RopesTalk

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery speak with Archana Kotecha, CEO of The Remedy Project, about her journey from corporate law to leading human rights initiatives across Asia. Archana shares practical insights on assessing workplace culture, supporting women and migrant workers, and building trust between businesses and NGOs. The conversation explores the challenges of conducting human rights impact assessments, the importance of direct worker engagement, and the role of pilots and feedback in compliance programs. Whether you are a compliance professional, le...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, ERISA and benefits partner Sharon Remmer is joined by litigation & enforcement partners, Amy Roy and Dan Ward, to discuss President Trump’s recent Executive Order that directs the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies to expand access to alternative assets for 401(k) investors and what the potential ramifications could be for retirement plan sponsors and asset managers from a litigation risk perspective. We have been closely monitoring the significant increase in lawsuits targeting 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans over the last several years, where plaintiffs have alleged fiduciary defects in the pr...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, Nitish Upadhyaya, director of behavioral insights at R&G Insights Lab, is joined by partners from Ropes & Gray’s global crisis management & investigations practice—Jim Dowden, Laura Hoey, Josh Levy, Amanda Raad, Ryan Rohlfsen, Robert Silvers and Sarah Walters—to unpack the realities of handling complex, high-stakes crises in an era of global uncertainty. Drawing on decades of experience, the team explores why successful crisis management demands more than just legal maneuvering—it requires practical strategies, an understanding of human behavior, and a strong organizational culture. Listeners will gain actionable insights into every stage of a cri...

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab’s multi-part Multidimensional Data Reversion podcast series, Shannon Capone Kirk and David Yanofsky discuss how artificial intelligence and machine learning are being applied to legal investigations and document reviews. They explore the evolution from traditional search term methods to advanced techniques like predictive coding, continuous active learning, and the emerging role of generative AI (“GenAI”) while demystifying what these techniques are actually doing with your data. The conversation highlights the importance of using plain language when describing these technologies, the critical role of human expertise in refining AI tools, and the prac...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, litigation & enforcement partner Josh Levy and counsel JR Drabick—both former federal prosecutors—delve into the critical topic of crisis management for organizations and leaders. Drawing on Josh’s unique experience as the former U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, including his leadership during the high-profile resignation of U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins in May 2023 due to an ethical scandal, the conversation offers an insider’s perspective on navigating high-stakes crises in both public service and private practice. Gain insights into the structure and responsibilities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the immedi...

On this special Ropes & Gray podcast, co-hiring partner for the firm and co-managing partner of the firm’s Boston office, Jeff Katz, sits down with three members of the 2025 Summer Associate Program: Ben Haward (Harvard University), Esteban Ortiz (Boston University), and Michelle Yang (Northeastern University). Together, they provide an inside look at the summer associate experience at Ropes & Gray, sharing candid reflections on mentorship, professional growth, and the collaborative culture that defines the firm. The conversation also turns the tables, with the summer associates posing thoughtful questions to Jeff about the skills that have shaped his career, the evolving la...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery are joined by Professor Guido Palazzo, co-author of The Dark Pattern: The Hidden Dynamics of Corporate Scandals. Together, they explore why corporate scandals are rarely the result of a few “bad apples” and instead stem from deeper organizational patterns—such as toxic leadership, unrealistic targets, and ambiguous rules—that shape behavior across entire companies. Professor Palazzo shares practical insights on how organizations can recognize and disrupt these harmful dynamics, foster allyship, and build cultures where ethical co...

On this episode of Ropes & Gray's ITC-focused podcast series, Talkin' Trade, IP litigators Matt Rizzolo, Matt Shapiro, and Lara Ameri break down the ITC’s recent decision in Investigation No. 337-TA-1352, a case involving trade secret misappropriation in the pharmaceutical sector. The discussion covers the procedural twists of the 100-day program, the Commission’s findings on domestic industry and threatened injury, and the remedies imposed—including a seven-year limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders. The team also highlights key takeaways for companies navigating trade secret disputes at the ITC, including the standards for proving injury and the impact of compet...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, licensing and collaboration partner Hannah England and antitrust partner Lisa Kaltenbrunner discuss how EU antitrust rules impact non-competes and other exclusivity provisions in collaboration agreements, license agreements, and asset acquisitions. They explain why these rules apply even to U.S. companies, outline the key differences between collaboration and license agreements, and highlight the risks of non-compliance, such as unenforceability and regulatory scrutiny. The conversation offers practical guidance on structuring non-compete clauses to align with EU competition law.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partner Michael Lampert and counsel Sam Perrone, and litigation & enforcement partner Andrew O’Connor, rejoin to discuss patient assistance programs, recent enforcement actions, and related regulatory considerations. The conversation covers the legal framework governing these programs, including the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”), Civil Monetary Penalties Law (“CMPL”), and False Claims Act (“FCA”). They focus on recent settlements and agency actions, and highlight key factors that influence regulatory outcomes for patient assistance programs.

