Firm Hosts 5th Annual Corporate Counsel Symposium

Godfrey & Kahn hosted its 5th Annual Corporate Counsel Symposium in November at Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee. More than 90 in-house attorneys, Godfrey & Kahn attorneys and other firm contacts attended this informative symposium addressing some of today's most current issues and challenges facing in-house counsel.

The symposium kicked off with a prestigious panel of well-respected executives and general counsels from top local companies. The panel discussed effective strategies for law departments to add value to overall company performance. Moderated by Godfrey & Kahn shareholder Peter Sommerhauser, the panelists included: Gary "Skip" Poliner, President & Chief Risk Officer and Ray Manista, General Counsel & Secretary, both from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance; Mary Hill Leahy, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer from Journal Communications, Inc.; and Randy Erickson, Shareholder at Godfrey & Kahn and Paul Renard, Integration Advisor for BMO Harris Bank.

The symposium provided continuing legal education credit to attendees, including ethics training. Professor Peter K. Rofes, a professor of Law at Marquette University Law School presented on "Cultural Speed Bumps: Emerging, Cutting-Edge and Torridly Hot Topics in International Legal Ethics."

Godfrey & Kahn shareholders Christine McLaughlin, John Clancy, David Gilles and Howard Pollack wrapped up the symposium with a series of legal updates including labor & employment law, environmental and renewable energy law and an update on the business judgment rule.

Nic Wahl, Godfrey & Kahn's managing partner, moderated the event.

The symposium was followed by a networking reception, where guests gathered in the exquisite Pilot House at Pier Wisconsin to enjoy Bartolotta's hors d'oeuvres and a 360-degree view of Lake Michigan.