RopesTalk

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, employment associate Kendall Dacey is joined by benefits consulting principals David Kirchner and Harvey Cotton to discuss a new twist on the relentless ERISA class action lawsuits targeting major employers—this time targeting both employers and their brokers—over voluntary benefit programs such as accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and hospital indemnity plans. The conversation explores how these lawsuits challenge long-held assumptions that voluntary benefits fall safely outside ERISA’s reach. If courts agree these plans are ERISA-covered, employers could face potential fiduciary liability for failing to prudently select insurance carriers and monitor broker commis...

On this final episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non‑Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at R&G Insights Lab sit down with Jamie Browne, managing director at Leonid Group, a leading talent advisory firm specializing in corporate governance hiring. The trio share a candid conversation about how toxic workplace culture is now one of the biggest forces shaping hiring and retention, posing a very real attrition and reputational risk—as well as a financial risk due in part to the sign...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast—the second in a two-part series venturing “inside the house” to draw on experiences and ideas—partner Amanda McGrady Morrison, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, former head of compliance for a global asset manager, rejoin Nitish Upadhyaya from the R&G Insights Lab for another in-depth discussion on the evolving role of legal and compliance leaders. The conversation explores how governance professionals can ask the right questions about AI deployment, data use, and risk management...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery are joined by Klaus Moosmayer, a distinguished leader in ethics, risk, and compliance, and a current member of the supervisory board of Deutsche Bank. The conversation delves into the importance of integrated assurance—breaking down organizational silos to foster collaboration across risk, compliance, strategy, HR, and legal functions. Klaus shares practical examples from his career, including how crisis moments can drive meaningful change and the value of crowdsourcing a code of ethics to truly engage employees. Behavioral science and...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast—the first in a two-part series venturing “inside the house” to draw on experiences and ideas—partner Amanda McGrady Morrison, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, former head of compliance for a global asset manager, join Nitish Upadhyaya from the R&G Insights Lab for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of legal and compliance leaders. Drawing on their extensive experience, Amanda and Katie offer practical strategies for partnering with business teams to drive growth, mana...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partner Jamie Darch and associate Andrea Millard introduce the Health AI Atlas, a new online resource designed to help health care stakeholders navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of state laws regulating artificial intelligence. The discussion focuses on the top five things developers in the health care sector need to know about compliance, including understanding which laws apply, implementing robust compliance programs, ongoing risk monitoring, regulatory reporting, and the potential penalties for non-compliance. Jamie and Andrea also highlight the importance of considering broader privacy statutes that impact automated decision-making and profiling...

On this special edition of The Data Day podcast, Ropes & Gray partner Rohan Massey—leader of the firm’s data, privacy & cybersecurity practice and managing partner of the London office—is joined by counsel Edward Machin and associates Catherine Keeling and Suzie Wilson to celebrate the 19th World Data Protection Day and explore the evolving landscape of data, privacy, and cybersecurity regulation across the UK and EU in 2026. The discussion covers headline-making cybersecurity breaches, new compliance obligations under DORA and the Cyber Resilience Act, and the anticipated UK cyber bill. The panel also examines the regulatory outlook for AI, includ...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, join Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, as they welcome Dorie Clark—a top business thinker, communications coach, and bestselling author—for an impactful discussion on authentic networking and relationship-building in the compliance and legal world. Discover practical strategies for connecting with peers, navigating business dynamics, and fostering trust, including the “no ask for a year” rule and tips for making meaningful introductions. This episode offers actionable advice for compliance professionals and anyone looking to build influence and genuine connections. Tune in for fre...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, asset management partners Jason Kolman and Eric Requenez are joined by tax partner Chris Roman to discuss the rise of data center investments within private funds. The episode highlights how market trends are shaping fund terms and addresses the ESG, compliance, and tax challenges unique to data center investments, including the use of REITs. Listeners will come away with practical guidance on navigating the complexities and opportunities in this rapidly expanding asset class.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, partners Bil Davison and Adam Dobson are joined by counsel Kevin White to discuss recent high-profile litigation involving Energy & Minerals Group’s (EMG’s) single asset continuation vehicle transaction. The conversation explores how this litigation highlights the complexities and conflicts of interest inherent in GP-led continuation vehicle deals, focusing on the importance of transparency, parity of information, and robust LPAC involvement. The team analyzes the implications of this litigation for fund managers, buyers, and investors, highlighting best practices for communication and process integrity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of cont...

On this third episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, is once again joined by asset management partner Eve Ellis as well as special guest Michelle DiMartino, an organizational research and design specialist at the R&G Insights Lab. Together, they explore the critical role of workplace culture in preventing and addressing non-financial misconduct, such as harassment, bullying, and discrimination, and examine why regulators like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are increasingly focused on these issues. The discussion dives into how culture shapes behavi...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, asset management partner Sarah Davidoff is joined by colleagues Ty Owen, Olivia Yoon, and Doug Ballanco to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on legal practice. The episode highlights how AI is streamlining document compilation, side letter negotiations, and market data analysis, leading to significant workflow improvements and time savings. The team also discusses the TrAIlblazer program, which empowers first-year associates to learn and collaborate on AI-driven projects, accelerating their development and enabling them to focus on more substantive legal work earlier in their careers. The conversation emphasizes a culture of innovation, collaboration...

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab welcome Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa Performance. The conversation examines the relationship between well-being and sustainable high performance, the importance of personal identity, and the impact of holistic health on resilience and productivity. Annastiina shares insights from her work with elite athletes and business leaders, practical strategies for integrating well-being into daily routines, and advice on defining success beyond professional achievements. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being, actionable tips for improving performance, and a timely re...

