October 16-18, 2025 in New York City
Wiley A. Branton Issues Symposium
Program at a Glance
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Location: Westin, 270 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM – NBA Board of Governors Meeting
Gathering of the NBA’s leadership to set vision and direction for the year ahead.
6:00 - 10:00 PM – Welcome to New York Reception
Sponsored by Thomson Reuters
Location: Thomson Reuters, 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
A vibrant kickoff celebration bringing together lawyers, judges, and corporate leaders.
Friday, October 17, 2025
Location: Well& by Durst, 151 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
8:00 - 9:00 AM – Networking Breakfast
Start the day connecting with colleagues across industries
9:00 - 10:00 AM – Presidential Showcase: Wealth Building Roundtable
From Equity to Generational Prosperity: Civil Rights, Capital, and the New Economy
Sponsored by McDonald’s
A high-level conversation on equity, opportunity, and wealth-building for the future.
Moderator: Ashley L. Upkins, President, National Bar Association & Senior Legal Counsel, Silicon Ranch
Panelists:
• Ashli Nelson- Senior Director of U.S. Strategic Franchising, Sourcing, & Recruiting, McDonald’s Corporation
• Joni Thrower Davis – General Counsel and Managing Partner of Jamjomar, Inc., McDonald’s Owner Operator
• Nina Meyers - CEO of The Meyers Group
Morning Breakout Sessions
Choose from targeted programming designed for your practice focus: General Counsel Invitational (GCI), Labor and Employment Section (L&E) or Real Property, Trusts and Estates Section (RPTE).
10:00 - 10:55 AM - L&E CLE Session I
Defending and Winning Employment Trials in the Age of Remote Witnesses and Virtual Evidence
Trial strategy for hybrid settings, tech-forward jurors, and evidentiary issues with digital and remote work-related records.
Moderator: Leonard V. Jones, Esq. – Associate – Jackson Lewis, P.C.
Panelists:
• Ephraim Pierre, Esq. – Partner - Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
• Johner T. Wilson III, Esq. – Member of the Firm- Epstein Becker Green
• Stephanie Curington, Esq. – JAMS Fellow
• Jeanine Conley Daves, Esq.- Shareholder- Littler Mendelson, P.C.
10:10 - 11:10 AM - GCI CLE Session I
Strategic Stewardship - Giving & Getting Business as a General Counsel
Explore the art and politics of law firm engagement, internal budgeting, and building reciprocal relationships while advancing supplier diversity goals.
Moderator:Ghillaine Reid, Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke
Panelists:
• Rhonda Powell - Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, Strada Education Foundation
• Nate Saint-Victor - Co- Interim GC of LPL Financial
• Adrienne Eason Wheatley - Senior Associate Litigation Counsel, State Street Bank
• Althea Brown - Former GC of LPL Financial
10:00 - 11:00 AM - RPTE CLE Session I
Innovations in Real Estate Development
This session will explore the evolving market dynamics for commercial office space, the legal and business challenges of repurposing, and practical strategies that practitioners, investors, and policymakers are employing to restore value.
Speakers:
• Reginald Long, Esq.
• Terrence G. Quinn, Esq.
11:00 AM - 11:55 AM - L&E CLE Session II
AI in the Workplace: Legal, Ethical and Litigation Pitfalls
Explore the risks and compliance obligations that arise when employers use AI in hiring, evaluation, and terminations—including bias, privacy, and discoverychallenges.
Moderator: Ingeuneal Gray, Esq. -Vice President of Inclusion and Engagement - American Arbitration Association
Panelists:
• Angelina Evans, Esq.- Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Shawndra G. Jones, Esq.- Partner – Ford Harrison LLP
• Timothy L. Reed, Esq. - Shareholder- Ogletree Deakins
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - RPTE CLE Session II
Estate Planning in a Shifting Economy: Working with an EP Attorney
This session will provide examples and strategies that will assist participants in creating an estate plan that accurately reflects your goals and addressing your concerns during this shifting economy.
Speakers:
• Tyechia White, Esq
• Loan Shillinger, Esq.
• Aquanetta Betts, Esq.
• Crystal Edwards, Esq.
• Terrence G. Quinn, Esq.
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM - GCI CLE Session II
Executive Orders & Legal Earthquakes - Remaining Grounded While Leading Boldly
This session will equip attendees with a practical toolkit to navigate the evolving federal Tariffs regulatory landscape with authenticity and strategic clarity.
