Course1

Escrow Agreements in Real Estate Transactions

$59.00

Escrow agreements are essential documents in every significant real estate transaction. They are mechanisms for allocating risk among the parties to the transaction.  Escrow agents are charged with determining whether certain contractual conditions are satisfied, thereby triggering the disbursement of money or property. Escrow arrangements mitigate the risk of non-performance by one of the parties.  But escrow agreements are fraught with potential conflicts and traps that may give rise to delays in finally closing a transaction. This program will provide you with a practical guide to drafting effective escrow agreements, risk allocation, conflict avoidance and working with escrow agents. Essential terms – property held, conditions for release/disbursement, fees Defining an agent’s duties, authority, and liability Practical problems with escrow arrangements – holding all the documents, breaking escrow, death of party Issues in construction contracts, development transactions, and property sales Letter of credit, tax and bankruptcy issues to consider   Speakers: John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.  He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.  He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.  He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.  He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/16/2024
    Presented
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Course1

"Boilplate" Provisions in Business and Commercial Contracts: Traps for the Unwary

$59.00

The “back of the book” provisions of common business, commercial and real estate agreements are often labeled “boilerplate,” copied and pasted from earlier agreements. But when disputes arise, these overlooked provisions – related to damages, choice of law and forum, notice, integration, and amendments – can determine the fate transaction. These provisions, if not closely examined in the context of every agreement, can provide grounds for litigation – or threats of litigation. This program will provide you with a practical guide to drafting essential “boilerplate” provisions with an emphasis on reducing risk.   Damages – types, limitations, drafting traps Choice of law/choice of forum – what the law allows v. what parties prefer Amendments – forms of written amendments, email, and course of dealing Notice – adapting methods to digital communication, traps Integration – conversations, extraneous writings, and assumptions Speaker: Shannon M. Bell is a member with Kelly Law Partners, LLC, where she litigates a wide variety of complex business disputes, construction disputes, fiduciary claims, employment issues, and landlord/tenant issues.  Her construction experience extends from contract negotiations to defense of construction claims of owners, HOAs, contractors and tradesmen.  She also represents clients in claims of shareholder and officer liability, piercing the corporate veil, and derivative actions.  She writes and speaks on commercial litigation, employment, discovery and bankruptcy topics.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/17/2024
    Presented
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Course1

Equipment Leases: Drafting & UCC Article 2A Issues

$59.00

Many companies lease rather than buy computers and servers, company cars and other capital equipment.  These leases are government by UCC Article 2A, an intricate set of provisions governing their validity, treatment, and enforcement.  If the lease is not properly drafted to comply with the UCC, it risks being re-characterized as a sale or a security interest, which give rise to substantially adverse financial and tax consequences. This program will also provide you with a practical guide to reviewing equipment leases, including spotting red flags and avoiding recharacterization.   Types of equipment leases – “true” leases, synthetic leases, “lease to own” arrangements, and more Spotting red flags of financeable leases – and how to ensure UCC 2A compliance Rights and obligations of the parties – manufacturer, lessor and lessee – and remedies for breach Circumstances leading to re-characterization of a “true lease” as a sale or financing Adverse financial, tax and practical ramifications of lease re-characterization Speaker: Steven O. Weise is a partner in the Los Angeles office Proskauer Rose, LLP, where his practice encompasses all areas of commercial law. He has extensive experience in financings, particularly those secured by personal property.  He also handles matters involving real property anti-deficiency laws, workouts, guarantees, sales of goods, letters of credit, commercial paper and checks, and investment securities.  Mr. Weise formerly served as chair of the ABA Business Law Section. He has also served as a member of the Permanent Editorial Board of the UCC and as an Advisor to the UCC Code Article 9 Drafting Committee.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/18/2024
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: Ethics and New Clients: Inadvertent Clients, Intake, and more

$59.00

Getting a client relationship right from the outset – defining scope, setting reasonable expectations – greatly helps set up the relationship for success and helps avoid disputes with clients.  There are issues of identifying and clearing conflicts of interest, or getting them waived in writing.  There are issues of explaining billing policies to clients, ensuring they understand, and putting it in writing. There are issues of communication – explaining how and when you will communicate with clients about their case, and about decision-making.This program will provide you a practical guide to drafting engagement letters and best practices in new client intake.    Engagement letters – best practices in setting scope and expectations Explaining bill rates and practices – tips on avoiding disputes Conflict of interest clearance – current clients, past clients Drafting and obtaining conflict of interest waivers Attorney-client privilege considerations   Speakers: Matthew Corbin is Senior Vice President and Executive Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services, where he consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.  Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he was a trial and appellate lawyer handling professional liability, commercial, business tort, employment, construction, insurance, and regulatory matters. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial clerk to Judge Mary Briscoe of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.  Mr. Corbin earned his B.A. from the University of Kansas and his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law. Mark A. Webster is Vice President and Director in the Professional Services Group of AON Risk Services.  He consults with the company’s law firm clients on professional responsibility and liability issues.  Before joining AON, he was a partner with Lathrop & Gage, LLP, where he had an extensive real estate transactions practice.  Mr. Webster received his B.A. from the University of Kansas and his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/19/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Asset Protection Techniques for Real Estate

