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Corporate Counsel Training Academy 2026

by International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)

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.

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.

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.

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