Event Agenda
WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 18, 2026
* Subject to change
Lunch & Program
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Inaugural Executive Leader Pre-Conference Boot Camp
This interactive three-hour bootcamp is tailored for Deputy General Counsel and aims to strengthen their leadership roles in their organizations. Participants will explore four key topics: Building Trust, Navigating the Board, Managing Internal Investigations, and Partnering with Business. The last session is a fire-side chat focused on actionable insights of the skills and experiences needed for those interested in the role as well as real-life examples that there is not one path to GC/CLO.
Room/Location: Monarch 3
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Conference Registration
Room/Location: Pacific Rotunda
THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2026
* Subject to change
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Conference Registration
Room/Location: Pacific Rotunda
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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Networking Breakfast
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Lunch
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Welcome
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
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Honorary General Counsel Roundtable
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
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Break
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
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CLE #1 - Emerging Trends in Litigation
Explore the latest developments shaping litigation across sectors, including procedural shifts, landmark rulings, and evolving risk areas for corporate and public entities.
Room/Location: Avalon
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
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CLE #2 - Regulation, Compliance, and Enforcement Trends: Evolving Challenges in Data Privacy and Protection
This panel brings together experts to discuss emerging enforcement priorities and trends along with litigation risks specific to data privacy and protection. Panelists will explore the latest developments in data privacy, related consumer protection concerns, and compliance obligations, with a focus on current and anticipated enforcement priorities and litigation trends. Attendees will gain insights into enforcement and compliance trends, mitigating risk, and anticipating the next wave of regulatory scrutiny and specific litigation trends relating to data privacy, security and protection.
Room/Location: Monarch 3
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
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Networking Luncheon
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
12:15 AM - 1:45 PM
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Signature Panel : The Supreme Court: A Year in Review
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
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Break
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
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CLE #3 - The Latest With AI: What’s Next?
Dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and its impact on corporations – from transactions to litigation – AI continues to challenge us all. These distinguished panelists will touch on the latest with AI’s emerging legal challenges, intellectual property rights (a moving target), US and European governance and regulatory responses, and the balancing act of responsible innovation shaping the future of technology. Discover illustrations of how AI tools are benefiting (and creating conflict) in the practice of law – from contract drafting to billing – including its limitations or potential risks associated with the use of AI in our legal workplace.
Room/Location: Avalon
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
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CLE #4 - Civil Rights and Impact Litigation - Pro Bono in Action
This panel examines how pro bono legal work advances civil rights through strategic impact litigation, judicial advocacy, and community-centered initiatives. Panelists will discuss emerging challenges—including shifting federal priorities, evolving law firm pro bono commitments, constrained nonprofit resources, and innovative financing models—and explore how strategic collaborations among nonprofits, private attorneys, and funders can expand access to justice and drive systemic reform. The session offers practitioners a forward-looking discussion on the current landscape and future of pro bono civil rights advocacy and impact litigation in an era of legal and political uncertainty.
Room/Location: Monarch 3
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Merrill Lynch Consulting Sessions
Room/Location: TBD
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
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Coffee Break
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
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CLE #5 - Government Contracts and Project Risk Management
So you want to do business with federal, state or local governments? This panel will explore legal and policy developments in government contracting at all levels, including a focus on project finance, risk mitigation, IP protection, representing domestic and foreign clients and practical strategies for pivoting when funded projects face cancellation or other challenges.
Room/Location: Avalon
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
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CLE #6 - Building Generational Wealth - Selected Avenues
This panel will discuss legal, financial and strategic pathways to building generational wealth through various avenues, including: law firm ownership and wealth and estate planning considerations for athletes and entertainers, as well as current strategies for attorneys to maximize wealth in today’s economy.
Room/Location: Monarch 3
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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Private Reception: Signature, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Law Firm Sponsors and Corporate (In-House) Counsel Attorneys Only
Room/Location: Sunset Terrace South/Observation Deck
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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CONNECTIONS LOUNGE Setup: Corporate Counsel Companies
Room/Location: Monarch Ballroom
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Welcome Reception
Room/Location: Grand Lawn
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Corporate Dine-Arounds & Dinner Receptions
Room/Location: Various (Onsite, Offsite)
FRIDAY| FEBRUARY 20, 2026
* Subject to change
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
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CONNECTIONS LOUNGE Setup - Corporate Counsel Companies
Room/Location: Monarch Ballroom
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Conference Registration
Room/Location: Pacific Rotunda
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
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Networking Breakfast
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom 2
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer Breakfast (Invitation Only)
Room/Location: Adriatic
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Headshot Lounge - Sponsored by: Levenfield Pearlstein
EC ONLY: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Room/Location: Mediterranean
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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Law Firm & Corporate Counsel Connections Lounge
Room/Location: Monarch Ballroom
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Merrill Lynch Consulting Sessions
Room/Location: TBD
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Break
Room/Location: Pacific Promenade - UPSTAIRS
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
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CLE #7 - Corporate Misconduct and Global Compliance
Investigate enforcement trends and legal risks related to corporate fraud and misconduct, including FCPA compliance and cross-border regulatory coordination.