$59.00

Appreciated real estate is often the most valuable asset held by a client.  Real estate as an asset class is also frequently subject to depletion through divorce, claims of creditors, tort claimants and others.  Ensuring that the real estate is properly held, preserved, and administered to protect its value is the key task of many trust and estate plans. This program will provide you with a real-world guide to accessible asset protection strategies for real estate, including the sophisticated use of limited liability entities, trusts and insurance products, key elements of drafting operating agreements and their traps, and use of forms of ownership and choice of law planning.  Economic issues to consider on acquisition, holding and administration of real estate Sophisticated use of LLCs and trusts to protect real estate Key provisions of LLC operating agreements and their traps in protecting real estate Forms of ownership and choice of law as asset protection Uses and traps of using real estate products Bankruptcy planning opportunities and limitations for distressed real estate projects   Speaker: Jonathan E. Gopman is a partner with Nelson Mullins in Naples, Florida.  His practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs. He assists them with their personal and business planning needs at all phases of the wealth accumulation and preservation cycle. In his practice, Jonathan takes a four-part approach to wealth preservation planning by assisting individuals in implementing sophisticated estate planning, tax deferral, tax-favored investment, and asset protection structures. Jonathan’s personal practice emphasizes international wealth preservation planning. He has substantial experience in assisting high net worth families with international and domestic estate planning, implementing foreign trust structures, business planning, and general tax planning. 

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/22/2024
    Presented
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Course1

Understanding Ground Leases, Part 1

$59.00

Ground leases are sophisticated contracts combining the elements of buy/sell agreements, commercial leases, and a sophisticated financing.  A landowner enters a long-term lease with a developer who constructs a building or other improvements on the land. The developer generally finances the building, occupying it or leasing it out to other tenants, paying the landowner rent on the underlying ground over a long period of time.  There are many benefits of ground leases for the landowner and the tenant. But they are very complex agreements involving sophisticated economic calculations and require very careful review. This program will provide you with a practical guide to how ground leases work, and negotiating and drafting them.   Day 1: Overview of important provisions of ground leases  Underlying economics of ground leases Permitted use and change of use Methodologies for setting and adjusting rent to reflect risk and value over time Day 2: Major financing issues, including subordination Construction and development issues  Special condemnation and casualty considerations   Speaker: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice.  He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.  He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology.     John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.  He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.  He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.  He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.  He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/23/2024
    Presented
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Course1

Understanding Ground Leases, Part 2

$59.00

Ground leases are sophisticated contracts combining the elements of buy/sell agreements, commercial leases, and a sophisticated financing.  A landowner enters a long-term lease with a developer who constructs a building or other improvements on the land. The developer generally finances the building, occupying it or leasing it out to other tenants, paying the landowner rent on the underlying ground over a long period of time.  There are many benefits of ground leases for the landowner and the tenant. But they are very complex agreements involving sophisticated economic calculations and require very careful review. This program will provide you with a practical guide to how ground leases work, and negotiating and drafting them.   Day 1: Overview of important provisions of ground leases  Underlying economics of ground leases Permitted use and change of use Methodologies for setting and adjusting rent to reflect risk and value over time Day 2: Major financing issues, including subordination Construction and development issues  Special condemnation and casualty considerations   Speaker: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice.  He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.  He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology.     John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.  He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.  He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.  He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.  He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/24/2024
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: "Founding Documents": Drafting Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws, Part 1

$59.00

Though LLCs have become a default choice of entity for many businesses, corporations – C Corps and S Corps – still produce optimal results for many family-held businesses or businesses operating in industries where the corporate is preferred or required.  The founding documents of corporations – Articles of Incorporation, Stockholders’ Agreements, and bylaws – are complex, interlocking instruments that create and regulate the capital structure, governance, and finance of the business.  Very important issues of who can own stock, how that stock is valued and transferred, how major corporate decisions are made, and how disputes are resolved are all determined by these documents. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning and drafting the essential founding documents of corporations.  Day 1: Practical planning and drafting founding documents Counseling clients about the allocation of voting power and distribution preferences Framework of law – what’s required, what can be modified, what’s discretionary Defining common stock characteristics – classes, voting rights Uses of preferred stock – classes, rights, preferences Tax issues to consider when drafting founding documents Day 2: Instituting boards of directors – duties, restrictions, indemnification Approval of shareholders – major transactions, voting thresholds, procedures Restrictions on the transferability of stock Major components of corporate bylaws Common traps in drafting founding documents – avoiding later litigation  Speaker:  Eric J. Zinn is of counsel in the Denver office of Kutak Rock, LLP.  He represents clients in clients in matters involving corporate, individual and partnership taxation, state and local taxation, and corporate mergers, acquisitions and finance. He is a frequent lecturer on topics including the proper choice of legal entity for the operation of a business enterprise, drafting operating agreements for limited liability companies, international taxation, partnership taxation, and like-kind exchanges.  He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado-Denver Business School and at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder. He is the author of "Colorado Limited Liability Company Forms and Practice Manual,” published by Data Trace Publishing. Before entering private practice he served as a judicial clerk to the U.S. Tax Court.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/25/2024
    Presented
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Course1

