In-house legal seminar 2025

13:00

Registration and Lunch 

13:40

Welcome and introduction 

Edward Stead, Head of Corporate, UK, Pinsent Masons

13:45

Securities litigation: the developing UK landscape and what in-house teams need to know

Investors are increasingly looking to use litigation to recover alleged losses caused by companies publishing misleading information. As frameworks governing corporate disclosures evolve, we will explore the key litigation trends and drivers and how to manage the risks. We will also address the changes proposed to the UK prospectus regime which are intended to simplify fundraising on the UK’s public markets.

Emilie Jones, Legal Director, Pinsent Masons,  Andrew Herring, Partner, Pinsent Masons and James Kaye, Partner, Pinsent Masons

14:30

The Employment Rights Bill – How the latest Labour Government’s reforms will impact businesses and HR teams and what employers can do to ensure they are prepared.

The Employment Rights Bill, introduced on 10 October 2024, is a once in a generation reform of employment law. The proposed reforms are wide-ranging and shift the dial towards improving individual and collective rights for employees. This session will provide valuable insight and practical advice, including lessons learned from the Australian model, to help you and your teams navigate these changes effectively and be ready for the reforms when they land.

Chris Evans, Partner, Pinsent Masons

15:00

Key issues in Equality Law

The Worker Protection Act 2023 came into force on 26 October 2024, requiring all organisations with employees based in the UK to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Despite heralding the biggest change in workplace protection for almost 15 years, the new law arrived with little notice and exacting requirements. Concerned by increasing media reports of those businesses who have failed to protect their workers, many UK organisations have been left scrambling to comply with the new duties. Kate will discuss the key challenges and opportunities presented by the WPA, outlining the steps that in house legal teams need to take to ensure their organisation is not the next one making the headlines. Another key challenge for UK businesses this Spring are the headwinds coming from the US around culture and inclusion. Whether it’s mandating a return to office-working, moving away from schemes to encourage diverse participation or cutting DE&I budgets, many businesses are risking cultural disengagement, industrial action and legal challenge. Kate will flag some of the key hazards, and share ideas for navigating the current political maelstrom.

Kate Dodd, Partner, Pinsent Masons

15:30

Coffee Break

16:00

ECCTA and the Failure to Prevent Fraud offence

The new Failure to Prevent Fraud offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) comes into force on 1 September 2025. This session will provide practical guidance and insight for clients as they prepare for the introduction of the offence, focussing on the legislation and the recently published statutory guidance.

David Lister, Partner, Pinsent Masons, Rosie Kós, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons

16:30

Keynote speaker - The economic outlook in a year of uncertainty

James Pomeroy, Global Economist, HSBC

17:15

Closing Remarks followed by Networking drinks and Canapés