Corporate Counsel Training Academy 2026
The Corporate Counsel Training Academy 2026 is a half-day program designed for in-house counsel with less than five years of experience. Organized by the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), this event aims to provide foundational knowledge and practical insights to help new corporate counsel navigate their roles effectively.
The program covers key topics such as transitioning from private practice to in-house roles, managing risk and litigation within a business context, understanding corporate culture, and fostering effective collaboration with outside counsel. Sessions include "Intro to the In-House World," "Strategic Relationships for New Corporate Counsel," and "Do’s and Don’ts for In-House and Outside Counsel."
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities, including a cocktail reception following the program. Notable speakers include experienced in-house counsel and legal professionals who will share their insights and experiences to guide new corporate counsel in their careers.
This academy is ideal for in-house counsel who have been in their roles for less than five years. It offers practical guidance, strategic frameworks, and networking opportunities to help participants thrive in their positions and build effective relationships within the legal community.
Categories
Speakers(17)
Allison Ng
Partner at Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Allison Ng is a Partner at Greenberg Traurig, LLP in Atlanta, GA, and will moderate the 'Fireside Chat with James Hemmings and Hope Katz' session.
Betsy Farrington
Partner at Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP
Betsy Farrington is a Partner at Goldman Ismail Tomaselli Brennan & Baum LLP in Chicago, IL, and will moderate the 'Intro to the In-House World' panel.
Christopher Gardino
Senior Counsel at CNH
Christopher Gardino is Senior Counsel at CNH in Chicago, IL, and will present on the 'Do’s and Don’ts for In-House and Outside Counsel' panel.
Diana Gerstel
Partner at Tucker Ellis LLP
Diana Gerstel is a Partner at Tucker Ellis LLP in Morristown, NJ, and will moderate the 'Do’s and Don’ts for In-House and Outside Counsel' panel.
Ethan York
Senior Counsel at Stryker
Ethan York is Senior Counsel at Stryker in Chicago, IL, and will present on the 'Strategic Relationships for New Corporate Counsel' panel.
Hope Katz
General Counsel at Huron Consulting Group Inc.
Hope Katz is the General Counsel at Huron Consulting Group Inc. in Chicago, IL, and will participate in the 'Fireside Chat with James Hemmings and Hope Katz' session.
J. Dominic Campodonico
President of IADC at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP
J. Dominic Campodonico is the President of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and is based in San Francisco, CA.
James F. Murdica
Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP
James F. Murdica is a Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL, and will present on the 'Strategic Relationships for New Corporate Counsel' panel.
James Hemmings
General Counsel at Diversified Botanics
James Hemmings is the General Counsel at Diversified Botanics in Chicago, IL, and will participate in the 'Fireside Chat with James Hemmings and Hope Katz' session.
Kari Rhode
Senior Counsel at Medtronic Inc.
Kari Rhode is Senior Counsel at Medtronic Inc. in Keller, TX, and will present on the 'Intro to the In-House World' panel.
Kelly Lankford
Senior Counsel at AbbVie
Kelly Lankford is Senior Counsel at AbbVie in New York, NY, and will present on the 'Intro to the In-House World' panel.
Kenneth Dzikowski
Senior Counsel at Teva Pharmaceuticals
Kenneth Dzikowski is Senior Counsel at Teva Pharmaceuticals in Parsippany, NJ, and will present on the 'Intro to the In-House World' panel.
Lisa M. Floro
Senior Counsel at Coloplast Corp.
Lisa M. Floro is Senior Counsel at Coloplast Corp. in Minneapolis, MN, and will present on the 'Strategic Relationships for New Corporate Counsel' panel.
Megan Toth
Senior Counsel at Rivian
Megan Toth is Senior Counsel at Rivian in Chicago, IL, and will present on the 'Intro to the In-House World' panel.
Robin Linley
Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Robin Linley is a Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Toronto, ON, Canada, and will present on the 'Do’s and Don’ts for In-House and Outside Counsel' panel.
Tiffany Andras
Senior Counsel at Kimberly-Clark
Tiffany Andras is Senior Counsel at Kimberly-Clark in Chicago, IL, and will present on the 'Do’s and Don’ts for In-House and Outside Counsel' panel.
Zane C. Riester
Program Chair of the 2026 Corporate Counsel Training Academy at Johnson & Johnson
Zane C. Riester serves as the Program Chair for the 2026 Corporate Counsel Training Academy and is affiliated with Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ.
Event Details
- Date
- April 15, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Chicago, United States
- Four Seasons Hotel Chicago
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- In-house counsel with less than five years of experience.
- CLE Credits
- Approximately 3.5 CLE hours in 60-minute states and 4.2 CLE hours in 50-minute states have been requested for accreditation.
- Attendees
- Limited to 25 attendees.