LIVE REPLAY: "Founding Documents": Drafting Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws, Part 2

$59.00

Though LLCs have become a default choice of entity for many businesses, corporations – C Corps and S Corps – still produce optimal results for many family-held businesses or businesses operating in industries where the corporate is preferred or required.  The founding documents of corporations – Articles of Incorporation, Stockholders’ Agreements, and bylaws – are complex, interlocking instruments that create and regulate the capital structure, governance, and finance of the business.  Very important issues of who can own stock, how that stock is valued and transferred, how major corporate decisions are made, and how disputes are resolved are all determined by these documents. This program will provide you with a practical guide to planning and drafting the essential founding documents of corporations.  Day 1: Practical planning and drafting founding documents Counseling clients about the allocation of voting power and distribution preferences Framework of law – what’s required, what can be modified, what’s discretionary Defining common stock characteristics – classes, voting rights Uses of preferred stock – classes, rights, preferences Tax issues to consider when drafting founding documents Day 2: Instituting boards of directors – duties, restrictions, indemnification Approval of shareholders – major transactions, voting thresholds, procedures Restrictions on the transferability of stock Major components of corporate bylaws Common traps in drafting founding documents – avoiding later litigation  Speaker:  Eric J. Zinn is of counsel in the Denver office of Kutak Rock, LLP.  He represents clients in clients in matters involving corporate, individual and partnership taxation, state and local taxation, and corporate mergers, acquisitions and finance. He is a frequent lecturer on topics including the proper choice of legal entity for the operation of a business enterprise, drafting operating agreements for limited liability companies, international taxation, partnership taxation, and like-kind exchanges.  He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado-Denver Business School and at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder. He is the author of "Colorado Limited Liability Company Forms and Practice Manual,” published by Data Trace Publishing. Before entering private practice he served as a judicial clerk to the U.S. Tax Court.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/26/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Practical Lessons in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Law Practice

$59.00

This program will provide you with a practical guide to diversity, inclusion, and equity in law firms and in clients. The program will discuss the value of diversity and inclusion, including how it fosters collegiality, greater client value, and organizational and personal growth.  The panel will look at real world case studies of what types of diversity training work and help law firms – and also review those types of training that do not work. The program cover best practices not only for law firms but also for advising clients on developing diversity, inclusion, and equity training and practices.   Types of diversity – internal, external, organizational, and worldview Racial and ethnic, generational and age, gender, socio-economic diversity Training to raise awareness of unconscious bias v. promoting allyship and inclusivity What types of diversity training work – and what types do not work? Best practices in helping law firms and their clients grow in diversity, inclusion and equity   Speaker: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice.  He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.  He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology.  Mr. Licata received his B.S., summa cum laude, from MacMurray College and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/29/2024
    Presented
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The Great Reckoning: When Commercial Real Estate Loans Come Due

$59.00

When a commercial real estate loan comes due, there are typically three alternatives for clients: refinance the loan, sell the property underlying the mortgage, or restructure the property’s capital structure, perhaps by adding more equity. There are complex tradeoffs with each alternative.  Renegotiating a loan extension is time-consuming, even when credit is available. Selling the property, especially in a strong market, may trigger adverse tax consequences. Most murky of all is restructuring the capital structure of project. Is the owner willing to add more equity to the project? This program will provide you with a practical guide to the issues of working with clients when their commercial real estate loans come due. Alternatives when a commercial real estate mortgage comes due Exploration of refinance options in an environment of volatile interest rates Role of preferred equity, mezzanine loans, and second mortgages Alternative of selling into a strong market Counseling clients about refinance in a time of certainty Speakers: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice.  He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.  He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology.   John S. Hollyfield is of counsel and a former partner in the Houston office Norton Rose Fulbright, LLP.  He has more than 40 years’ experience in real estate law practice.  He formerly served as chair of the ABA Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, president of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and chair of the Anglo-American Real Property Institute.  He has been named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in Real Estate Law by Texas Monthly magazine and is listed in Who’s Who in American Law.  He is co-editor of Modern Banking and Lending Forms (4th Edition), published by Warren, Gorham & Lamont.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 4/30/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Drafting Arbitration Agreements in Business and Commercial Transactions

$59.00

One of the biggest risks in most business, commercial, or real estate agreements is the risk of dispute and costly, protracted litigation. Arbitration agreements are one of the primary methods by which this substantial risk of loss is contained. Rather than the parties resorting to costly litigation, they are required to seek resolution of their dispute before a neutral arbiter, whose decision in the matter is final and cannot be litigated. Though these agreements are effective mechanisms for dispute resolution and cost containment, they are also highly controversial. This program will provide you with a practical guide the law governing arbitration agreements and drafting their major provisions.   Framework of law governing arbitration agreements Practical uses in business, commercial, and real estate transactions Circumstances where arbitration is effective v. ineffective Counseling clients about the benefits, risks, and tradeoffs of arbitration agreements Scope of arbitration, mandatory nature, and rules used Defining applicable law, arbiter selection, and method of arbitration Judgment on award, review by courts (if any), interim relief   Speaker: Shannon M. Bell is a partner with Kelly Law Partners, LLC, where she litigates a wide variety of complex business disputes, construction disputes, fiduciary claims, employment issues, and landlord/tenant issues.  Her construction experience extends from contract negotiations to defense of construction claims of owners, HOAs, contractors and tradesmen.  She also represents clients in claims of shareholder and officer liability, piercing the corporate veil, and derivative actions.  She writes and speaks on commercial litigation, employment, discovery and bankruptcy topics.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/1/2024
    Presented
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Defending Estate and Gift Tax Audits