Moderator: A. Scott Bolden, Senior Partner, Reed Smith
Panelists:
• Duane Holloway – Former Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at U. S. Steel
• Lynn Watkins – Asiyanbi, Former Chief Administrative and Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary for CECO Environmental Corp
• Roy Prather, Principal, Beveridge and Diamond
• Reginald Rasch – Principal and Founder of RMR Legal Consulting; Former SVP, General Counsel and Secretary of Wolverine Worldwide, and former Chief Legal Officer of Party City
12:10 - 1:10 PM - Networking Lunch
Keynote: Bill Gene is Marketing
Entrepreneur | Educator | Digital Marketing Innovator Billy Gene is one of the most recognizable voices in modern marketing and digital education. His ads and campaigns have been viewed over a billion times, and his work has reached Fortune 500 companies such as Kia, Procter & Gamble, and Orangetheory Fitness. With a signature blend of humor, strategy, and empowerment, Billy Gene equips audiences to monetize their message, modernize their influence, and close the wealth gap through technology and creativity.
1:00 - 2:00 PM - L&E CLE Session III
The Evolving Role of In-House Employment Counsel: Strategy, Compliance, and Crisis Management
How in-house lawyers can anticipate and manage risk while aligning legal, HR, and executive goals.
Moderator: Ryan C. Chapoteau, Esq. – Principal – Jackson Lewis, P.C.
Panelists:
• Eddie Clopton, Esq. – Assistant General Counsel- Verizon
• Tanya Blocker, Esq. – Assistant General Counsel - National Grid
• Sidney Minter, Esq. – Senior Counsel – Advance Auto Parts
• Anna Maria Tejada, Esq. Assistant General Counsel– SP Global
1:10 - 2:10 PM - GCI CLE Session III
Beyond the Boardroom: Wealth & Legacy for the Black General Counsel
This powerful session explores how Black General Counsels can intentionally align their personal, financial, and professional lives to secure their legacy. From navigating complex family dynamics—such as prenuptial agreements, blended families, and caregiving responsibilities—to diversifying investment portfolios, protecting real property, and creating intergenerational wealth through estate and trust planning, this session offers holistic guidance on thriving beyond the boardroom. Attendees will leave with strategies for safeguarding their assets, honoring their values, and sustaining their influence for generations to come.
Moderator: Ashley L. Upkins, President, National Bar Association & Senior Legal Counsel, Silicon Ranch
Panelists:
• Deneen Donnley, Senior Vice-President & General Counsel of Con Edison
• Kimberly N. Dobson – Shareholder, Littler
• Dr. Shana Eutsay, Ed.D., Director, The Center for Educational Innovation
• Wendell Stallings, Corporate Vice President, New York Life Insurance Company
• Hon. Rev. Michael Blake, CEO, Atlas Strategy Group & Kairos Democracy Project
2:00 - 3:30 PM - RPTE CLE Session III
Wealth Management and Financial Planning: The Next Level
This Wealth Management Masterclass is tailored for attorneys and judges who wish to broaden their knowledge of accumulating wealth and leaving a lasting legacy. The presentation will focus on real property wealth transfer strategies, including tax-loss harvesting, minimizing capital gains taxes, navigating estate tax exclusions, and other proven techniques. The session will conclude with practical guidance on securing generational wealth by utilizing wills and trusts as essential tools for legacy planning.
Speakers:
• Cary Hall
• Terrence G. Quinn, Esq.
2:10 - 2:20 PM - Midday Mimosas and Assorted Snacks
2:10 - 3:10 PM - L&E CLE Session IV
DEI Under Fire: Navigating Litigation Risk While Advancing Workplace Inclusion
Balancing legal risk and mission impact as DEI initiatives face scrutiny from courts, regulators, and the public.
Moderator: Natalie E. Norfus, Esq. -Managing Owner - The Norfus Firm, PLLC
Panelists:
• Shardé Skahan, Esq. - Partner, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP
• Nahomi Carlisle, Esq. – Associate Vice President - Chief Compliance Officer - Bunker Hill Community College
• Maurice Robinson, Esq. – EEO Officer & Director of DE&I- NY & NJ Port Authority
• Jimmy F. Robinson, Jr., Esq.- Shareholder- Ogletree Deakins
2:20 – 3:20 PM – GCI CLE Session IV
Future-Ready Law: Transforming Your Legal Department with AI — Without Cutting Headcount
Artificial Intelligence is no longer on the horizon…it is here, reshaping every part of how business is done. Legal departments are under pressure to innovate, streamline, and keep up with their business partners, all while managing risk. The question for forward-thinking General Counsels is not whether to adopt AI, but how to do so strategically without shrinking their teams or losing critical expertise.
