creation and the longer-term benefits to residents and visitors of having improved infrastructure, as well as the ability to leverage these funds for billions of additional dollars.
Bill Estes, Of Counsel in our New York office and a member of our P3/Infrastructure Practice Group, hosts the conversation, joined by Ali Chaudhry, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at AECOM, and Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Marcus Randolph, CEO and President of Invest Newark. Invest Newark is a nonprofit development agency who work to propel the City’s strong and diverse economy, build vibrant communities, and create opportunities for all residents of Newark. Invest Newark supports small, women and minority-owned businesses, invests in world-class internet service, spurs real estate development and executes economic development activities to produce and sustain economic growth, generate jobs and create wealth for the citizens of Newark.
Krishana Pleasant, Of Counsel in Ballard Spahr's New York office, hosts the conversation.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security.
With its draft rules, Colorado has set forth a new model for state privacy laws. While there are many areas that are interoperable with the California model, the Colorado draft rules include important differences, as well as rules on topics that have been notably absent from California’s draft rules. We discuss the highlights of the Colorado draft rules, differences with California, and practical steps for developing a comprehensive compliance plan for all of the upcoming 2023 laws.
Phil Yannella and Greg Szewczyk, Co-Leaders of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.
This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Sherry Witt, Senior Vice President of the Commercial Mortgage Group in the Dallas, Texas office of KeyBank. Ms. Witt talks about the transition in her career from legal to business, and the balancing act of work and motherhood.
Kelly Wrenn, a Partner in our national Finance Department, hosts the conversation.
This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of data privacy and security.
In the past several months, plaintiffs lawyers have filed dozens of class action lawsuits under state wiretap laws, some of which provide for statutory damages of $5,000 or more per occurrence. The lawsuits focus on the use of chatbots, “session replay” software, and tracking code embedded in websites. Plaintiffs contend these tools enable the surreptitious sharing of personal information with third parties and are illegal wiretaps. In this episode, we discuss the reason for this surge in litigation, the status of pending cases, and potential defenses.
Phil Yannella and Greg Szewczyk, Co-Leaders of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.
In today’s episode, we look at the emerging interest in captive insurance. We explain what captive insurance is and the benefits that accompany it, the kind of coverage it provides, and more.
Steven Burkhart, Of Counsel in Ballard's Litigation department, hosts the conversation. Special guests Dr. Henri Winand and David O’Gorman from AkinovA join us.
This episode is part of our Women in Finance series, and features an interview with Natasha Holiday, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets with a focus on U.S. public infrastructure finance. Ms. Holiday talks about her career journey into finance, the current state of the market, and navigating the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating family life with a hybrid work environment in a post-George Floyd world.
Emilie Ninan, a Partner in our Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, DC offices, and co-chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance department, hosts the conversation.
In today’s episode, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Ballard Academy for Student Entrepreneurs (BASE) program, an in-house legal accelerator that Ballard Spahr developed in 2013 to support student owned and operated ventures. We’re joined by the founders of mental wellness platform NeuroFlow, a fast-growing Philadelphia based startup, who participated in the BASE 3.0. Christopher Molaro, CEO, and Adam Pardes, COO, discuss starting a company during graduate school, leveraging BASE as a resource, and how they are continuing to grow the company today.
Kimberly Klayman, a Partner in our Philadelphia office, hosts the conversation.
In today’s episode, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Ballard Academy for Student Entrepreneurs (BASE) program, an in-house legal accelerator that Ballard Spahr developed in 2013 to support student owned and operated ventures. We’re joined by the founders of mental wellness platform NeuroFlow, a fast-growing Philadelphia based startup, who participated in the BASE 3.0. Christopher Molaro, CEO, and Adam Pardes, COO, discuss starting a company during graduate school, leveraging BASE as a resource, and how they are continuing to grow the company today.
Kimberly Klayman, a Partner in our Philadelphia office, hosts the conversation.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Jeremy Durham. Jeremy is the Executive Director of Boulder Housing Partners. BHP builds, owns, and manages affordable housing for low and moderate income residents.
Alejandro Monarez, an Associate in our Denver office, hosts the conversation.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Jeremy Durham. Jeremy is the Executive Director of Boulder Housing Partners. BHP builds, owns, and manages affordable housing for low and moderate income residents.
