Major changes in business law demand attorney attention

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping legal practice while interstate competition for corporate charters has reached unprecedented levels. Business attorneys need to understand both developments, and UNC School of Law’s 2025 Dan K. Moore Program in Ethics will provide that essential perspective. 

The four-hour virtual continuing legal education program takes place Friday, Nov. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. “The Dan K. Moore Program is a great opportunity to hear from experienced practitioners, thought leaders and scholars about this year’s key statutory and technological developments, from major changes in state corporate law to developments in artificial intelligence,” said Caleb Griffin, associate professor and program co-director. 

The morning session addresses AI in legal services. Ted Claypoole from Womble Bond Dickinson’s FinTech Team and William Garcia, chief practice innovation officer at Thompson Hine, will discuss how firms are implementing AI tools, client expectations and the professional responsibility issues these technologies raise. 

The program then turns to corporate charter competition. “Delaware has traditionally been the choice forum for many corporations. Developments over the past few years have questioned whether that trend will be changing,” said Thomas Lee Hazen, Cary C. Boshamer Distinguished Professor and program co-director. “What does this mean for corporate law and corporate lawyers going forward? What ethical and professional obligations may be implicated by new questions regarding Delaware’s place in corporate law?” 

Delaware practitioners T. Brad Davey from Potter Anderson & Corron and Kyle Pinder from Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnel will examine recent statutory changes and their implications for businesses. The discussion will continue with Michael C. Holmes from Vinson & Elkins and Benjamin Edwards from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, who will explain how Texas and Nevada are attracting corporate charters through new legislation and specialized business courts. Martin Brinkley, William Rank Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and Dean emeritus, will offer his observations as a former corporate law practitioner and current corporate law professor. 

The program concludes with a panel on ethics issues facing corporate and in-house attorneys. Jenny Finnegan, Managing Director on the loss prevention team of the Professional Services Practice at Aon, will review the top ethics issues for corporate and in-house attorneys. Pat Brown from SAS and Brett Denton from Atrium Health will provide their perspectives on these practical ethical challenges here and throughout the program.  

The program is approved for four hours of North Carolina CLE credit, including technology and professional responsibility components. Registration is $99, with certificates available for out-of-state requirements.