On this retrospective episode of the Culture & Compliance Chronicles podcast, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, reflect on the key themes and insights from season one. They emphasize the importance of culture in driving compliance and regulatory practices, highlighting discussions with various guests who shared their experiences and strategies. Key themes include the significance of contextualizing culture, humanizing compliance, and using data intentionally to inform decisions. The hosts also share practical tips and exercises for maintaining focus and creativity in the compliance space. As they look forward to th...

On this bonus episode of Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab’s Multidimensional Data Reversion podcast series, Shannon Capone Kirk and David Yanofsky are joined by Michelle DiMartino, a cultural psychologist, to discuss the challenges and human factors involved in AI adoption. Michelle provides insights into the psychological responses to AI, explaining how high-stakes, time-pressured environments can lead to mental shortcuts and differing reactions to ambiguity. The discussion covers three critical frames for understanding AI implementation: the technology itself, human interpretation and interaction with AI outputs, and the organizational culture and governance surrounding AI tools. Tune in to gain valuable pers...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partner Michael Lampert and counsel Sam Perrone are joined by litigation & enforcement partner Andrew O’Connor for a two-part discussion, with this first episode focused on recent enforcement activity and broker arrangements in the Medicare Advantage (“MA”) space. They delve into the Oak Street settlement, the Office of Inspector General’s (“OIG”) Special Fraud Alert, and a recent Department of Justice (“DOJ”) False Claims Act (“FCA”) suit against major Medicare Advantage plans and brokers. The conversation covers the complex regulatory framework governing broker arrangements, the implications of recent enforcement actions, and practical takeaways for provid...

On this episode of the R&G Dugout podcast, Ropes & Gray intellectual property transactions partner and a leader of the firm’s sports industry initiative Erica Han is joined by tax attorneys Gil Ghatan, Kendi Ozmon and Franziska Hertel, who lead the firm’s tax-exempt organizations practice. Together, they discuss the tax implications of the House v. NCAA settlement, including the rules that permit colleges and universities to pay student athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Tune in to understand the compliance challenges for schools seeking to create opportunities for their student athletes and athletics programs through NIL...

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, employment, executive compensation, and benefits partner Megan Bisk is joined by alum Dan Krockmalnic, chief operating officer and general counsel at Boston Globe Media. Dan shares his journey from Big Law to his current leadership role, discussing his transition from litigation associate to COO and GC, his experiences producing award-winning content like Murder in Boston, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear Dan's insights on career development, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for young lawyers.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Nicole Rose, a compliance specialist and creative artist based in Australia who shares her unique insights on how creativity helps solve compliance challenges. Nicole discusses the concept of "moneyballing" in compliance, emphasizing the importance of data-driven, effective controls that add value to the business. She also highlights the significance of humanizing compliance training and making it relevant and engaging for employees. Tune in to explore Nicole's innovative approaches, including her experiences with cu...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Nicole Rose, a compliance specialist and creative artist based in Australia who shares her unique insights on how creativity helps solve compliance challenges. Nicole discusses the concept of "moneyballing" in compliance, emphasizing the importance of data-driven, effective controls that add value to the business. She also highlights the significance of humanizing compliance training and making it relevant and engaging for employees. Tune in to explore Nicole's innovative approaches, including her experiences with cu...

On this episode of Fully Invested, Ropes & Gray asset management partner Jessica Marlin and capital markets counsel Marc Rotter discuss ’34 Act Registered Private Funds. These funds register under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and disclose information publicly, while remaining exempt from the Investment Company Act of 1940. Jessica and Marc explore the funds’ features and differences in comparison to traditional private funds.

On this third episode of Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab’s four-part Multidimensional Data Reversion podcast series, Shannon Capone Kirk and David Yanofsky discuss the crucial steps in the iterative cycle of data analysis, visualization, and insight. They delve into the complexity of using free text in data analysis, explaining how unstructured text differs from structured data and the challenges it presents. The conversation also covers methods to analyze free text, including the use of rubrics, sentiment analysis, and self-scoring. They highlight the significance of understanding emotions and psychological safety when collecting and analyzing data. Additionally, they address the curr...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, Alyssa Horton and Colleen Meyer, both counsel in the private funds regulatory group, explore the recent SEC staff guidance on the Marketing Rule. They discuss the new FAQs issued on March 19, 2025, which address the presentation of investment-level returns and investment characteristics. Colleen and Alyssa provide a comprehensive overview of the history behind these FAQs, the operational challenges faced by advisers, and the significant changes brought by the new guidance. Listen in to gain valuable insights on how to effectively implement these updates in your marketing materials and ensure compliance with the Marketing Rule.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Dina Denham Smith, an accomplished leader, executive coach, and author, to discuss her new book, Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work. Dina shares insights on the heightened emotional demands on leaders, strategies for managing emotions in the workplace, and the importance of compassionate detachment. They also explore the concept of emotional contagion and how leaders can balance authenticity with the need to maintain team morale (or “with the...

