48^th Annual

Corporate Counsel Institute

Houston Apr 23-24, 2026 Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria $725 Individual | $825 after Apr 9 $525 In-House Counsel | $625 after Apr 9 $655 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) | $745 after Apr 9 $580 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) | $660 after Apr 9

Live Webcast Apr 23-24, 2026 $825 Individual $625 In-House Counsel $745 Group rate per person (5 registrants minimum) $660 Group rate per person (10 registrants minimum) $100 Add-on rate for in-person registrants

Overview

UT Law CLE's 48th Annual Corporate Counsel Institute is the conference for in-house counsel and outside counsel who represent companies of all sizes. The Institute offers in-depth, practical discussions on the legal issues and considerations that matter most to corporate counsel, and provides opportunities for dialogue and networking among speakers and attendees—making this an event you do not want to miss! This year's topics include:

Annual Employment Law Update
Crisis Management and the Role of Social Media
Beware the Boilerplate! And Other Contract Pitfalls
Texas or Delaware: Where Should You Incorporate?
Cybersecurity Litigation and Enforcement
How Can In-House Counsel Add Value to and IPO or M&A Exit Transaction?
AI Governance and Training Best Practices
How to Respond to the Government When it Shows Up at Your Door
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern Privacy Compliance
Construction Contracts, Lease Agreements, and Other Real Estate Contracts
And more!

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 April 23, 2026
Day 2 April 24, 2026

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, Apr. 23, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Marc J. Krasney, Bluepeak - Houston, TX
This agenda is still in development. Updates to topics and speakers will be posted as available.
7:30 am
Houston Only

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

Welcoming Remarks
8:30 am

0.75 hr

Annual Employment Law Update

Hear the latest labor and employment developments over the last year, focusing on the most significant changes under the current administration.

Gary D. Eisenstat, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. - Dallas, TX

Gary D. Eisenstat, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. - Dallas, TX
9:15 am

0.75 hr

Crisis Management and the Role of Social Media

Dust off your organization’s social media policies and ensure they are relevant for the current time. Hear how to effectively manage employees at all levels.

Moderator:
Monica Ramirez Trollinger, Southwest Research Institute - San Antonio, TX
Panelists:
Jeff Eller, The Eller Group - Austin, TX
Christine E. Reinhard, Fennemore - San Antonio, TX

Moderator:
Monica Ramirez Trollinger, Southwest Research Institute - San Antonio, TX
Panelists:
Jeff Eller, The Eller Group - Austin, TX
Christine E. Reinhard, Fennemore - San Antonio, TX
10:00 am

15-Minute Break
10:15 am

1.00 hr

Beware the Boilerplate! And Other Contract Pitfalls

Explore commonly underestimated contract provisions—including liability limitations, indemnities, insurance, assignments, and dispute resolution clauses—that can dramatically affect organizational risk exposure. Gain practical insights on negotiating and drafting these "boilerplate" terms to avoid costly pitfalls.

Kate McCabe, Savara Inc. - Austin, TX
Jennifer McGrew, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. - Austin, TX

Kate McCabe, Savara Inc. - Austin, TX
Jennifer McGrew, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. - Austin, TX
11:15 am

0.50 hr

In-House Counsel’s Role in Reviewing Marketing Materials

The presentation covers different tools in-house counsel can employ in managing marketing copy review, including (1) identifying common issues found in marketing copy, (2) how to cost effectively use outside counsel to manage and coordinate copy review, and (3) use of AI tools to review promotions and marketing copy.

Craig Beaker, Holland & Hart LLP - Denver, CO

Craig Beaker, Holland & Hart LLP - Denver, CO
11:45 am

0.50 hr

Texas or Delaware: Where Should You Incorporate?

Elon Musk wants to get paid – a comparative case study.

Craig Smyser, Steptoe LLP - Houston, TX

Craig Smyser, Steptoe LLP - Houston, TX
12:15 pm
Houston Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Houston)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, Apr. 23, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Gary D. Eisenstat, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. - Dallas, TX
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:35 pm

1.00 hr

Texas Business Court – Everything You Want to Know

Led by members of the trial team for the first case to go to trial in Texas’s new business court, this panel explores the ins and outs of business court, including the advantages of business-informed judges and staff, reasoned written opinions, and unique business court procedures. The panel also discusses how companies can elect business court and the considerations involved in deciding whether to do so.

Jason Boulette, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX
Michael D. Marin, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX

Jason Boulette, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX
Michael D. Marin, Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P. - Austin, TX
1:35 pm

10-Minute Break
1:45 pm

0.75 hr ethics

Legal Privilege: Understanding Who You Represent and Avoiding Other Ethical Pitfalls

This topic focuses on the perennially-important ethical issues concerning how to create privilege; how to maintain it; and how, as in-house counsel, to instruct the business to maintain it. Examine (in)famous examples of where things went wrong, and advise on how to avoid similar situations.