In episode two of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, and litigation & enforcement senior attorney Sarah Lambert-Porter are joined by Sharon Tan, partner at Mishcon de Reya, to examine the intersection of the FCA’s new non-financial misconduct (NFM) rules and employment law. During this second episode, they also discuss the evolving definition of non-financial misconduct, the draft guidance and factors relevant to NFM’s seriousness, and the implications for conduct in the workplace as well as in private life. The hosts offer practical guidance for asset ma...

In this inaugural episode of AI at Work, Greg Demers, an employment partner, is joined by Meg Bisk, head of the employment practice, and John Milani, an employment associate, to explore how employers across industries can harness artificial intelligence responsibly while mitigating legal and operational risk.

They discuss the most common pitfalls of employee AI use, including inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, model “hallucinations,” and source opacity, that undermine auditability and accuracy. Turning to HR functions, they examine emerging regulatory frameworks and compliance expectations, such as bias auditing requirements for automated employment decision tools and accessibility obligations, alon...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, Michael Littenberg, corporate partner and global head of the firm’s ESG, CSR & Business and Human Rights compliance practice, and asset management partner Eve Ellis break down the European Commission’s proposed SFDR 2.0 revisions. They discuss new product labels, streamlined disclosure requirements, and the removal of certain compliance pain points. The episode explores operational implications for asset managers, cross-border challenges, and the impact on fund strategies, offering practical advice for navigating the evolving EU ESG regulatory landscape and preparing for upcoming changes.

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 welcome Pav Gill, renowned for his role in exposing the Wirecard scandal, with a special introduction from Ropes & Gray Litigation & Enforcement partner Andrew Dale. The conversation explores the complexities of organizational culture, the barriers to speaking up, and the critical importance of protecting whistleblowers. Pav shares his firsthand experience navigating retaliation, the challenges of internal and external whistleblowing, and practical advice for fostering transparency and psychological safety within companies. Listeners will gain valuable insights into bu...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, benefits consulting principal David Kirchner is joined by Sharon Remmer, an ERISA and benefits partner, and Elliot Saavedra, a senior benefits consultant, to discuss the implications of President Trump’s recent Executive Order encouraging expanded access to alternative assets for retirement plans and the potential impact on plan sponsors. Our speakers discuss the evolving regulatory landscape and provide actionable guidance for plan sponsors and fiduciary committees preparing for potential changes in defined contribution plan investment options. As they discuss in the episode, emphasis should be place on the importance of prudent governance and ongoing ed...

In the inaugural episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct four-part miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-chair of the firm’s global anti-corruption & international risk practice, is joined by asset management partner Eve Ellis and litigation & enforcement senior attorney Sarah Lambert-Porter to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for non-financial misconduct in the UK financial services sector. The conversation examines the Financial Conduct Authority’s new rules, the impact of the Worker Protection Act, and the increasing regulatory and legal risks associated with issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Drawing on recent survey data and enforcement trends, the hosts highlight key risk a...

In this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Fully Invested podcast series, asset management partner Jessica Marlin and capital markets counsel Marc Rotter discuss the rise of ‘34 Act funds and what sets them apart in today’s investment landscape. The conversation explores how these unique vehicles are expanding opportunities for asset managers and investors, and delves into the regulatory and structural features that distinguish them from traditional private funds. The episode provides insight into current market trends and practical considerations for sponsors and investors evaluating ‘34 Act fund structures, along with analysis of the broader impact these funds may have on the futu...

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 Rachel Samren, a board director, responsible business advocate, and crisis management expert. The discussion centers on the changing demands of board membership, including the need for clarity, agility, and continuous learning in today’s complex risk environment. Rachel shares practical advice for new and seasoned board members, emphasizing the importance of integrated risk management, open communication, and upholding organizational values. The episode offers actionable tips on effective governance, crisis management, and fostering a cu...

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partners Drew Clary and Mike McGrath discuss the current trends and challenges in health plan mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on the Medicare Advantage market. They explore the factors driving deal activity, such as financial distress among smaller plans and strategic partnerships for growth, as well as evolving federal and state regulatory requirements. The conversation provides practical guidance for health plan leaders on maximizing value, preparing for regulatory approvals, and addressing nonfinancial considerations like star ratings and compliance history when pursuing M&A opportunities.

On this episode of Fully Invested, asset management partners, Eric Requenez and Jessica Reece, along with Josh Lichtenstein, a benefits partner and head of the ERISA fiduciary practice, discuss collective investment trusts (CITs) as a compelling strategy for raising and investing money for asset managers. Due to their potential to tap into large sums of retirement assets, we expect CITs to continue growing in importance and sophistication in the coming years, especially in light of President Trump’s support for expanding 401(k) and defined contribution plan access to alternative investments.

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In this episode of Non-binding Guidance, Greg Levine and Josh Oyster, partners in Ropes & Gray’s life sciences regulatory and compliance practice group, are joined by Kellie Combs, partner and chair of Ropes & Gray’s life sciences regulatory and compliance practice group, to discuss the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising. The conversation explores the coordinated actions by HHS and FDA, aggressive enforcement measures, proposed rulemaking to reshape DTC broadcast ads, and the use of AI in regulatory oversight. The hosts examine the impact of recent FDA enforcement letters, challenges in digital and social media...

On this episode of Alumni @ RopesTalk, the firm’s technology strategy leader Ed Black is joined by Steven Obiajulu, Ropes & Gray alum and founder of legal tech startup UseJunior. Steven shares his journey from MIT and Harvard Law School to Ropes & Gray, where he worked in patent and private equity practices before launching UseJunior. The discussion centers on how AI-powered tools like UseJunior are transforming legal document comparison and workflow efficiency, the importance of data security and compliance, and the broader impact of AI on the legal profession. Steven also emphasizes, “AI isn’t replacing attorneys—it’s transforming how we wor...

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.