On this special collaborative episode of Ropes & Gray's Non-binding Guidance and Talkin’ Trade podcast series, life sciences regulatory and compliance partner Josh Oyster is joined by intellectual property litigation partner Matt Rizzolo to discuss the complex world of false advertising and unfair competition disputes involving drugs, medical devices, and other FDA-regulated products. Together, they explore recent developments in Lanham Act competitor lawsuits, ITC investigations, and the shifting regulatory landscape. Discover the nuances of private litigation, the powerful remedies available through Section 337 investigations, and the potential impact of recent changes at FDA. 

On this episode of the R&G Tech Studio podcast, Ropes & Gray partners and co-leaders of the firm’s AI initiative, Megan Baca and Ed McNicholas, delve into the key implications of President Trump’s new AI Executive Order 14179, contrasting it with the previous Biden administration's approach to AI regulation. They explore the nuances of AI innovation versus AI safety, the potential conflicts between federal and state regulations, and the global landscape of AI governance. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how companies can navigate the evolving regulatory environment while balancing innovation and compliance. 

On this second episode of Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab’s four-part Multidimensional Data Reversion podcast series, Shannon Capone Kirk, managing principal and global head of Ropes & Gray’s advanced e-discovery and AI strategy group, is joined by David Yanofsky, director of data insights, analytics and visualization at the R&G Insights Lab. Together, they discuss the importance of using analytics to organize and analyze large datasets, such as emails and documents, to uncover key concepts and trends. The episode also highlights the power of data visualization in storytelling, compliance monitoring, and project management within the legal context. Discover how in...

On this episode of the R&G Tech Studio podcast, Rohan Massey, a leader of Ropes & Gray’s data, privacy and cybersecurity practice, is joined by data, privacy and cybersecurity counsel Edward Machin to discuss the AI literacy measures of the EU AI Act and how companies can meet its requirements to ensure their teams are adequately AI literate. The conversation delves into the broad definition of AI systems under the EU AI Act, the importance of AI literacy for providers and deployers of AI systems, and the context-specific nature of AI literacy requirements. They also provide insights into th...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, join Amanda Raad, co-head of the firm’s global anti-corruption and international risk and crisis management & investigations practices, Nitish Upadhyaya, director of behavioral insights at the R&G Insights Lab, and Sarah Lambert-Porter, a senior attorney in the litigation & enforcement practice, as they explore the significant new "failure to prevent fraud" offence in the UK, which comes into force on September 1, 2025, and its far-reaching implications for organizations worldwide. Together, they discuss the scope of the offence, exceptions and defenses, and what companies are (and should be) doing to prepare their organizations. Even if you ha...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, real estate investments and transactions partner David Kaye and counsel Pete Scherer are joined by litigation partner Andrew Todres to discuss one of the more taboo topics in real estate investing: partnership disputes. Together, they explore the initial steps to take when facing a partnership dispute, the key considerations and remedies available, and the nuanced decision-making process between avoiding litigation and rushing to the courtroom. Whether you're a capital partner in a joint venture or simply interested in the complexities of real estate disputes, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice. 

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Ropes & Gray partner Amanda Raad and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Alexandra Belmonte, the chief compliance officer at A.P. Moller - Maersk, where they dive into the power of the innovative Business Compliance Ambassadors (BCA) program at Maersk. Alexandra shares her journey in building a robust global compliance network that marries business and compliance. She emphasizes the importance of starting small and smart, leveraging rising stars, and gaining top management buy-in. 

On this episode of the R&G Dugout podcast, Ropes & Gray litigation & enforcement partner and lead of the firm’s sports industry initiative, Chris Conniff, is joined by intellectual property transactions partner Erica Han. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college athletics, discussing the influx of investments, recent legal developments, and the implications of the House v. NCAA settlement. Tune in to understand the complexities and opportunities arising from NIL deals, compliance challenges for universities, and the future of college sports. 

Welcome to Multidimensional Data Reversion, a four-part podcast series from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab where data analysis intersects with the law. On this first episode, join Shannon Capone Kirk, managing principal and global head of Ropes & Gray’s advanced e-discovery and AI strategy group, and David Yanofsky, director of data insights, analytics and visualization at the R&G Insights Lab, as they delve into the evolving world of e-discovery, data governance and the impact of generative AI (“GenAI”) on legal practices. Discover how technology is transforming the way legal professionals handle electronic data and learn about best practices for mana...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, partners Greg Demers, Amy Kossak, Dan O’Connor, and associate Kendall Dacey provide updates on the SEC’s whistleblower program, False Claims Act enforcement, and recent federal laws supporting survivors of workplace harassment. They also discuss significant Supreme Court decisions impacting whistleblower and discrimination claims, offering a comprehensive overview of what to expect in the months and years ahead.