Alejandro Monarez, an Associate in our Denver office, hosts the conversation.
This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Allison Larr, a Director in Municipal Banking at Citi. Ms. Larr talks about her career path, professional challenges, and her insights on the future of ESG in municipal markets.
Kim Magrini, a Partner in our Finance Department, hosts the conversation.
This episode is part of our Women in Finance series and features an interview with Allison Larr, a Director in Municipal Banking at Citi. Ms. Larr talks about her career path, professional challenges, and her insights on the future of ESG in municipal markets.
Kim Magrini, a Partner in our Finance Department, hosts the conversation.
This is episode eight of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guests Ariella Steinhorn and Amber Scorah from Lioness, a media company that brings to light the stories of everyday people dealing with corruption, harassment, and cover-ups. We discuss the inspiration for Lioness and the decision-making processes involved in their work with clients to publicly share their stories.
Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investigations Group, hosts the conversation. Kaitlin Gurney, a Partner in our Media and Entertainment Law Group, and Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird DC, join Jill.
This episode is part of our series “Supply Chain Disruptions,” in which we explore how supply chain issues are affecting businesses everywhere, and when the flow of goods and services may settle into a new normal.
This episode features a discussion with Chris Mills, CEO of Lion Brand Yarn. With over thirty years of experience managing traditional and e-commerce consumer goods businesses in North America and Oceania, Chris shares his perspectives on early pandemic disruptions, current challenges and opportunities, and next steps in smoothing the flow of goods as they move from factories to distributors, retailers, and consumers. Chris explains the lessons learned from the disruptions and shares suggestions for process improvements.
Steven Burkhart, Of Counsel in Ballard's Litigation department, hosts the conversation.
In this episode, we discuss how your intellectual property can be leveraged to maximize the profitability of nonconsumable devices and their complementary consumable products.
While profits can be made via the initial sale of larger items—like printers, video game consoles, or razor handles—even greater profits are possible with the repeat sale of complementary consumable items—like ink cartridges, video games, and razor blades. Establishing a strong IP portfolio that captures both the device and its complement is crucial to the profitability of the product pair and your company’s success.
Ballard Spahr intellectual property attorneys Carly Gubernick and Sommer Zimmerman host the conversation.
This is episode seven of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. In this episode, we discuss online victimization and trauma-informed responses to crimes committed online. We also discuss prevention, how parents and guardians can support their children if they are victims of online exploitation, and working with law enforcement.
We’re joined by special guest Catherine “Katie” Connell. Katie is employed with the FBI as the Victim Services Division, Unit Chief for Child Victim Services and is also a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer. She manages the FBIs Child/Adolescent Forensic interviewing program.
Speaking with Ms. Connell is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office; and Katharine Manning, author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job,” and the President of Blackbird DC.
In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Laura Rogers. Laura is the Deputy Director at The Ray, a non-profit charity on a mission to build net-zero highways. We discuss energy transitions that can be made in transportation infrastructure to achieve decarbonized highways, and the challenges that come with this vision.
John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore office, hosts the conversation.
In this episode, our lawyers discuss non-fungible tokens, better known as NFTs. During the conversation, we define what an NFT is and what it is not, how to create one and post it to a marketplace, and the rights and responsibilities of ownership.
Participating in this discussion are Brian Auerbach and Lara Ruggerio, both of whom Associates in Ballard’s Philadelphia office.
This is episode six of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In this episode, we discuss federal and state laws that protect the rights of a victim of abuse and available compensation funds.
Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investigations Practice Group, hosts the conversation. Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird DC and author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job”, joins Jill.
In this episode, our Ballard lawyers discuss intellectual property considerations for products before and after entering the market. Understanding the patent and trademark landscape before fully developing and launching a new product is critical to avoiding infringement of another’s IP and capitalizing on the protections available for your business. Insights for enforcement and potential remedies for infringement are also shared.
Participating in this discussion are Carly Gubernick and Lara Ruggerio, both of whom are Associates in Ballard’s Philadelphia office, and Sommer Zimmerman, an Associate in Ballard’s Atlanta office.
Our new mini, “Developing Philly,” will explore issues that are top-of-mind for developers, owners, and commercial investors throughout the Philadelphia region. We’ll focus on zoning and land use regulations, development concerns, impending tax laws, and other pressing topics.