Allison Standish Miller, Steptoe LLP - Houston, TX

Allison Standish Miller, Steptoe LLP - Houston, TX
2:30 pm

0.75 hr

Cybersecurity Litigation and Enforcement

A concise, practical briefing on the latest developments in cybersecurity litigation and enforcement. Gain insight and practical advice on defending common claims and on how to prepare for—and navigate—regulatory investigations.

Tim Newman, Haynes Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX

Tim Newman, Haynes Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX
3:15 pm

15-Minute Break
3:30 pm

1.00 hr

How Can In-House Counsel Add Value to an IPO or M&A Exit Transaction?

Discuss the role of in-house counsel when a company is doing an IPO or M&A exit transaction including deal preparation, advising management and the board of directors on key issues, working with outside counsel and advice on managing the transaction.

Moderator:
J. Robert Suffoletta, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Chantel R. Jordan, Golden Laurel Advisors - Houston, TX
Jared Josephsen, Lattice Semiconductor - Austin, TX

Moderator:
J. Robert Suffoletta, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Chantel R. Jordan, Golden Laurel Advisors - Houston, TX
Jared Josephsen, Lattice Semiconductor - Austin, TX
4:30 pm

1.00 hr ethics

AI Governance and Training Best Practices

Jonathon K. Hance, Bracewell LLP - Houston, TX

Jonathon K. Hance, Bracewell LLP - Houston, TX
5:30 pm

Adjourn

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, Apr. 24, 2026
8:00 am
Houston Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:30 am

0.75 hr

How to Respond to the Government When it Shows Up at Your Door

J. Nicholas Bunch, Haynes Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX
Jay Dewald, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP - Dallas, TX

J. Nicholas Bunch, Haynes Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX
Jay Dewald, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP - Dallas, TX
9:15 am

0.75 hr

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern Privacy Compliance

Gain insight into the critical challenges facing legal practitioners in drafting effective privacy policies in today's rapidly evolving regulatory environment. As privacy, security, and AI laws continue to proliferate and mature across multiple jurisdictions, attorneys must understand the intricate web of compliance requirements that impact modern business operations.

Rich Spilde, Holland & Hart LLP - Boulder, CO

Rich Spilde, Holland & Hart LLP - Boulder, CO
10:00 am

15-Minute Break
10:15 am

0.75 hr

Intellectual Property Update

Brianna Hinojosa-Smith, ATI Inc. - Dallas, TX

Brianna Hinojosa-Smith, ATI Inc. - Dallas, TX
11:00 am

0.75 hr

Construction Contracts, Lease Agreements, and Other Real Estate Contracts

Gain insight on important issues to get right in construction contracts and lease agreements relating to the development of projects and the construction of improvements. Particular focus will be on price escalations, force majeure and supply chain impacts.

Brian R. Gaudet, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP - Houston, TX
John C. Livingston, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton - Raleigh, NC

Brian R. Gaudet, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP - Houston, TX
John C. Livingston, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton - Raleigh, NC
11:45 am

0.75 hr ethics

Lessons Learned from GCs Behaving Badly (Allegedly)

It is always better to learn from someone else’s mistakes. In this session, examine examples of in-house counsel allegedly (or admittedly) behaving badly—from alleged assaults and slurs to embezzlement—and what in-house counsel can learn from those situations. Also, discuss examples of in-house counsel allegedly being punished for doing the right thing.

Joseph T. Clees, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. - Phoenix, AZ

Joseph T. Clees, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. - Phoenix, AZ
12:30 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 April 23, 2026
Day 2 April 24, 2026

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Craig Beaker

Holland & Hart LLP
Denver, CO

Jason Boulette

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

J. Nicholas Bunch

Haynes Boone, LLP
Dallas, TX

Joseph T. Clees

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Phoenix, AZ

Jay Dewald

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Dallas, TX

Gary D. Eisenstat

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Jeff Eller

The Eller Group
Austin, TX

Brian R. Gaudet

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
Houston, TX

Jonathon K. Hance

Bracewell LLP
Houston, TX

Brianna Hinojosa-Smith

ATI Inc.
Dallas, TX

Chantel R. Jordan

Golden Laurel Advisors
Houston, TX

Jared Josephsen

Lattice Semiconductor
Austin, TX

John C. Livingston

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
Raleigh, NC

Michael D. Marin

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Kate McCabe

Savara Inc.
Austin, TX

Jennifer McGrew

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
Austin, TX

Allison Standish Miller

Steptoe LLP
Houston, TX

Tim Newman

Haynes Boone, LLP
Dallas, TX

Christine E. Reinhard

Fennemore
San Antonio, TX

Craig Smyser

Steptoe LLP
Houston, TX

Rich Spilde

Holland & Hart LLP
Boulder, CO

J. Robert Suffoletta

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
Austin, TX

Monica Ramirez Trollinger

Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX

Planning Committee

Gary D. Eisenstat—Co-Chair

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Dallas, TX

Marc J. Krasney—Co-Chair

Bluepeak
Houston, TX

Joanna Jefferson—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Vanessa P. Bailey