$59.00

The IRS reviews every estate and gift tax return and audits them at a far higher rates than income tax returns. When a client return is chosen for examination and audit, an estate is subject to a very time-consuming and costly process.  Understanding the steps in the process, the personnel involved, and the limits of what you can reasonably expect as part of a settlement are all essential to successfully concluding an audit. It’s also very important to understand how returns are selected for exam. This program will provide you with a practical guide preparing for and defending and audit and tips for reducing the risk of triggering an audit. Timeline, process, personnel and deadlines – understanding how an audit unfolds Common audit triggers and how returns are selected for examination Review of common issues on audit – FLP/FLLCs, defined value clauses, insurance policies and lifetime gifts Drafting responses and working with IRS personnel Determining the range of reasonable settlement proposals Important attorney-client privilege, statute of limitation, and evidentiary considerations Speakers: Brian R. Harris is a partner in the Tampa, Florida office of Fogarty Mueller Harris, PLLC, where he represents clients in federal, state, and local tax controversy and litigation throughout the United States. He also represents clients before the IRS, state departments of revenue, and municipalities.  Earlier in his career, he was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, and lead attorney for the United States and IRS in federal courts across the country. 

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/2/2024
    Presented
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Drafting Waivers of Conflicts of Interest

$59.00

A bedrock principle of lawyer ethics is that lawyers owe their clients loyalty, free of conflicts of interest unless those conflicts are waived by a client in writing. Clients are entitled to zealous representation without the lawyer being conflicted by other representations or interests. When a conflict arises, the lawyer is required to decline the representation unless the conflict is waived by the client.  But waivers are not always easily accomplished.  They must be carefully drafted, particularly when it purports to be of an anticipated conflict, not an existing conflict. This program will provide you with a practical guide to the rules governing conflict waivers, types of waivers, and drafting tips. Key provisions of waivers and ensuring there is “informed” consent Advance waivers – drafting waivers for anticipated conflicts Types of advance waivers – stating subject area, adverse parties, neither or both Sources of rules and practical guidance on drafting waivers Common mistakes made in drafting waivers Consequences of ineffective waivers Speaker: William Freivogel is the principal of Freivogel Ethics Consulting and is an independent consultant to law firms on ethics and risk management.  He was a trial lawyer for 22 years and has practiced in the areas of legal ethics and lawyer malpractice for more than 25 years.  He is chair of the Editorial Board of the ABA/BNA Lawyers’ Manual on Professional Conduct. He maintains the Web site “Freivogel on Conflicts” at www.freivogelonconflicts.com <http://www.freivogelonconflicts.com/> .

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/3/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: IT Sourcing Agreements: Reviewing and Drafting Cloud Agreements

$59.00

Virtually every organization outsources it information technology (IT) functions to third-party vendors.  Electronic files of every time – data and documents, video and audio – are stored on servers owned and maintained by third parties and located at off-site locations.  Telecom services are also commonly outsourced. The idea behind outsourcing these increasingly complex systems is that costs might be controlled and the difficulty of maintaining them becomes someone else’s task. But getting to that point lies beyond reviewing and negotiating highly complex IT outsource agreements involving performance and reliability, data security and privacy breaches, and warranty and indemnity.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to negotiating and drafting IT agreements with third-party vendors.   Performance standards for IT vendors, reliability, and Service Level Agreements Essential warranty and indemnity provisions – and spotting red flags Understanding how “The Cloud” works for contractual purposes Important data security, privacy and related liability concerns Drafting the underlying equipment lease and/or software license Reviewing fee structures in IT outsourcing agreements   Speaker: Peter J. Kinsella is a partner in the Denver office of Perkins Coie, LLP, where he has an extensive technology law practice focusing on advising start-up, emerging and large companies on technology-related commercial and intellectual property transaction matters.  Prior to joining his firm, he worked for ten years in various legal capacities with Qwest Communications International, Inc. and Honeywell, Inc.  Mr. Kinsella has extensive experience structuring and negotiating data sharing agreements, complex procurement agreements, product distribution agreements, OEM agreements, marketing and advertising agreements, corporate sponsorship agreements, and various types of patent, trademark and copyright licenses.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/6/2024
    Presented
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Closely Held Company Merger & Acquisitions, Part 1

