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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

Allison Ng

Partner at Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Allison Ng is a Partner at Greenberg Traurig, LLP in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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, USA.

Christopher Gardino

In-House Counsel at CNH

Christopher Gardino is in-house counsel at CNH in Chicago, IL, USA.

Diana Gerstel

Partner at Tucker Ellis LLP

Diana Gerstel is a Partner at Tucker Ellis LLP in Morristown, NJ, USA.

Ethan York

In-House Counsel at Stryker

Ethan York serves as in-house counsel at Stryker in Chicago, IL, USA.

Hope Katz

General Counsel at Huron Consulting Group Inc.

Hope Katz is the General Counsel at Huron Consulting Group Inc. in Chicago, IL, USA.

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 and practices at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP in San Francisco, CA, USA.

James F. Murdica

Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP

James F. Murdica is a Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago, IL, USA.

James Hemmings

General Counsel at Diversified Botanics

James Hemmings serves as General Counsel at Diversified Botanics in Chicago, IL, USA.

Kari Rhode

In-House Counsel at Medtronic Inc.

Kari Rhode serves as in-house counsel at Medtronic Inc. in Keller, TX, USA.

Kelly Lankford

In-House Counsel at AbbVie

Kelly Lankford is in-house counsel at AbbVie, based in New York, NY, USA.

Kenneth Dzikowski

In-House Counsel at Teva Pharmaceuticals

Kenneth Dzikowski serves as in-house counsel at Teva Pharmaceuticals in Parsippany, NJ, USA.

Lisa M. Floro

In-House Counsel at Coloplast Corp.

Lisa M. Floro serves as in-house counsel at Coloplast Corp. in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Megan Toth

In-House Counsel at Rivian

Megan Toth is in-house counsel at Rivian in Chicago, IL, USA.

Robin Linley

Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Robin Linley is a Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Toronto, ON, Canada.

Tiffany Andras

In-House Counsel at Kimberly-Clark

Tiffany Andras serves as in-house counsel at Kimberly-Clark in Chicago, IL, USA.

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 based in New Brunswick, NJ, USA.

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.
17 days from now

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