In this first episode, we discuss the 2022 changes to the City of Philadelphia’s commercial and residential tax abatements. Those changes mean that the abatement for commercial developments, including Mixed-use condominiums, now is more valuable than the abatement for residential projects. We discuss questions related to the new rules and how the City’s Office of Property assessment answered some of those questions via regulation.
Participating in this discussion is Christopher Jones, Of Counsel in Ballard’s Philadelphia office, and Nathan Farris, an Associate in Ballard’s Philadelphia office.
This is episode five of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. In this episode, we discuss Children’s Advocacy Centers, forensic interviews of children, and the multidisciplinary team approach to helping child victims of abuse.
Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investigations Practice Group, hosts the conversation. Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird DC, and Rachel Booker, Forensic Services Program Director at Safe Shores, join Jill.
This is the first episode in our new series “Supply Chain Disruptions,” where we explore how supply chain issues are affecting businesses everywhere, and when the flow of goods and services may settle into a new normal.
In this episode, Ben Siegrist shares his knowledge of port shipments, trucking and driver shortages, and how Congress, the Biden Administration, and other leaders are working together to address the effects of disruption. Ben also reveals recent survey information from NAM membership about how long the disruption could continue and what the future may hold.
Brendan Collins, a Ballard Spahr Partner and the Leader of the firm’s Manufacturing Team, hosts the conversation.
This is episode four of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In today’s episode, we discuss the process of conducting an internal investigation and retaining outside counsel, notification processes, and mandatory reporting and communications with law enforcement.
Leading the discussion is my Ballard Spahr colleague Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office. Jill is joined by Katharine Manning. Katharine is the author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job”, and the President of Blackbird DC. She has worked on issues of trauma and victimization for more than 25 years.
This is episode three of the “Trauma-Informed Investigations” series. Today’s episode features a discussion on the impacts that trauma can have on the brain, with special guest Anne DePrince, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Denver and author of “Every 90 Seconds: Our Common Cause Ending Violence against Women”.
Speaking with Ms. DePrince is my Ballard Spahr colleague Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office; and Katharine Manning, author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job,” and the President of Blackbird DC.
This episode discusses innovative solutions for fixing and transforming infrastructure. From proposals, to marketing, to efficient trucking, to building in the metaverse, even to efficient excavation spoils markets; today we will share ideas for investment and collaboration opportunities afforded by the new infrastructure law.
Leading this discussion is John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore office. John is joined by John Dionisio, a pioneering infrastructure entrepreneur who is the Managing Director of Corporate Strategic Development at Global Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
This is episode two of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In today’s episode, we discuss how a person who first receives a report of sexual abuse should respond, including effective listening techniques and how that person can support the victim through the disclosure process. We also discuss some best practices for an organization in its initial response to these allegations.
Leading the discussion is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office. Jill is joined by Katharine Manning. Katharine is the author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job”, and the President of Blackbird DC. She has worked on issues of trauma and victimization for more than 25 years.
Today’s episode features a discussion on the growing trends in privacy litigation, particularly companies sharing and selling consumer data, plaintiffs’ liability theories, including the right of publicity, and some best business practices to consider in anticipation of privacy claims.
Leading this discussion is Aliza Karetnick, a Partner in our Philadelphia office. Aliza is joined by Philip Yannella, a Partner in our Philadelphia office, and Gregory Szewczyk, a Partner in our Denver office.
This is episode one of the “Trauma Informed Investigations” series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. Today’s episode focuses on identifying red flags, and following your instincts.
Leading the discussion is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office. Jill is joined by Katharine Manning. Katharine is the author of “The Empathetic Workplace: Five Steps to a Compassionate, Calm, and Confident Response to Trauma on the Job”, and the President of Blackbird DC. She has worked on issues of trauma and victimization for more than 25 years.
Today, we are introducing a mini-series titled “Trauma Informed Investigations”, in which we’ll follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse.
Leading the discussion is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia Office. Jill is joined by Katharine Manning, who has worked on issues of trauma and victimization for more than 25 years.
Today’s episode features a discussion on how to engage with the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and moving authority into projects from a public and private perspective. Our experts will discuss opportunities presented by the new law, and how those opportunities encourage, even require, a partnership between public and private leaders. Establishing those partnerships now can lead to efficient approvals and thorough distributions of resources.