On this episode of Women @ RopesTalk hosted by IP transactions and licensing partner Megan Baca, IP transactions partner Emily Karlberg returns for another engaging conversation, this time with Jan Sbarbaro, the chief legal & compliance officer and corporate secretary of Lyric, a platform-based healthcare technology company, committed to simplifying the business of care by preventing inaccurate payments and reducing overall waste in the healthcare ecosystem. They discuss Jan’s impressive 30-plus-year career in the legal field, her transition from litigation to in-house roles, and her current responsibilities at Lyric. Jan shares valuable insights on navigating career challenges, the importance of se...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Megan Reitz, founder of Reitz Consulting and an Associate Fellow at Saïd Business School, Oxford University. Megan, a renowned thought leader listed on the Thinkers50 ranking and HR Magazine’s Most Influential list, shares insights from her latest co-authored book, Speak Out, Listen Up: How to Have Conversations That Matter. Megan discusses the relational aspects of speaking up, the importance of creating environments that encourage open dialogue, and practical exercises to enhance listening skills. The c...

On this episode of Ropes & Gray's ITC-focused podcast series, Talkin' Trade, IP litigators Matt Rizzolo, Matt Shapiro, and Patrick Lavery discuss a groundbreaking Federal Circuit decision in Lashify v. ITC. This pivotal ruling challenges the ITC's longstanding approach to the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement, particularly the treatment of U.S.-based sales, marketing, and distribution activities. Tune in as they explore the implications of this decision for future Section 337 investigations, the potential expansion of complainants eligible to file at the ITC, and the broader impact on patent litigation. 

On this special edition of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast series, technology and IP transactions partner Regina Sam Penti is joined by Dr. Vasanth Sarathy, a professor of computer science at Tufts University and a Ropes & Gray alum. Together, they delve into the technical and business implications of DeepSeek, a Chinese app and model that has generated significant buzz in the AI world. They explore whether DeepSeek is a game-changer in AI, its cost advantages, and the potential impact on AI investments and startups. Dr. Sarathy also addresses the privacy and security concerns associated with DeepSeek, especially given it...

On this episode of Women @ RopesTalk hosted by health care and data partner Christine Moundas, IP transactions and licensing partner Megan Baca is joined by Katy Motiey, the chief legal, administrative and sustainability officer at Extreme Networks. Katy shares her inspiring journey from her early life experiences during the Iranian Revolution to her multifaceted career in the legal industry. She discusses her new book, Imperfect, which is based on her mother's quest for equality and their family's struggles against the patriarchal customs of Iran. Katy also delves into her role in driving corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives at...

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Antitrust Insights podcast series, seasoned antitrust partners and former FTC and DOJ prosecutors Jonathan Klarfeld and Samer Musallam discuss significant changes—and their substantial impact on businesses—to the Hart-Scott-Rodino (“HSR”) rules, which went into effect on February 10, 2025, with private equity transactions partner Chau Le. The discussion covers expanded data and disclosure requirements, enhanced business and competition documents, and increased scrutiny of prior acquisitions. They also offer practical advice on navigating these new rules, emphasizing the importance of early engagement with antitrust counsel and diligent compliance efforts. *Since the recording of this podcast, t...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Tal Freilich, the vice president of group governance, risk and compliance at DKSH. The discussion delves into the complexities of managing compliance across diverse markets, the impact of cultural differences on compliance practices, and the innovative use of AI and data analytics in compliance programs. Tal shares his insights on building trust, fostering open communication, and enabling business operations through effective compliance strategies. Tal notes some great examples of both successful initiatives, and ideas that ha...

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s podcast series Controlling Opinions, life sciences regulatory and compliance partner Josh Oyster and counsel Beth Weinman are joined by health care partner Brett Friedman and litigation and enforcement partner Andrew O’Connor to discuss what’s to come in 2025 under the new Trump administration on key issues relating to controlled substances. The discussion covers: 

On this episode of the R&G Dugout podcast, Ropes & Gray asset management partners Amanda Persaud, Lindsey Goldstein, and Jon Rash explore the upsurge of private funds raising capital for investment in sports teams and businesses. They discuss the various structures of sports funds, the challenges of valuing sports assets, and the unique considerations for investing in U.S. sports leagues and teams. Tune in to understand how private capital is navigating this dynamic industry and the innovative fund structures emerging in response.