This session will deliver a practical roadmap for transforming your law department into an AI-empowered, future-ready team. Learn how to use AI to free up lawyers’ time for higher-value work, integrate human judgment with machine efficiency, and develop an intentional upskilling plan that turns potential disruption into a competitive advantage.
Moderator: Dorothy Capers, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, C.H Robinson
Panelists:
• Conway Ekpo - Global Head of Product Legal and Privacy Legal at Apollo.io.
• Spiwe Jefferson - Chief Legal Officer, Moyana Music
• Julie Wenah – Chairwoman, Digital Civil Rights Coalition
3:20 - 4:20 PM - L&E CLE Session IV
ADR in Employment Law: Strategic Use of Arbitration and Mediation in 2025
A look at arbitration clause enforceability, mass arbitrations, and how mediation is being used creatively in high-stakes employment disputes
Moderator: Dean Burrell, Esq. - Burrell Dispute Resolution
Panelists:
• Mediator & Arbitrator - JAMS
• Melissa S. Woods, Esq. - Partner- Cohen Weiss and Simon LLP
• Cheyne R. Scott , Esq. – Partner - Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo, PC
• Tamika Newson, Esq. – Mediator & Arbitrator – Miles Mediation & Arbitration
3:30 - 5:00 PM - RPTE CLE Session IV
Navigating the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Impacts on Tax and Financial Planning
This session highlights the impact that the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" will have on tax, estate and financial planning.
Speaker:
• Brett Berg, Prudential
4:30 - 5:30 PM - L&E CLE Session VI
ADA in the Courts: Defending (and Winning) Disability Accommodation and Leave Cases
Tactics for navigating complex ADA and FMLA issues including long-COVID claims, remote work requests, and mental health accommodations.
Moderator: Kimberly S. Davis, Esq. -Associate- Ogletree Deakins
Panelists:
• Tamika N. Hardy, Esq. – Partner - Rivkin Radler LLP
• Harold Jones, Esq. – Principal – Jackson Lewis, P.C.
• Ivie A. Serioux, Esq. – Shareholder - Littler Mendelson, P.C.
• Erin S. Johnson – Associate- Fox Rothschild LLP
5:30 – 6:45 PM
General Counsel Invitational Reception at Well&
7:00 PM
Invite-Only General Counsel Dinner at Knickerbocker Hotel
Sponsored and Hosted by Troutman Pepper Locke
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Location: Well& by Durst, 151 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
8:00 – 9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 – 10:00 AM Presidential Showcase II
Unfiltered & Unafraid: Free Speech, Truth, and the First Amendment
A Presidential Fireside Chat with NBA President Ashley L. Upkins and Eboni K. Williams
9:30 - 10:30 AM - L&E CLE Session VII
The Future of Non-Competes and Restrictive Covenants: Litigation and Compliance in a Post-FTC World
Moderator: Brittney E. Willis, Esq. – Associate – Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Panelists:
• Theodora R. Lee, Esq. – Shareholder – Littler Mendelson, P.C.
• Michael Brian Taylor, Esq. - Of Counsel - Jackson Lewis, P.C..
• Brianne M. Herman, Esq. – Associate - Ogletree Deakins
10:10 - 11:15 AM - RPTE CLE Session V
Estate Planning Pitfalls: Lessons Learned Through the Fire
Active estate planning and probate attorneys share practical strategies to protect client decision-making during health crises and to prevent avoidable asset loss in post-death administration. Topics include capacity triage, adult guardianship court process, titling pitfalls, creditor management, multi-state property, and real-world oversight for aging parents.
Panelists:
• Tyechia White, Esq.
• Loan Shillinger, Esq.
• Terrence G. Quinn, Esq.
10:40 - 11:40 AM - L&E CLE Session VIII
Traditional Labor Law: Life in a Post-NLRB World
With the NLRB expanding protections and union activity surging, learn how to prepare for campaigns, bargaining, and unfair labor practice claims.
Moderator: April Madison -Ramsey, Esq. – Madison Legal Solutions
Panelists:
• Aaron L. Agenbroad, Esq. - Partner in Charge San Francisco -Jones Day
• Eddie Clopton, Esq. Associate General Counsel – Verizon
• Robin Gise, Esq. – Mediator & Arbitrator- JAMS
• Gray I. Mateo-Harris, Esq. – Partner – Fox Rothschild LLP
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - RPTE CLE Session VI
Land Rich: How to own property and not lose it when death occurs
In this session we will discuss the positive and problematic impacts that real property can have in our wealth-building journey. Topics will include: types of property ownership; the critical documents that govern property ownership; misconceptions and inaccurate information on how property transfers at a death; and examples and strategies that will assist you in creating an estate.