Participating in this discussion is John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore office, and Brent Heberlee, Of Counsel in our Washington DC office. John and Brent are joined by Sam Headon, Director of Project Development at S&B USA Concessions.
In today’s episode, our Ballard lawyers provide an update on the current status of the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and the steps employers should be taking as a result of the recent changes.
Leading this discussion is Lila Sevener, an Associate in Ballard’s Philadelphia office. With Lila are Brian Pedrow and Shannon Farmer, both of whom are Partners in Ballard’s Philadelphia office. Lila, Brian and Shannon all focus on representing employers in labor and employment litigation and investigations and counselling them on employment policies and practices.
This episode features a discussion on Cryptocurrency. What is cryptocurrency, and what are the rules that apply to this increasingly popular, but complicated financial instrument? For those seeking to be in the business of exchanging crypto, what registrations and compliance programs are necessary to meet regulatory requirements? How should crypto exchangers and other financial institutions address crypto transactions involving unhosted digital wallets, or requirements that counter-parties in certain crypto transactions be identified and reported? Our Ballard team will help answer these complex questions and explain why it’s important to seek counsel before transacting business in cryptocurrency. Participating in this discussion are Mike Robotti and Marjorie Peerce, both of whom are Partners in Ballard’s New York office; and Peter Hardy, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia office. Mike, Margie, and Peter all focus on representing the White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations practice.
Today’s episode features a discussion of how employers should handle leaves and requests for leave due to COVID-19 and “long COVID” under the FMLA (the Family and Medical Leave Act) and the ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act).
Participating in this discussion are Melissa Costello, Of Counsel in Ballard’s Phoenix office, Tara Humma, an Associate in Ballard’s New Jersey office, and Karli Lubin, an Associate in Ballard’s Philadelphia office. Melissa, Tara and Karli all focus on representing employers in labor and employment litigation and investigations and counselling them on employment policies and practices.
Today’s episode features a discussion of the current array of federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates: their effectiveness and requirements, the scope of their coverage, and what employers should consider in responding to them.
Leading this discussion is Jessica Federico, an Associate in Ballard’s Denver office. With Jessica are Brian Pedrow and Shannon Farmer, both of whom are Partners in Ballard’s Philadelphia office. Jessica, Brian and Shannon all focus on representing employers in labor and employment litigation and investigations and counselling them on employment policies and practices.
Today's episode features a conversation with Liz Bentley, founder and President of Liz Bentley Associates, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development programs. Ms. Bentley discusses her own background and career path, the role and importance of outside interests, dealing with failure, developing self-discipline, courage and confidence, how to advance in one’s career, and some thoughts on the return to the workplace.
Speaking with Ms. Bentley is Emilie Ninan, a Partner at the firm and Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Department.
Zach Miles, Senior Associate Vice President of Technology Economic Development and the Executive Director at Oklahoma State University Research Foundation, joins the show to discuss the role that OK State, and other universities, play in cultivating communities of innovation. The conversation touches on general trends, how certain universities might prefer a regional-focus on innovation, and the keys to success for an incubator accelerator. Leading the conversation is Scott Marty, Ph.D., a Partner.
In this series, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. This episode features an interview with Mary DiMartino, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Securities, where she focuses on public finance. Ms. DiMartino talks about her background and career path, the kinds of projects she works on, her experience in recruiting, and the impact of the pandemic on the work environment and the use of technology.
Speaking with Ms. DiMartino is Emilie Ninan, Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Department.
This episode features a panel discussion on the topic of Environmental Justice – what it is, the concerns on which it focuses, current policy efforts to address it, and how stakeholders might be affected by regulatory efforts in this realm. Harry Weiss, leader of the firm’s Environment and Natural Resources Group, leads the conversation featuring Environmental Protection representatives at a federal and state level.
Robert Rippee joins the show to talk about economic development trends in Nevada and how Black Fire Innovation (a unique public-private partnership between Caesar’s Entertainment corporation and the University of Nevada Las Vegas) is driving innovative concepts in the gaming & hospitality market. Robert also touches on how the pandemic has impacted innovation and reflects on how he engages UNLV students and supports their goals to lead innovative projects and solutions.