$59.00

Mergers and buyouts of closely held companies are complex, multifaceted processes.  Agreeing on a valuation can be very difficult because there is no regular market of buyers and sellers and information on comparable sales is scarce. Closely held companies are typically structured to benefit a few shareholders, often members of a family, and require their financial statements to be normalized. There can also be substantial issues of liability, including successor liability in asset deals, requiring carefully crafted reps and warranties. Confidentiality is often essential in these transactions as sellers try not to unsettle existing commercial relationships and employees. This program will provide you with a practical guide to major planning and drafting considerations in the mergers and buyouts of closely held companies.   Day 1: Confidentiality considerations in the sale and negotiation process Due diligence – financial, operational and workforce red flags Stock v. asset transactions and forms of consideration – cash v. equity Valuation of closely held companies in an illiquid market Use or of “earnouts” to bridge the gap in valuation   Day 2:  Reps, warranties, indemnity and basket issues common to closely held companies Successor liability concerns where assets are transferred Asset transfer issues – intangible assets, including intellectual property Transition issues – management, employees, business relationship, contract issues Escrow and post-closing issues   Speaker: Daniel G. Straga is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Venable, LLP, where he counsels companies on a wide variety of corporate and business matters across a range of industries. He advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, venture capital, and governance matters.  He also have extensive experience in private equity and cross-border transactions.   Molly Merritts is an attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of Venable, LLP, where she focuses her practice on a wide range of corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, and real estate investment trusts. She also advises clients on corporate governance matters, transactional and commercial contract negotiations, and corporate reorganizations.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/7/2024
    Presented
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Closely Held Company Merger & Acquisitions, Part 2

$59.00

Mergers and buyouts of closely held companies are complex, multifaceted processes.  Agreeing on a valuation can be very difficult because there is no regular market of buyers and sellers and information on comparable sales is scarce. Closely held companies are typically structured to benefit a few shareholders, often members of a family, and require their financial statements to be normalized. There can also be substantial issues of liability, including successor liability in asset deals, requiring carefully crafted reps and warranties. Confidentiality is often essential in these transactions as sellers try not to unsettle existing commercial relationships and employees. This program will provide you with a practical guide to major planning and drafting considerations in the mergers and buyouts of closely held companies.   Day 1: Confidentiality considerations in the sale and negotiation process Due diligence – financial, operational and workforce red flags Stock v. asset transactions and forms of consideration – cash v. equity Valuation of closely held companies in an illiquid market Use or of “earnouts” to bridge the gap in valuation   Day 2:  Reps, warranties, indemnity and basket issues common to closely held companies Successor liability concerns where assets are transferred Asset transfer issues – intangible assets, including intellectual property Transition issues – management, employees, business relationship, contract issues Escrow and post-closing issues   Speaker: Daniel G. Straga is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Venable, LLP, where he counsels companies on a wide variety of corporate and business matters across a range of industries. He advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, venture capital, and governance matters.  He also have extensive experience in private equity and cross-border transactions.   Molly Merritts is an attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of Venable, LLP, where she focuses her practice on a wide range of corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, and real estate investment trusts. She also advises clients on corporate governance matters, transactional and commercial contract negotiations, and corporate reorganizations.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/8/2024
    Presented
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Evidentiary Issues with Text and "Chat" Messages

$59.00

Text messaging is mainstream. Clients generate virtual reams of data when they message with business partners, vendors, employees, and even public. This is a rich vein of electronically stored information that is potentially discoverable in formal litigation or pre-litigation.  Because texting is so convenient, casual and almost reflexive, the caution clients exercise in other forms of communication are often disregarded when texting, including when they text with their lawyers. This program will provide you with a practical guide to obtaining text messages, the risks of discovery in litigation, and related issues. Obtaining text messages – working with mobile carriers Timing – how long are texts kept and in what form? Discovery issues – obtaining texts from parties or other sources Issues related to encrypted messaging services How strategies differ for plaintiffs and defendants Speaker: Stanley E. Woodward Jr. is a partner in the law firm Brand Woodward Law, where he has a broad civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense practice.  He also conducts internal corporate investigations.  He serves as an adjunct professor of law at Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, where he teaches pre-trial litigation and employment law. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial clerk to Judge Vanessa Ruiz of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, and Judges Joan Zeldon and Judge Rufus King III of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/9/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Asset Protection Techniques for Real Estate

$59.00

Appreciated real estate is often the most valuable asset held by a client.  Real estate as an asset class is also frequently subject to depletion through divorce, claims of creditors, tort claimants and others.  Ensuring that the real estate is properly held, preserved, and administered to protect its value is the key task of many trust and estate plans. This program will provide you with a real-world guide to accessible asset protection strategies for real estate, including the sophisticated use of limited liability entities, trusts and insurance products, key elements of drafting operating agreements and their traps, and use of forms of ownership and choice of law planning.  Economic issues to consider on acquisition, holding and administration of real estate Sophisticated use of LLCs and trusts to protect real estate Key provisions of LLC operating agreements and their traps in protecting real estate Forms of ownership and choice of law as asset protection Uses and traps of using real estate products Bankruptcy planning opportunities and limitations for distressed real estate projects   Speaker: Jonathan E. Gopman is a partner with Nelson Mullins in Naples, Florida.  His practice focuses on sophisticated wealth accumulation and preservation planning strategies for entrepreneurs. He assists them with their personal and business planning needs at all phases of the wealth accumulation and preservation cycle. In his practice, Jonathan takes a four-part approach to wealth preservation planning by assisting individuals in implementing sophisticated estate planning, tax deferral, tax-favored investment, and asset protection structures. Jonathan’s personal practice emphasizes international wealth preservation planning. He has substantial experience in assisting high net worth families with international and domestic estate planning, implementing foreign trust structures, business planning, and general tax planning. 

