Venable partner Fred Wagner will attend the 2024 Legal Affairs Seminar in New Orleans on February 11-13. Fred will moderate a session on anti-DEI laws and present a session discussing the use of artificial intelligence in legal practice. Session descriptions are included below, and the full event program can be found here.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: What Happens Now?
Sunday, February 11, 2024
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Empire Ballroom C
With many states enacting anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws, and the Supreme Court’s recent decision on affirmative action admissions policies in higher education having indirect consequences for DEI efforts, what does this mean for transit agencies and businesses that value DEI? What should lawyers know about counseling their clients in these deeply turbulent times? How can lawyers ensure that DEI work continues with as little risk as possible? This session is designed to share strategies and tactics for advancing DEI in uncertain times and in a manner that does not run afoul of state laws and constitutional rulings.
Moderator
- Fred Wagner, Partner, Venable, LLP, Washington, DC
Panelists
- Dorval R. Carter, Jr., Immediate Past Chair, APTA; and President, Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago, IL
- Cleveland Ferguson, III, EVP/CAO, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, FL
- David Eldred, Esq., General Counsel, King County Metro, Seattle, WA
- Gene Gamez, General Counsel, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas, TX
Ethical Considerations Involving the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Empire Ballroom C
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a wide variety of industry sectors has raised troubling moral and ethical issues. The legal industry is no different. As AI inevitably infiltrates the everyday practice of law, the existing rules of professional conduct must quickly adapt to the ethical challenges presented. This session will discuss the likely uses of AI in legal practice and how foundational ethics standards involving confidentiality, competence, diligence, supervision of legal staff, the unauthorized practice of law, and other areas will be applied to this rapidly evolving technology.
Presenters
- Fred Wagner, Partner, Venable, LLP, Washington, DC
- Bruce M. Smith, Member, Apperson Crump PLC, Memphis, TN