2022 Grunin Conference Plenaries
Inclusive Capitalism and Going the Last Mile
Sonal Shah, Interim Executive Vice President, Worldwide Network Advancement, United Way
This keynote focuses on the evolution of impact investment and inclusive capitalism, in particular focusing on delivering for the “last mile,” serving people in underserved communities while being careful to avoid inadvertent harm. How can lawyers create a set of legal guidelines that are able to adapt as inclusive capitalism progresses? How can the role of lawyers change as they become more active stakeholders in this process?
Climate Regulation and the Long and Winding Road
John Coates, John F. Cogan, Jr. Professor of Law and Economics and Research Director, Center on the Legal Profession, Harvard Law School
This keynote focuses on the challenges and complexities of the proposed SEC climate regulation from the perspective of a senior policy maker. Who were the players and what was necessary to make it happen? What choices did the SEC make along the way and what will be the likely consequences and ripple effects if the regulation is adopted? What are the lessons for policy makers and lawyers for future ESG regulation?
Prepare for Impact: Training Lawyers for ESG, Impact Investing, and Social Enterprise Practices
Panelists:
Ana Demel, Adjunct Professor, NYU School of Law; Chair of the Board, Pro Mujer
Mateo Goldman, Assistant General Counsel, US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
Shuangjun Wang, Associate, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Moderator:
Anne Tucker, Professor of Law and Director of the Legal Analytics & Innovation Initiative, Georgia State University College of Law
As ESG, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship go more mainstream, so too must the practice of law. No longer are the issues raised by new ways of conducting business and investing confined to compliance matters or a pro bono practice. Law firms and in-house legal departments are evolving to respond to these shifts—starting new practice areas, creating new career tracks, hiring new types of talent, and developing new training programs, to name a few. Law schools, too, are responding, developing innovative transactional clinics, offering specialized advanced courses, and incorporating ESG, impact investing, and social enterprise content into foundational classes. What is necessary to help educate and equip corporate lawyers to navigate this changing landscape of investing and business? What can law schools, law firms, and in-house legal departments do? What should we expect of continuing legal education for already practicing lawyers?