Room/Location: Avalon
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
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CLE #8 - The Business of Law
Join a panel of Law firm leaders to explore the thorny and the new in securing the continued success of law firms in changing times. Take a journey expanding on opportunities for firms to protecting firm culture and success when faced with recent regulatory, political and market demands.
Room/Location: Monarch 3
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM
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Women's Wellness Session (Lunch provided)
EThis interactive workshop is inspired by Tommi’s acclaimed book, The Table of Life: Nourishing the Soul with Food, Love, and Faith, which is a deeply reflective and practical guide that invites women to examine what they are consuming emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, and how those “ingredients” shape every area of life.
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom 1
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM
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General Luncheon - Grab & Go
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom 2 or Pacific Lawn
1:00 PM - 2:45 PM
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Men's Wellness Session (Lunch provided)
Prioritizing mental health is essential for Black men, especially in the context of systemic racism and historical trauma. The psychological and political battles around DEI and the anxiety bred from a changing economic and environmental landscape will be explored. Research underscores the value of seeking support from family, friends, and mental health professionals to foster healing and resilience. Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is a crucial step toward achieving holistic well-being.
This interactive session, led by Black board-certified psychiatrists, offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and wellness. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations, explore therapeutic strategies, and practice mindfulness exercises in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom 3
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
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Break
Room/Location: Pacific Promenade
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
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CLE #9 - Workforce Evolution and Immigration Insights
A look at employment law trends, with a focus on business immigration to the US, remote and back to work policies, and regulatory changes impacting workforce management and compliance.
Room/Location: Avalon
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
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CLE #10 - Ethics and the Rule of Law - Adapting with Integrity
Explore how lawyers can ethically adapt to evolving regulatory and geopolitical landscapes. With shifting enforcement priorities—such as potential changes in FCPA focus—how can counsel continue to serve clients effectively across jurisdictions, now and in the future?
Room/Location: Monarch 3
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
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Break
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM
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CLE #11 - Emerging Practices: A new Look at Sports, Entertainment, and Media in Commercial Law
Join leading legal professionals for an engaging panel discussion exploring the evolving landscape of commercial law as it intersects with sports, entertainment, and media. This session will provide fresh insights into the innovative legal practices shaping these dynamic industries, focusing on recent trends, regulatory challenges, and the transformative impact of technology.
Our distinguished panelists will address key topics such as the rise of digital platforms and streaming, athlete and artist endorsements, intellectual property rights in the era of social media, and the complexities of cross-border transactions. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how legal frameworks are adapting to new business models and cultural shifts, and what this means for clients, practitioners, and stakeholders navigating these fast-paced sectors.
Whether you advise sports organizations, entertainment companies, media outlets, or individual talent, this panel will offer practical strategies and forward-looking perspectives to help you stay ahead in today’s changing commercial law environment.
Room/Location: Avalon
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM
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CLE #12 - M&A and Antitrust - Deal Dynamics in Focus
Review current trends in M&A and technology transactions, including FTC scrutiny and sector-specific developments in areas such as life sciences, with insights into regulatory and transactional strategy.
Room/Location: Monarch 3
5:00 PM - 6:15PM
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Tequila Tasting - Sponsored by Legal Innovators
(Pre-registration required.)
Room/Location: Wine Cave
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Pre-Awards Gala Cocktail Reception
Room/Location: Pacific Promenade
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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We Are One Awards Gala, Dinner & Dancing
We cordially invite you to join us for an evening celebrating the achievements of our NBA-CLS members and distinguished guests. This special gathering will honor the outstanding contributions and leadership within our legal community.
The evening’s program will feature the presentation of the Cora T. Walker Award to Kwamina Williford, recognizing her unwavering service and dedication to the legal profession. In addition, GE Aerospace will be honored with the John Lewis, Jr. Corporation of the Year Award for its demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We will also pause to remember Jean-Marie Sylla, Jr., our beloved former Executive Committee Member, honoring his life, service, and the lasting impact of his legacy.
Room/Location: Pacific Ballroom
SATURDAY| FEBRUARY 21, 2026
* Subject to change
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Golf Tournament (Shotgun Start)
Room/Location: Monarch Beach Golf Links
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Headshot Lounge
Room/Location: Mediterranean
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Spa
Room/Location: Waldorf Astoria Spa
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Golf Clinic
Room/Location: Monarch Beach Golf Links
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Explore Orange County
Room/Location: Offsite
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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