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/10/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Exit Rights in Business Agreements

$59.00

A client investment in an operating business, particularly a minority stake, is only as good as its liquidity rights. If a client cannot readily sell his or her ownership stake at fair market value, it has little real value. The key to ensuring liquidity is contractually creating a private market for the ownership stake. This market can come in the form of requiring other stakeholders, including the majority owner, to buy the minority stake at a mutually agreeable price, or creating other mechanisms for selling the stake to third parties. Without these contract rights, a stakeholder has no liquidity and is stuck. This program will provide you with a practical to planning and drafting contractual liquidity rights in closely held companies.   Planning and drafting liquidity rights in closely held companies Counseling clients about the limitations and risks of liquidity in closely held companies Framework of alternatives for determining most appropriate liquidity rights “Texas standoff” or “Russian roulette” – opportunities, risks and tradeoffs Drafting “tag-along” and “drag-along” rights – practical uses and drawbacks How to think about valuing closely held ownership stakes   Speaker: Michael Weiner is a partner in the Denver office of Dorsey & Whitney, where he is head of the firm’s corporate department.  His practice focuses on the representation of emerging growth companies in the areas of corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and angel finance, public offerings, and securities regulation. He counsels boards of directors and management teams in the areas of equity compensation, corporate governance, Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulatory and disclosure matters. He also advises clients on intellectual property licensing and commercial contract matters.  Mr. Weiner earned his B.S. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, his B.A. in American history from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts & Sciences, and J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/13/2024
    Presented
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2024 Retaliation Claims Update

$59.00

Retaliation claims are among the most common form of employment litigation, either as standalone claims or when a substantive claim of harassment or discrimination fails. The scope of an employee’s protected conduct – whistleblower activity, requests for accommodation, and other forms of activity – is not limitless but it expansive. There are also complicated questions of what constitutes an adverse action by an employer and the causal connection between the employee’s protected activity and the adverse action. This program will review of recent case law and other developments impacting each of the elements of an actionable retaliation claim and best practices to avoid liability.   Case law developments impacting elements of retaliation claims – protected conduct, adverse action, and causation Scope of “protected conduct,” including requests for reasonable accommodation What constitutes adverse action by the employer – and when action must be taken Standards for establishing causal link between protected conduct and adverse action Relationship among harassment, discrimination, ADA and retaliation claims  Speaker:  Ryan Derry is a partner in the San Francisco office of Paul Hastings, LLP.  His practice includes all aspects of employment litigation and counseling, including employment discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wage and hour claims. He represents employers in multiple jurisdictions in state and federal courts as well as in administrative proceedings against individual and class claims. He has been named as a California Super Lawyer Rising Star for multiple years.     

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/14/2024
    Presented
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How to Hold Business Interests in a Trust

$59.00

There are tax and other benefits to holding a closely-held company or other business interests in a trust.  But there are also substantial risks.  Trusts are typically required to diversify their holdings. But when a company is held in a trust there is almost a highly concentrated, and thus risky, position. Similarly, holding real estate or nontraditional assets also involves issues of liquidity and proper fiduciary and income tax administration. This program will provide you with a real world guide placing business interests in a trust. Dilemmas of operating companies in trusts – concentrated assets, speed, decision-making Concentrated assets and the fiduciary duty to diversify Counseling clients about the right trust for different asset classes Preserving S Corp status or other tax benefits in trust Business succession planning for family businesses Managing minority stakes in operating companies or assets Financial and tax administration traps Speakers: Michael Sneeringer a partner in the Naples, Florida office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, where his practice focuses on trust and estate planning, probate administration, asset protection planning, and tax law. He has served as vice chair of the asset protection planning committee of the ABA’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Section and is an official reporter of the Heckerling Institute.   Missia H. Vaselaney is a partner in the Cleveland office of Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where her practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and businesses.  She also represents clients before federal and state taxing authorities.  Ms. Vaselaney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has been a member of the Steering Committee for AICPA’s National Advanced Estate Planning Conference since 2001.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/15/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Unwinding a Commercial Real Estate Transaction Gone Bad, Part 1

$59.00

When a real estate project goes bad for whatever reason – sales are slow or at prices below projections, leasing is slow, or there are extensive cost-overruns or regulatory delays – developers, investors, lenders, and others are left scrambling to restructure the project and salvage any value or at least limit losses. This often involves restructuring or possibly refinancing a loan.  It may also involve additional equity.  Another option is selling the project, if possible.  These processes can be complicated by the nature of the investors and lenders involved.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to restructuring troubled real estate projects.  Day 1 Practical strategies for unwinding real estate deals outside of bankruptcy or litigation Negotiating, structuring and drafting the restructuring of failed real estate projects Underlying economics and tradeoffs of real estate restructuring Types of sellers and their impact on restructuring – individual owner, institutional, joint venture, private equity Complications and limitations involving syndicated loans, CMBS loans, and REMICs Navigating seller issues – personal guaranties, ongoing management fees, upside participation, reputation   Day 2  Restructuring alternatives, including straight purchases, “Loan to Own,” rescue capital/preferred stock/securities Drafting forbearance and loan modification agreements  Receivership of distressed properties and planning to emerge from receivership “Loan to own” strategies and limitations Tax issues, including cancellation of indebtedness and restructuring recourse indebtedness Potential loss of valuable tax attributes and tax planning opportunities   Speakers: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice. He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He speaks extensively on real estate topics nationally. Mr. Licata received his B.S., summa cum laude, from MacMurray College and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/16/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Unwinding a Commercial Real Estate Transaction Gone Bad, Part 2

