Rishi Sunak’s surprise announcement of a general election on 4 July 2024 is the key agenda item for in-house lawyers this month. Other developments to keep track of include the adoption by the Council of the EU of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, publication of a government White Paper on smarter regulation and new market guidance on the operation of the National Security and Investment Act. Read more [subscription required].
Sustainability and artificial intelligence are among the key themes for in-house lawyers this month. Noteworthy developments include the European Parliament’s formal adoption at first reading of the final text of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the TUC’s publication of a draft Artificial Intelligence (Employment and Regulation) Bill. Read more [subscription required].
The headline development this month is the SRA’s publication of a suite of draft guidance to clarify the role of in-house solicitors. Another high-profile development is the European Parliament’s publication of the Artificial Intelligence Act. Read more [subscription required].
Please join us on 17 April 2024 (2.00pm – 3.00pm) for a webinar hosted by The Centre for Legal Leadership that will look at the major challenges facing in-house lawyers today.
Among the challenges that will be discussed are the pace of business change, new and developing risks, recruitment, retention, resources, remote working, demonstrating value and the effective use of technology. The webinar will also consider how in-house lawyers have adapted to changing priorities and demands in their organisations, and how they can continue to provide first class legal services to their organisation in the future.
The discussion will be led by our speakers, Michael Jennings, Director of Legal Services at the Health and Safety Executive, and Alex O’Connell, Head of Legal, Fever-Tree.
Stress can impact our physical and mental health, our behaviours, and our ability to both experience happiness in life and to perform and deliver excellence at work. A career in law can involve working under high levels of pressure and it is important to develop an awareness of how such pressure affects us as individuals, and to form and maintain habits that enable us to look after ourselves and others. In this way we can stay well, reduce levels of reactivity, and respond skillfully to protect and maintain a healthy balance and a sense of wellbeing.
The Spring 2024 Budget is on Wednesday 6 March 2024. Publication of guidance on the 2024 UK Corporate Governance Code, the launch of a consultation on digital assets and the government response to its AI White Paper consultation are also noteworthy. Read more [subscription required].
GC100 (the association of general counsel and company secretaries in the FTSE 100) is extending an invitation to general counsel (GC) peers in other companies, with an interest in Commercial Court disputes, to an “in conversation” session with Commercial Court judges and other key stakeholders.
The event will take place on Thursday 8 February 2024, from 8am-10.15am, at the Commercial Court in the Rolls Building in London.
It will start with an introduction from Peter King, Legal Director at HM Treasury. Participants will then explore what is working about the Commercial Court for GCs and what can be done to prepare for challenges ahead. Suggested topics include AI, climate change litigation, commercial litigation funding and greenwashing, plus a practical focus on impactful GC engagement on pro bono.
Please RSVP to the GC100 Secretariat.
Highlights this month include the publication of a new version of the UK Corporate Governance Code and a call for views on a draft Cyber Governance Code of Practice. The government has also published a Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy. Read more [subscription required].
Please join us on 17 January 2024 (2.00pm – 3.00pm) for a webinar hosted by The Centre for Legal Leadership that will look at how in-house lawyers can be influential in their roles.
A key aspect of any in-house lawyer’s role is influencing your clients. The most obvious example is in relation to your legal advice. However, getting your advice accepted is not just a matter of what you say or write but how much influence you have in the relationship and generally in the organisation. This webinar will explore what influence means for in-house lawyers and legal teams, and how you can become more influential in your relationships with clients, colleagues and other key stakeholders.
The discussion will be led by our speakers, Sinead Murray, General Counsel at Ofgem and Mandy Kaur, General Counsel at Pizza Express.
The Financial Reporting Council is expected to publish a revised UK Corporate Governance Code in January 2024. In-house lawyers are also likely to be interested in the UAE Consensus, the main outcome of COP 28, and recent developments in greenwashing and artificial intelligence. Read more [subscription required].