RopesTalk

Join Deb Lussier, partner and co-leader of the sponsor solutions practice at Ropes & Gray, and Marc Migliazzo, counsel in the sponsor solutions practice, as they delve into the dynamic world of GP-led secondary transactions with special guest Jon Costello, founder and managing partner of Devon Park Advisors, a boutique investment bank with a core focus on continuation fund transactions. On this episode of A Word for Our Sponsors, the first in a two-part podcast series, they discuss the current market trends, the history and future of continuation fund transactions, and the perspectives of both sponsors and limited partners. Gain valuable insights into the strategic considerations for executing successful GP-led secondaries and the importance of early engagement and clear communication in these deals. 

In this discussion, Ryan Rohlfsen, a partner at Ropes & Gray and former DOJ prosecutor, shares his insights on the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA). He explains how FEPA could transform anti-corruption enforcement and corporate compliance, highlighting risks for businesses operating internationally. The conversation dives into the cultural nuances of bribery perceptions across different jurisdictions, and the role of whistleblowers in shaping compliance practices. With a blend of legal expertise and practical challenges, Rohlfsen provides a compelling look at the future of anti-corruption strategies.

On this episode of Women @ RopesTalk hosted by IP transactions partner Megan Baca, litigation & enforcement partner Helen Gugel returns for another engaging conversation, this time with Neena Reddy, general counsel of Blue Owl Capital, an alternative asset manager with nearly $200 billion in assets under management. Neena shares her journey from private practice to in-house counsel, detailing the exponential growth of Blue Owl, the challenges and strategies of managing legal affairs for a global firm, and her role in fostering a culture of women supporting women. The conversation also delves into Neena's multifaceted role, her approach to leadership, and her personal insights on work-life balance and the importance of networking in the legal industry. 

On this episode of Non-binding Guidance, hear from Kellie Combs, chair of Ropes & Gray’s life sciences regulatory and compliance practice group, and Josh Oyster, a nationally recognized partner in the life sciences regulatory and compliance practice, as they discuss the FDA’s revised draft guidance, "Addressing Misinformation About Medical Devices and Prescription Drugs: Questions and Answers." They address key changes from the FDA’s prior draft guidance, potential challenges in implementing the FDA’s recommendations, and how the new guidance fits within the FDA’s overall framework for medical product manufacturer communications. 

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s podcast series, Controlling Opinions, hear from partners Brett Friedman, Andrew O’Connor, and Josh Oyster regarding recent developments related to the prescribing of controlled substances via telemedicine. They discuss the current DEA regulatory landscape related to prescriptions of controlled substances via telemedicine and explore the implications of a recently announced prosecution in which the Department of Justice alleged that executives at a digital health company wrongfully distributed controlled substances via telemedicine. 

Georgina Suzuki, an IP transactions counsel, and Andrew O’Brien, a technical advisor, dive into the intricate world of artificial intelligence. They decode how AI functions and evolve, shedding light on neural networks and their groundbreaking applications. The discussion takes a critical turn as they outline how to differentiate between genuine AI innovations and 'snake oil' products. Finally, they tackle the vital ethical and legal considerations surrounding AI, especially in the context of its regulation in business. A must-listen for those navigating the AI landscape!

Catherine Skulan, an asset management partner with expertise in California law, and Ed McNicholas, a data, privacy, and cybersecurity specialist, share insights on California's evolving privacy landscape. They discuss the impacts of the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act on asset managers. The conversation highlights compliance challenges, implications for investor information, and the role of the California Privacy Protection Agency. Their insights are invaluable for navigating the complex regulations that affect asset management in California.

Guillem Casoliva Cabana, a compliance manager at Booking.com with a PhD on team ethical culture, shares his insights on corporate ethics. He discusses how team dynamics shape ethical behavior and the vital role managers play in this process. The podcast also examines the limitations of conventional compliance programs, emphasizing that true ethics require a cultural commitment, not just rules. Guillem highlights the importance of ethics ambassadors who act as links between compliance teams and employees, fostering a supportive ethical environment.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s term has ended, with major implications for federal agencies and those that are regulated by them. What did the Court cover? And what remains unaddressed? Join litigation & enforcement partners Doug Hallward-Driemeier and Jeremiah Williams as they discuss the impact of Jarkesy and Loper Bright on federal agency authority, including the demise of the Chevron doctrine. Doug and Jeremiah bring unique insight to the topic: Doug is head of Ropes & Gray’s appellate and Supreme Court practice; he has argued 19 cases before the Supreme Court and filed more than 200 briefs there. Jeremiah is a former SEC enforcement attorney who represents clients in government investigations and other regulatory matters. 

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s podcast series, Decoding Digital Health, Christine Moundas, a health care partner and co-chair of the firm’s digital health initiative, is joined by Dr. Bernardo Bizzo, a senior director at Mass General Brigham AI and assistant professor of radiology in the Department of Radiology at Mass General Hospital. Dr. Bizzo discusses his work in the field of digital health and AI, including the development and clearance of AI products by the FDA. They also explore the promising aspects of AI in health care and the challenges involved in developing and deploying AI tools.