Small Law Department Network 2026 Legal Updates
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Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 02/17/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)
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.
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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Sponsored by: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. -
Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 02/26/2026 at 12:00 PM (EST)
Jenny Fernandez, MBA is an executive and team coach who works with senior leaders and their teams to become more effective, collaborative, and resilient.
Co-sponsored with the International Legal Affairs Network and the Law Department Management Networks
Jenny Fernandez, MBA is an executive and team coach who works with senior leaders and their teams to become more effective, collaborative, and resilient. She repositions leaders for success. Jenny is a LinkedIn “Top Voice,” TEDx speaker, and professional development facilitator. She is Columbia Business and NYU faculty, Gen Z advocate, and former CMO. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Learn more at Fernandez Coaching & Consulting.Join the Conversation:
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Contains 1 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 02/18/2026 at 2:00 PM (EST)
For in-house counsel, internal investigations involve much more than understanding the facts. This presentation will dive into the other keys and considerations that make internal investigations “successful,” including strategic planning, protecting privilege, effective messaging to senior management, and preventing retaliation toward witnesses and whistleblowers, all while enhancing company culture and credibility.
For in-house counsel, internal investigations involve much more than understanding the facts. This presentation will dive into the other keys and considerations that make internal investigations “successful,” including strategic planning, protecting privilege, effective messaging to senior management, and preventing retaliation toward witnesses and whistleblowers, all while enhancing company culture and credibility.
Co-Sponsored by the Small Law Department NetworkJoin the Conversation:
Compliance & Ethics Network Community -
Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 03/12/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
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Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/09/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
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Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 05/14/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
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Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 06/11/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
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Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 07/09/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
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Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 08/13/2026 at 3:00 PM (EDT)
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The Small Law Department network consists of ACC members who fall into two categories:
- Members who practice in, or are concerned with issues relating to, small corporate law departments. While there is no specific limit, it is expected that most members will practice in departments with between one and five attorneys.
- Members who practice in large departments either as a legal "generalist" or at a remote location with few lawyers.
The network's goal is to develop and explore practice methods by which attorneys in small law departments and generalists in larger departments can most effectively and efficiently provide legal services to their corporate clients.
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