Today’s guest is Anne Robinson, general counsel of The Vanguard Group and secretary of the Vanguard funds. Anne joins to discuss her role at Vanguard, the importance of diversity within Vanguard, the impact of the events of the past year and a half, and advice she would give to promote the success of members of diverse communities.
Leading the conversation is Marcel Pratt, who represents clients in high-stakes litigation and investigations and serves as the Managing Partner of Ballard’s Philadelphia office.
Today’s episode features a conversation with Jane Hyun, leadership strategist and author, and Founder and President of Hyun & Associates, a professional training and coaching firm. Ms. Hyun talks about her background and career path, her books, and her thoughts on the challenges and experience of Asian-Americans striving for success in the corporate environment. Speaking with Ms. Hyun is Emilie Ninan, a Partner at the firm and Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Department.
Today’s episode is the first in a series on different areas in state and federal regulatory enforcement. This episode highlights a new team within the firm that helps clients navigate the investigation and enforcement abilities of state attorneys general. The leaders of the group, Adrian King and Stephen Stigall, join the conversation to talk about the origin of the group and its depth of experience; discuss what trends they’re seeing in state AG offices; and review how the team can guide clients through investigations or enforcement actions involving state AG’s.
The episode is led by Hank Hockeimer, a Partner in the firm’s Philadelphia Office and the leader of the White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group.
This episode is the third in a new podcast series, where we will visit with different leaders striving to grow economic development in their areas or regions of interest. We will be discussing new initiatives, new models, the interest and investment in Technology Parks, Incubators and Accelerators as well as other creative economic development platforms being implemented throughout the country within public and private initiatives.
Today’s guest is Katelin Roberts, acting Executive Director and Board Member of BioHive, COO of MedMountain Ventures, CEO of LineLogic, and Investor and Board Member of Medic Health. Katelin joins to talk about trends in economic development in the life sciences and healthcare industries, specifically in the state of Utah.
Today’s episode is a discussion of “no-poach” agreements – agreements between competitors that neither will hire the other’s employees. We’ll discuss the different types of such agreements, their enforceability under antitrust and other laws and the possibility of criminal prosecution arising from their use, and how to protect a business from poaching without running afoul of the law.
John Wright, a member of the firm’s Securities and M&A groups hosts the discussion. Joining John are David Fryman, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia office who represents employers in all types of labor and employment matters, and Jim Mitchell, a Partner in Ballard’s New York office who focuses on criminal and civil litigation in a broad range of areas, including criminal prosecutions under the antitrust laws.
Today’s guest is Keith Marmer, Chief Innovation & Economic Engagement Officer at the University of Utah. The conversation with Keith features a discussion on some new programs and initiatives being implemented in connection with the University of Utah as well as the surrounding Salt Lake City area.
Leading the conversation is Scott Marty, Ph.D., a partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. Scott is a registered patent attorney who counsels clients on technology commercialization including all aspects of biotechnology patent prosecution, diligence, patent litigation and licensing.
Today’s episode features a discussion about earned wage access programs. We’ll discuss why the push for on-demand payroll technology has picked-up during the COVID-19 pandemic and outline issues from an employer’s viewpoint as it relates to state wage & hour laws, liabilities, and potential lawsuits.
Today we are joined by Brian Darmody, CEO at AURP, a non-profit international organization that represents the leadership of more than 700 research, science and tech parks and innovation districts. In this episode we learn about the history of research parks and the founding of AURP, the expansion of research institutions beyond the university space, and other industry and regional trends in research parks. Leading the conversation is Scott Marty, Ph.D., a partner in the firm’s Atlanta office.
In this series, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. This episode is hosted by Kim Phan, a Partner in our Washington, D.C. office, who counsels clients on privacy and data security law. Joining Kim is Meredith Smith, General Counsel at Stash, a financial technology and services company, operating a web platform and mobile app that allows users to incrementally invest small amounts. Ms. Smith talks about her career path, its challenges and her role as chief legal officer of a rapidly growing start-up.
The episode features a discussion of environmental commodities - like carbon credits: what they are, the different forms that exist, and how the market for them has developed and continues to evolve.
Brendan Collins, a Partner and environmental lawyer who devotes his practice primarily to clients in the electric power sector and the oil and gas industry, is joined by Bill Flederbach, President and CEO of ClimeCo Corporation, a leader in the management and development of environmental commodities.
