RopesTalk

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 deals.

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.

Nicole Rose, a compliance specialist and creative artist from Australia, shares her innovative strategies for tackling compliance challenges. She emphasizes the power of 'moneyballing' by leveraging data-driven insights to create effective controls. Nicole advocates for humanizing compliance training, making it engaging and relevant for employees. She also discusses the importance of simplicity and nurturing relationships in compliance, reinforcing that creativity can significantly enhance the effectiveness of compliance approaches.

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.

The discussion dives into the complexities of analyzing unstructured text, emphasizing the unique challenges it presents. Methods like sentiment analysis and self-scoring are explored, highlighting the need for emotional understanding in data collection. The speakers advocate for interactive data visualization that reflects emotional impact, promoting a deeper connection to the analysis. They also dissect the role of generative AI in legal document reviews, balancing the cost benefits against the necessity for precision and human oversight.

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.

Dina Denham Smith, an accomplished leader and executive coach, shares her insights on emotional leadership. She discusses the demands of leading in today's emotionally charged environment, highlighting the concept of emotional contagion and its effects on teams. Dina emphasizes the importance of compassionate detachment, balancing empathy with objective decision-making. She encourages leaders to share personal mental health stories to foster connection and psychological safety, while also addressing the need for self-care in maintaining effective leadership.

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. 

This discussion features Ed McNicholas, Head of Ropes & Gray's Global Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice, who shares insights on the implications of President Trump's Executive Order on AI. He contrasts it with the previous administration's approach, emphasizing the shift from safety to competition. The conversation dives into the tensions between federal and state regulations and highlights the global landscape of AI governance. McNicholas also offers strategies for companies to balance compliance with innovation in this rapidly evolving sector.

David Yanofsky, Director of Data Insights at R&G Insights Lab, and Shannon Capone-Kirk, Managing Principal at Ropes & Gray, dive into the enlightening world of data analytics and visualization. They discuss how analytics can transform e-discovery by revealing key trends in vast datasets. The conversation highlights the power of engaging data visualizations in storytelling and compliance, while also uncovering the psychological impact of color choices. Listeners will appreciate the insights on nurturing robust data systems for sustained success in legal practices.