8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

9:05 – 9:45 a.m.
Internal Investigations
When to Investigate, Who Should Lead, and How to Report

• How do I decide if an investigation is needed?
• How should I report findings?
• How do I document remedial steps (discipline, policy changes, compliance upgrades) while limiting legal exposure?
• And more

– Jennifer R. Coates

9:45 – 10:20 a.m.
Understanding Your Client’s Oversight, Priorities, and Relationships
For When You’re a New In-House Hire – Or Helping On-Board Someone Who Is

• Who regulates my organization, and how do I track them?
• How do I learn our strategic priorities and spot risks early?
• What key external relationships create the biggest legal challenges?
• And more

– Daniel Santos

10:20 – 10:30 a.m.
BREAK

10:30 – 11:10 a.m.
Responding to a Demand Letter by an External Party
Navigating a New Dispute with a Customer, Business Partner, Competitor, or Other Third Party

• What should I learn about the claimant before responding?
• What internal info do I need to assess our exposure?
• How do I assess overall risk beyond legal merits?
• Should I document my risk assessment or keep it oral?
• And more

– Mark Odegard & Keith Toms

11:10 – 11:45 a.m.
Effectively Working with and Managing Outside Counsel
Including Expectations Regarding Outside Counsel’s AI Use

• Do I need a new engagement letter for repeat work?
• What should I ask about outside counsel’s AI use and safeguards?
• How do I set expectations that match our goals and style?
• And more

– Mark Privratsky

11:45 a.m. – 12:25 p.m.
Cybersecurity for Every In-House Counsel
Practical Safeguards for Legal and Sensitive Information

• Before sending sensitive information by email, Teams, Slack, Signal, or text – or sharing it on collaboration platforms like SharePoint, Google Drive, or Teams – what security risks should I consider, and how can I mitigate them (and guide others I’m communicating with to do the same)?
• What should I do if outside counsel reports a data breach?
• What’s one of the provisions in the cybersecurity sections of vendor agreements that tends to be very contentious – and what issues should I watch out for?
• And more

– Mitchell Granberg & Dan Ongaro

12:25 – 1:25 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK (on your own)

1:25 – 2:05 p.m.
Business Issues Clients Routinely Ask Their In-House Counsel to Resolve
Guidance for Responding to Requests Beyond Legal Advice – From Pricing and Feasibility to Reputation Management and More

• How do I weigh in on business ideas in a commercially helpful way while staying in my legal lane?
• What’s the best way to guide clients on handling negative online reviews?
• When desired business growth outpaces resources, how do I help frame options, pros and cons, and next steps?
• And more

– Rita A. O’Keeffe & Wynne C.S. Reece

2:05 – 2:40 p.m.
Mediation and Arbitration
Insights To Help In-House Counsel Steer Disputes Toward Effective, Cost-Efficient Resolution

• Are mediations confidential? 
• The parties drafted and signed a term sheet at the conclusion of the mediation; is it enforceable?
• Can we appeal an arbitration decision if we disagree with the outcome?
• And more

– Antone Melton-Meaux & Kristen Peterson

2:40 – 2:50 p.m.
BREAK

2:50 – 3:25 p.m.
Employment Law
Inside and Outside the Legal Department

• What interview questions aren’t legal to ask?
• Can we require non-compete or non-solicitation agreements?
• What compliance is needed when implementing remote work policies – including around fairness, accommodations, and state law differences?
• And more

– Gina K. Janeiro & Hadley M. Simonett

3:25 – 4:25 p.m.
Legal Ethics Including Attorney-Client Privilege
Duties for All In-House Counsel – With Special Rules for Government Lawyers That Also Shape Business and Nonprofit Matters
1.0 ethics credit applied for

• How do I keep privilege intact when I’m wearing two hats?
• What legal ethics considerations come with serving on an outside board?
• Can I accept gifts from outside counsel or vendors?
• Does privilege apply to government attorneys, and who controls it?
• How do open-records or meeting laws affect confidentiality?
• And more

– Surya Saxena & David A. Schultz

LIVE IN-PERSON
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAYS
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Attend online
A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

$295 MSBA members / $295 paralegals / $345 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• Season Pass Discount
• New Lawyer Discount

Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.

Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 CLE credits, including 1.0 ethics credit. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.