Today’s episode is discussion of the concept of environmental justice and how it’s impacting the way federal, state and local governments approach real estate development projects, permitting, land use, and zoning. The conversation is led by Lea Phillips, an environmental and natural resources attorney in Ballard’s Phoenix office who serves clients in the renewable energy, manufacturing, and waste/recycling industries. Joining Lea is Alyssa Domzal, an Associate in Ballard’s Baltimore office who represents owners, developers and investors in a wide range of commercial real estate transactions.
Today’s episode features a discussion of the state of the offshore wind energy business in the U.S., including regulatory and environmental issues, developments under the Biden Administration, and coming areas of opportunity for further development. Hosting is Brendan Collins, a Partner in Ballard’s Philadelphia office. Brendan’s guest is Jennifer Simon Lento, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer at Vineyard Wind, a developer of one of the largest U.S. offshore wind projects.
Today’s episode features a discussion of the new whistleblower provisions in the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. We’ll discuss the types of businesses covered, who can be a whistleblower under the Act, the increased incentives now provided, new protections against retaliation, the impact of a whistleblower being involved in the conduct, and practical advice for affected institutions. Peter Hardy, co-practice leader of the firm’s Anti-Money Laundering Team is joined by Ballard Spahr attorneys Meredith Dante and Diana Joskowicz.
Today’s episode is a conversation on the legalization of marijuana in certain states and its impact on the workplace. Ballard Spahr Labor and Employment attorneys Jay Zweig, Emily Daher, and Joseph Wiltse review what they’re seeing in their specific states and discuss other topics, including: what employers can and can’t do in regulating marijuana use by their employees, guidelines for the implementation of drug testing policies, how to deal with so-called “safety sensitive” positions, and the interplay of state and federal law.
Recently, President Biden announced a historic and ambitious plan to invest in infrastructure, the biggest investment in infrastructure in over five decades. To discuss the proposed package Ballard Spahr Partner BJ Clark is joined by three guests with extensive knowledge and experience in the space: Gov. Ed Rendell, the former Governor of Pennsylvania and former Mayor of Philadelphia, Brian Kirby, General Counsel at Sacyr, a large international infrastructure company, and John Smolen, Of Counsel in Ballard Spahr’s P3/Infrastructure Group in the firm’s Baltimore Office.
Today’s episode features a discussion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: what is meant by the terms and how their meanings differ, advice on how organizations should launch and conduct Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, and landmines and challenges to avoid in their implementation. Leading the discussion is Virginia Essandoh, Ballard’s Chief Diversity Officer. Virginia is joined by Erika Caesar, Managing Director, Assistant General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer at The Bancorp.
Today’s episode focuses on family businesses and what the challenges of the pandemic economy teach us about the unique strengths, vulnerabilities, and resilience of family-owned businesses. Chris Cuneo and Josh Bobich, members of the firm’s Owner-Managed and Closely Held Businesses Practice, host a discussion with Jon Keimig, director of the St. Thomas University Family Business Center.
Labor and Employment partner David Fryman leads a conversation on employment restrictive covenants. Joining David are Juliana van Hoeven and Elliot Griffin, associates in the group. David, Juli, and Elliot review a number of important points regarding restrictive covenants: including the circumstances that make the use of restrictive covenants advisable or not, what’s required to make them enforceable and how that can vary from state to state, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on enforcement.
In this episode, we highlight Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns from the perspective of companies and investors, including recent trends in ESG investing, the impact of the pandemic, and the ESG issues that have been the focus of companies, boards, shareholders and proxy advisory firms in recent years. Ballard Spahr attorneys Mary Mullany and Jaryn Fields are joined by Zally Ahmadi, who oversees the Corporate Governance & Executive Compensation advisory services at D.F. King.
Today’s episode is a discussion about women-owned businesses. Chris Cuneo and Josh Bobich, members of the firm’s Owner-Managed Business Practice Group, are joined by Julie Keyes, the founder of KeyeStrategies, an experienced entrepreneur, author and podcaster. The group discuss a variety of topics regarding women-owned businesses, including: challenges women business-owners face, the advantages that those owners can leverage, and the professional groups formed to support women-owned businesses.
