The June ACC Docket includes articles focused on doing business across borders — which today is simply doing business. Whether your organization is based in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, or Asia-Pacific, chances are your reach goes well beyond your nation’s borders. We have members, customers, vendors, and more living and working all over the world, and so our day-to-day business dealings are inherently global.
We’ve been dealing with a global problem for several months now: the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve all read articles and received countless communications about how various companies responded to and addressed the pandemic. Chances are your organizations are still addressing and dealing with the challenges, and in some cases opportunities, that the pandemic brought about. As we continue the shared experience of getting “back to normal,” one thing that dealing with a global pandemic reinforced for me is how important connections are — both professional and personal.
ACC is, at its core, a community. Your membership connects you to in-house counsel and legal operations professionals working all over the globe. Via ACC networks, you have access to forums where you’re able to both pose questions and offer answers on a variety of issues that are unique to in-house practice. Further, our local chapters offer additional connection, with events often focused on laws and activities specific to our physical locations.
We learned quickly the importance of staying connected from afar while dealing with a pandemic that had no borders.
Via your in-house community, you also have access to thousands of resources, including white papers and sample policies and forms, as well as premiere education opportunities — providing both in-person and online networking connections. ACC continues to bring you content is more flexible and inclusive ways — including virtual programming and even this issue of the Docket!
Speaking of this issue, the cover story delves into a topic we all face at some point, protecting privilege during global litigation. The authors offer five practical tips for addressing globalized litigation, suggesting that it is a good time for in-house counsel to “refresh” their knowledge of in-house privilege protocols, strategy, and training. The article includes discussions of new tools and techniques, as well as what to expect from outside counsel. With the heightened risk of a major uptick in cross-border disputes in the current environment, this article could not come at a more opportune time for ACC members.
Other topics outlined in this issue include what to look out for when crafting international joint development agreements; current issues involved with securing work and immigration visas; complying with international sanctions; and negotiating cross border IP agreements. All very relevant topics at the moment, so I encourage you to read up on them!
Humans connect in various ways. We learned quickly the importance of staying connected from afar while dealing with a pandemic that had no borders. We connected via our devices, and held close our connections with our families, friends, and colleagues. Hopefully, your ACC community continues to foster connections to those who happen to share your professional path, while providing you with tools that help you do your job.
Best wishes to you all. Take care, and continue to stay safe and stay healthy.