$59.00

When a real estate project goes bad for whatever reason – sales are slow or at prices below projections, leasing is slow, or there are extensive cost-overruns or regulatory delays – developers, investors, lenders, and others are left scrambling to restructure the project and salvage any value or at least limit losses. This often involves restructuring or possibly refinancing a loan.  It may also involve additional equity.  Another option is selling the project, if possible.  These processes can be complicated by the nature of the investors and lenders involved.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to restructuring troubled real estate projects.  Day 1 Practical strategies for unwinding real estate deals outside of bankruptcy or litigation Negotiating, structuring and drafting the restructuring of failed real estate projects Underlying economics and tradeoffs of real estate restructuring Types of sellers and their impact on restructuring – individual owner, institutional, joint venture, private equity Complications and limitations involving syndicated loans, CMBS loans, and REMICs Navigating seller issues – personal guaranties, ongoing management fees, upside participation, reputation   Day 2  Restructuring alternatives, including straight purchases, “Loan to Own,” rescue capital/preferred stock/securities Drafting forbearance and loan modification agreements  Receivership of distressed properties and planning to emerge from receivership “Loan to own” strategies and limitations Tax issues, including cancellation of indebtedness and restructuring recourse indebtedness Potential loss of valuable tax attributes and tax planning opportunities   Speakers: Anthony Licata is a partner in the Chicago office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, where he formerly chaired the firm’s real estate practice. He has an extensive practice focusing on major commercial real estate transactions, including finance, development, leasing, and land use.He formerly served as an adjunct professor at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He speaks extensively on real estate topics nationally. Mr. Licata received his B.S., summa cum laude, from MacMurray College and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/17/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Trust and Estate Planning for Retirement Plans – IRAs, 401(k)s, and More

$59.00

The single biggest asset most clients have is their retirement account – IRAs, 401(k)s, other defined benefit plans, and annuities. These retirement plans are often tax-favored but in exchange for that status come with a variety of restrictions. Each is also governed not only by the underlying terms of its sponsors and providers but by an array of complex tax regulations.  Understanding how these complex financial products are treated not only for tax purposes but, often more importantly, for purposes of transfer at death is the central focus of trust and estate plans for most clients.  This program will provide you with a guide to tax treatment and transfer rules of client retirement assets.    Allocation of estate and gift taxes QTIPing IRAs and trusts as IRA beneficiaries Trust distributions as income v. principal Understanding traps of beneficiary designations Creditor claims against retirement assets How annuity distributions are treated for income tax purposes – ordinary income, capital gain, return of investment   Speakers: Daniel L. Daniels is a partner in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of Wiggin and Dana, LLP, where his practice focuses on representing business owners, corporate executives and other wealthy individuals and their families.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” and has been named by “Worth” magazine as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the United States representing affluent individuals. Mr. Daniels is co-author of a monthly column in “Trusts and Estates” magazine.  

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/20/2024
    Presented
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Drafting Small Commercial Real Estate Leases

$59.00

In small space leases, tenants are much more sensitive to the cost or reviewing and negotiating lengthy leases.  Also, use restrictions in lengthier leases can unduly restrict a tenant’s ability to use the space to operate their business.  Landlord rights and remedies in “short “form” leases tend to leave tenants with little flexibility and few remedies for landlord breaches.  At the same time, landlords fear the instability and costs associated with small tenants. This program will provide you a real-world guide to reviewing a small commercial lease, including economics, use restrictions, subleasing, and remedies. Red flags in “short form” leases for small tenants Ensuring “use” restrictions allow tenant to operate its business Common area maintenance, taxes, insurance, fees and penalties Scope of landlord services to tenant – and landlord remedies Exit issues – “go dark” provisions, subletting, tail liability Speaker: David C. Camp is a partner in the Denver office of Senn Visciano Canges, PC, where he represents clients in all aspects of real estate transactions.  He has extensive experience in leasing, development, construction, financing and ownership issues.  He also has substantial experience in commercial finance matters, most frequently corporate and real estate financing, including mezzanine loans, construction loans, and traditional loan matters.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/21/2024
    Presented
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Lawyer Ethics and Email

$59.00

Email has become essential to law practice.  Communications with clients and colleagues is practically impossible – and absolutely inefficient – without email.  But the ubiquity of email may obscure many important ethical issues that arise when it is used in law practice, including issues related to confidentiality, metadata, and the attorney-client privilege. These and other substantial ethical questions will be discussed in this practical guide to the ethical issues when lawyers use email in their practices. Beginning an attorney relationship via email – intentionally and inadvertently Security and confidentiality when email is exchanged in the Cloud Inadvertently sent email and metadata embedded in email Discarding/deleting email and working with outside vendors Ex parte communications with represented adversaries Attorney-client privilege issues Speaker: Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a substantial practice advising clients on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 30 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750-page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as a member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee.      