Doug Christian, leader of Ballard Spahr’s Insurance Practice Group is joined by Adrian Atilano and Dave Garrigus from insurance brokerage firm HUB International. Adrian and Dave lead HUB’s executive liability practice and, along with Doug, discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the management liability landscape. After summarizing the current market, the group touches on the main issues underwriters are paying attention to at the moment and how to maximize coverage in a cost-effective manner.
In today’s episode, Kahlil Williams, co-leader of the Firm’s ESG Work Group, is joined by Felicity Hassan, Managing Director of two businesses: Audeliss and INvolve. Kahlil and Felicity discuss Board diversity: Recruiting diverse Board candidates, successfully on-boarding them – especially when in-person networking is difficult or impossible, how members of diverse communities can better develop their profiles for potential Board membership, and what we can expect to see in this area going forward.
On this episode, Ballard Spahr Partner Louis Chodoff leads a discussion with his Labor and Employment attorney colleagues Karli Lubin and Tara Humma. The group discusses the various liability issues that may arise as employers work to bring employees back to the physical workplace, including claims about workplace safety, vaccination policies, overtime claims arising from work from home, and activity created by the new Biden administration’s Labor and Employment Policies.
Ballard Spahr attorneys Meredith Dante and Steve Suflas summarize developments at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) put in place by the Biden Administration. Meredith and Steve discuss the challenges Non-union and unionized employers alike will face as we return to the activist NLRB that tried to remake the rules of the workplace during the Obama Administration.
Register for the webinar here: https://www.ballardspahr.com/eventsnews/events/2021-02-10-lets-talk-labor-law-under-the-biden-administration
In this series, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. Emilie Ninan, Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Department, is joined by Carla Harris, Vice Chairman and Head of Multicultural Client Strategy at Morgan Stanley. Ms. Harris talks about her multifaceted career path as investment banker, author and gospel singer, advice on how to navigate one’s career and change careers, and her thoughts on leadership in the current chaotic environment.
On today’s episode we discuss environmental, social, and governance, or “ESG” considerations in corporate governance, including how ESG got started, its development, its growing importance to investors and other stakeholders, the impact of the pandemic, and current ESG issues of importance, like Board diversity and climate change. Kahlil Williams, a Ballard Spahr Associate and co-leader of the Firm’s ESG Working Group, is joined by Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute.
Ballard Spahr Labor attorneys Meredith Dante, Steve Suflas, and Chris Kelly discuss what a Biden-Harris administration means for employers in the area of labor and employment law. The team discusses what they expect to see from a new administration regarding: potential changes to the National Labor Relations Act; the priorities of a new National Labor Relations Board; wage and hour impacts, and worker classification, at the federal level; and evolving equal employment opportunity, and equal pay, issues.
Chad Stewart leads a discussion on mergers & acquisitions activity involving distressed businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ballard Attorneys George Singer and Karen McConnell join to discuss what they’re seeing in the market, considerations for buyers and sellers of distressed businesses, a breakdown of relevant processes, and put historical context around the economic downturn caused by the pandemic and how it may differ from economic downturns of the past.
Ballard Spahr Partner Kim Phan joins to discuss the settlement the Federal Trade Commission recently announced with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. to resolve allegations that Zoom had engaged in unfair and deceptive acts with regard to its video conferencing services. Topics include: the terms of the settlement, the extensive security measures required of Zoom under those terms, the implications for Zoom and others, and what the settlement suggests may be the focus of future FTC scrutiny.
On today’s episode we discuss a key issue presented by the coming COVID-19 vaccines: whether employers can or should mandate vaccination, what limitations might exist on an employer’s ability to do so, and other considerations that an employer might take into account when thinking about a vaccine mandate. Leading the discussion is Brian Pedrow, Chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice. He is joined by Ballard Spahr attorneys Shannon Farmer and Jessica Federico.
Brian Garish, President of Banfield Pet Hospital, the largest veterinary practice in the United States; and Kenny Beck, Co-Founder & CEO at CEO Connection, join today’s episode led by John Kerkorian, the firm's Strategic Planning Partner. Brian and Kenny discuss their backgrounds and career paths, how they see the pandemic and social justice issues affecting the companies they work with, and the challenges that lie ahead for businesses in planning for the current uncertain times.
This episode features a conversation with Molly Shepard, Founder and President of The Leader’s Edge, which provides leadership development services to executive and high-potential women and men to enhance their effectiveness as senior leaders. Ms. Shepard talks about her career path, the nature and benefits of executive coaching, stakeholder relationships and how they’re built, the benefits of 360 reviews, and her written work. Emilie Ninan, Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Dept., leads the dialogue.
