AI on Trial: What the Plaintiff’s Bar Is Targeting Next And What In-House Teams Can Do Now (Feb 17, 2026)
Includes a Live Web Event on 02/17/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)
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Co-sponsored with the Compliance & Ethics Network
As companies rapidly deploy AI tools across HR, marketing, operations, and customer-facing functions, the plaintiff’s bar is already building the next generation of corporate liability claims. The ability to anticipate these risks is critical. This session reframes AI risk through a litigation and enforcement lens, highlighting where claims are emerging today and where exposure is likely to expand next. Attendees will gain practical insight into how traditional legal theories are being repurposed for AI-driven disputes and how in-house teams can implement realistic safeguards without building a full-scale AI compliance program.
Key Takeaways
- Where plaintiffs are already filing and threatening AI-related claims, including employment discrimination, consumer protection, privacy, and false advertising
- The highest-risk business uses of AI today for small and mid-sized legal departments, including hiring tools, automated customer service, marketing content generation, and vendor platforms
- How third-party AI vendors create hidden liability through data use, indemnification gaps, and discovery obligations
- What internal documentation, policies, and governance gaps most often create downstream litigation exposure
- Practical risk-mitigation steps that small legal teams can implement immediately without significant budget or headcount increases
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Leslie Eason
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
| Leslie Eason has over two decades of experience guiding employers through the complexities of employment law, offering tailored strategies that align with both business objectives and company culture. She focuses on resolving complex litigation and providing proactive counsel that helps mitigate legal risk, ensuring clients stay prepared for the evolving challenges of the modern workplace.Her approach blends legal experience with a deep understanding of business needs, delivering practical solutions that resonate with each client's unique situation. Leslie's extensive courtroom acumen, paired with her skill in alternative dispute resolution, equips her to effectively handle matters ranging from administrative hearings to high-stakes trials.Throughout her career, Leslie has successfully navigated multi-plaintiff lawsuits, collective actions, and class actions in state and federal courts. Her ability to help enforce and defend restrictive covenant claims has been crucial for businesses looking to protect their competitive interests.Beyond litigation, Leslie advises clients on workplace operations ranging from crafting sound policies and conducting sensitive internal investigations to training teams on compliance and best practices. Her background as in-house counsel for a global manufacturer gives her insights that translate into actionable, business-savvy legal counsel. |