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/22/2024
    Presented
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Drafting Business Service Agreements

$59.00

Companies are increasingly focused on their “core competencies,” outsourcing all other functions – sales, bookkeeping, IT, customer and product support, warranty work – to third party professionals and their companies.  Drafting agreements to capture this work is unlike drafting a conventional employment agreement.  It requires a sophisticated understanding of the service, benchmarks for performance and reporting, and the protection of confidential business information. The underlying agreement must comprehend how all of these elements operate together.  This program will provide you with a practical guide to drafting services agreements in business.  Drafting services agreements for “hard” and “soft” services Scope of services provided, modification of services, and relationship to fees Performance standards and timeliness of delivery of services Types of fee structures and common traps Ensuring ownership of key files, records, “know how,” customer lists, and trade secrets Issues related to sub-contracting, designation of agents, and assignment of the contract Conflicts of interest, limitation of liability, and indemnification  Speaker:   Joel R. Buckberg is a partner in the Nashville office of Baker Donelson, LLP.  He more than 40 years’ experience in corporate and business transactions.  His practice focuses on corporate and asset transactions and operations, particularly in hospitality, franchising and distribution.  He also counsels clients on strategic planning, financing, mergers and acquisitions, system policy and practice development, regulatory compliance and contract system drafting. Prior to joining Baker Donelson, he was executive vice president and deputy general counsel of Cendant Corporation.      

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/23/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: Ethics of Identifying Your Client: It's Not Always Easy

$59.00

The first step in every ethics analysis is answering the question, who is your client?  It’s seemingly a very easy question to answer, but it’s not always 20/20 except in hindsight.  Representing multiple parties on the same matter, whether in litigation or on a transaction, may mean you have many clients, some or all with conflicts.   If you’re a private practitioner and you represent an organization, your client may be the entity, its officers from whom you are taking directions, or possibly both. If you’re an in-house attorney, the analysis – and its implications for the attorney-client privilege – becomes even more complex.  This program will provide you with a real world guide to ethics of identifying your client in a variety of settings avoiding conflicts of interest with the client.  Ethics and identifying your client and avoiding conflicts in transactions and litigation Representing businesses entities, nonprofit associations, and the government – client v. person giving directions Identifying clients in trust and estate planning – the testator or the person paying your fees? Special ethical challenges and ethical risks for in-house counsel and attorney-client privilege issues How to untangle clients and conflicts in joint representations – managing conflicts and information flows Best practices in documenting client representation to avoid later challenge   Speakers: Elizabeth Treubert Simon is an ethics attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where she advises on a wide range of ethics and compliance-related matters to support Akin Gump’s offices worldwide.  Previously, she practiced law in Washington DC and New York, focusing on business and commercial litigation and providing counsel to clients regarding professional ethics and attorney disciplinary procedures.  She is a member of the New York State Bar Association Committee on Professional Discipline and the District of Columbia Legal Ethics Committee.  She writes and speaks extensively on attorney ethics issues.      Thomas E. Spahn is a partner in the McLean, Virginia office of McGuireWoods, LLP, where he has a broad complex commercial, business and securities litigation practice. He also has a substantial practice advising businesses on properly creating and preserving the attorney-client privilege and work product protections.  For more than 20 years he has lectured extensively on legal ethics and professionalism and has written “The Attorney-Client Privilege and the Work Product Doctrine: A Practitioner’s Guide,” a 750 page treatise published by the Virginia Law Foundation.  Mr. Spahn has served as member of the ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility and as a member of the Virginia State Bar's Legal Ethics Committee. 

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/24/2024
    Presented
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LIVE REPLAY: 2024 Uniform Commercial Code Update

$59.00

The overlapping articles of the UCC impact most business, commercial and real estate transactions.  From the perfection of security interests to the enforceability of promissory notes and investment contracts to equipment leases and the sale of goods, the UCC plays a role in most significant transactions. This program, led by one of the nation’s leading authorities on the UCC, will provide you with a wide-ranging discussion of developments under the many articles of the UCC, including secured transactions, investment notes, sales, and equipment leasing.   Recent UCC developments for transactional attorneys Developments impacting commercial, business and real estate transactions UCC Article 9, asset-based transactions and secured transactions Sales of goods contracts Equipment leases, including computer equipment and capital equipment Notes, guarantees and letters of credit   Speaker: Steven O. Weise is a partner in the Los Angeles office Proskauer Rose, LLP, where his practice encompasses all areas of commercial law. He has extensive experience in financings, particularly those secured by personal property.  He also handles matters involving real property anti-deficiency laws, workouts, guarantees, sales of goods, letters of credit, commercial paper and checks, and investment securities.  Mr. Weise formerly served as chair of the ABA Business Law Section. He has also served as a member of the Permanent Editorial Board of the UCC and as an Advisor to the UCC Code Article 9 Drafting Committee.  Mr. Weise received his B.A. from Yale University and his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law.

  • Teleseminar
    Format
  • 60
    Minutes
  • 5/28/2024
    Presented
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