In this episode we discuss final rules recently adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to modernize the description of business, legal proceedings, and risk factor disclosures required in SEC registration statements and periodic reports. We review the key changes made, their significance, some open questions left by the rules, and how companies might best go about responding to the changed disclosure requirements. Ballard attorneys Mary Mullany and Naz Jalali join the conversation.
In this episode our guest is Joyce Frost, Co-Founder and Partner at Riverside Risk Advisors LLC. We discuss the upcoming transition from the use of LIBOR as the principal benchmark interest rate in lending transactions. We’ll look at the emerging alternatives, their implications and consequences, and the actions that should be considered by the many affected market participants to manage through the transition. Joyce Gorman, Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Finance Department, leads the conversation.
For this series within Business Better, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. Ballard Partner-Elect and Finance Dept. member Kim Magrini speaks with Diana Hoadley, Vice President and Head of the Higher Education and Non-Profit Group at Goldman Sachs. Diana talks about her career path in public finance, the obstacles she confronted, the development of ESG financings, and her thoughts on shaping one’s career.
We are joined by Dr. Lois Frankel, President of Corporate Coaching International, bestselling author, executive coach, and internationally-recognized expert in the field of leadership development for women. Dr. Frankel talks about her career path and important tactics from her books, including framing messages, executive presence and managing feedback. She’ll also discuss her work to coach future female political candidates. Emilie Ninan, Co-Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Dept., leads the dialogue.
For this series within Business Better, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. Ballard Partner and Finance Dept. Co-Chair, Emilie Ninan speaks with Vivian Altman, Head of Public Finance at Janney Montgomery Scott, who will talk about her career path in public finance, her participation in efforts to increase diversity and promote inclusion in finance, and what she sees in the work environment after the pandemic.
For this series within Business Better, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. Ballard Partner and Finance Dept. Co-Chair, Emilie Ninan speaks with Stephanie Lom, Director in the Public Finance Dept. at Raymond James, to talk about the role ESG’s are playing in public finance, Raymond James’ efforts to increase the participation of women in public finance, her career path, and experience with the COVID-19 pandemic.
For this series within the Business Better Podcast, we profile women in finance to learn about their leadership roles in financial services and capital markets. In this episode, Karen Sunderam, Head of Strategy and Business Development (Public Finance) at UBS chats with Ballard Partner and Finance Department Co-Chair, Emilie Ninan and discusses her career path to finance, reentering the workforce after a career break, and her involvement in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in finance.
On today’s episode we’ll be discussing the current state of distress in the health care industry, and the opportunities for restructuring that may arise as a result. We’ll explore the drivers of distress and current trends, and how bankruptcy law can be used as a tool for managing distress and realizing upon opportunities for post-pandemic health care.
On this episode we discuss the new set of proposed regulations from the Department of Labor (DOL) providing guidance to retirement plan fiduciaries about investing plan assets in ESG Investment Vehicles. The group discusses what ESG investment are, what’s different about considering them for retirement plans, and what the DOL’s proposed regulations will do and what they wouldn’t. Finally, we talk about the reaction to the rules, how they impact retirement plans, and next steps for plan fiduciaries.
The CARES Act was enacted to provide several forms of relief for individuals and businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we cover the general requirements for complying with the act, unpack how the government is likely to enforce the requirements, examine what can be learned from the government’s enforcement of TARP in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, provide best practices for CARES Act compliance, and detail how to mitigate the risk of enforcement actions.
In this episode we are joined by Debra Moritz and Antonia Cardone from Cushman & Wakefield, a leading commercial real estate services firm to discuss the changing workplace caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include: how the workplace was evolving before the pandemic; key learnings from a Cushman & Wakefield study on the current work from home environment; the short-and-long-term impacts on the workplace; and what businesses need to know to succeed in the new Total Workplace Ecosystem.
Business as usual ended in January 2020, when the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. Now, as we try—simultaneously—to develop treatments and cures, tackle the challenges of racial inequality, and restart the global economy, we’ll need more grit and ingenuity than ever before.
Welcome to Business Better, a podcast designed to help businesses navigate the new normal.