Amazon
Washington, DC

Jason Boulette

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

J. Nicholas Bunch

Haynes Boone, LLP
Dallas, TX

Jay Dewald

Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Dallas, TX

Brianna Hinojosa-Smith

ATI Inc.
Dallas, TX

Chantel R. Jordan

Golden Laurel Advisors
Houston, TX

Robert L. Levy

Exxon Mobil Corporation
Houston, TX

Michael D. Marin

Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Nicole Moss

Geophysical Technology, Inc. / ACC Houston
Houston, TX

Tracey Rice

Honeywell
Houston, TX

Kinjal Shah

Rotork
Houston, TX

Dena DeNooyer Stroh

North Texas Tollway Authority
Plano, TX

J. Robert Suffoletta

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
Austin, TX

Monica Ramirez Trollinger

Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX

Jennifer M. Trulock

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Dallas, TX

Key Dates

Houston – Apr 23-24, 2026 – Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria

Live Webcast – Apr 23-24, 2026

Houston
Live Webcast

Individual
Last day for $625.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
Last day for $725.00 Regular pricing: Apr 9, 2026
$825.00 for registrations received after this time

In-House Counsel
Last day for $425.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
Last day for $525.00 Regular pricing: Apr 9, 2026
$625.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $565.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
Last day for $655.00 Regular pricing: Apr 9, 2026
$745.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $500.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
Last day for $580.00 Regular pricing: Apr 9, 2026
$660.00 for registrations received after this time

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Apr 17, 2026
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Apr 20, 2026

Individual
Last day for $725.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
$825.00

In-House Counsel
Last day for $525.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
$625.00

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $655.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
$745.00

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $580.00 Early Bird pricing: Dec 19, 2025
$660.00

Add-on (in-person registration required)
$100.00

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: Apr 17, 2026
$50 processing fee applied after this date
Last day for cancellation: Apr 20, 2026

Venue

Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria

2001 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX
(713) 961-9300 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

We’ve arranged a room block at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria for event attendees. Information about the room block, including how to book and access the discounted rate, will be provided via email as it becomes available. Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox and book early, as rooms are limited and based on availability!

Parking Information

Daily self-parking, $12 per car, per day.
Overnight self-parking, $18 per car, per day.
Daily Valet parking $22 per car, per day.
Overnight Valet parking, $44 per car, per day.

Additional Information

The conference will take place in the BLVD Ballroom, located on the first floor of the hotel.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Western Alliance Bank

Western Alliance Bank
www.westernalliancebancorporation.com/expertise/business-escrow-services

Western Alliance Business Escrow Services, a national banking group within Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, is a specialized, trusted resource for strategic buyers, top-tier law firms, private equity firms and other stakeholders involved in mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases and other business escrow transactions. With in-depth experience in the field and a sharp focus on buy-side-related touchpoints, the team provides expert, timely, personalized service and innovative product features coupled with tech-enabled solutions to meet the needs of clients on a global scale. The group tailors paying agent and escrow services related to mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases and other business escrow events at every stage of the deal, from pre-closing to post-closing, with a flexible client-first approach. Business Escrow Services is part of Western Alliance Bancorporation, which has $90 billion in assets and has ranked as a top U.S. bank by American Banker and Bank Director since 2016.
JAMS

JAMS
www.jamsadr.com/

Founded in 1979, JAMS is the world's largest private alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider. Our panel includes more than 500 retired state and federal court judges, attorneys and other ADR professionals with proven track records and extensive practice area and industry expertise. JAMS has handled thousands of in-person and remote mediations and arbitrations, ranging from two-party personal injury mediations to complex, multi-party, multimillion-dollar arbitrations in the United States and other jurisdictions worldwide. JAMS handles an average of 21,000 cases per year in hearing locations around the globe.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.
www.wsgr.com

For nearly 60 years, Wilson Sonsini has offered a broad range of services and legal disciplines focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has offices in Austin; Beijing; Boston; Brussels; Hong Kong; London; Los Angeles; New York; Palo Alto; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Shanghai; Washington, D.C.; and Wilmington, DE. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.
Association of Corporate Counsel - Houston

Association of Corporate Counsel - Houston
www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/houston

ACC Houston is home to over 1,200 in-house counsel in the Greater Houston Area. Connect with your fellow in-house counsel and our sponsors, and access all of the great educational, networking opportunities and resources we have to offer throughout the year.
The Texas Lawbook

The Texas Lawbook
texaslawbook.net

The Texas Lawbook is an online news publication covering the Texas corporate legal market. We have content partnerships with the Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Business Journal.

Corporate Counsel Institute

Overview

Event Schedule

Thursday Morning, Apr. 23, 2026

Thursday Afternoon, Apr. 23, 2026

Friday Morning, Apr. 24, 2026

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Key Dates

Venue

Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria

Accommodations

Parking Information

Additional Information

Our Sponsors

Western Alliance Bank

JAMS

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.

Association of Corporate Counsel - Houston

The Texas Lawbook

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