Compliance officers and in-house counsel for Indiana companies gathered in November for an educational presentation, informal group dialogue, and networking reception as part of the Indiana Compliance Officers Roundtable.

At the recent meeting, compliance officers and in-house counsel from various industry sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail gathered for a Continuing Legal Education seminar on"Employment Law Considerations for Compliance Programs." Presenters on the panel at the event were:

Nick Lemen - Senior Director, Ethics and Compliance
Enterprise Risk Management, Communications, and Strategy, Eli Lilly and Company
Fernanda Beraldi - Ethics and Compliance Director, LATAM and Corporate Counsel, Global Transactions, Cummins Inc.
Ryan Poor – Partner, Ice Miller LLP
Dale Stackhouse – Partner, Ice Miller LLP

Ryan Poor discussed the legal and ethical requirements that often arise as companies implement codes of business ethics and conduct. He shared with the group recent court decisions and guidance from the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") that can impact how codes of business ethics and conduct are written and enforced. Ryan also provided examples of how companies have written or revised their codes to take into consideration these issues.

Nick Lemen and Fernanda Beraldi, both senior leaders in their company's ethics and compliance programs, shared with the attendees how their programs take into account various ethical challenges and work to maintain and enhance employee understanding and engagement in the compliance program—both in the United States and globally.

Dale Stackhouse asked the panel a number of probing questions, particularly related to how internal investigations are conducted, attorney-client privilege issues that can arise, employment law considerations in internal investigations, and how such legal and ethical considerations are addressed.

The panel also discussed the recent US Department of Justice Yates memorandum and how that may impact corporate compliance programs and internal investigations. The audience shared thoughts and concerns about the Yates memo.

As regulations become more complex and government enforcement increases, Indiana companies and organizations are creating or enhancing their compliance functions. Likewise, internal compliance organizations are growing and expanding the scope of their responsibilities. The Indiana Compliance Officers Roundtable provides a forum for in-house compliance personnel to share best practices and get acquainted with others in the compliance field.

The Government Enforcement, Internal Investigations and Corporate Compliance practice group at Ice Miller provides administrative and organizational support for the roundtable. Ice Miller also maintains a contact and email list for those companies and organizations participating in the roundtable. There is no charge to participate.

To learn more about the roundtable and to add your company or organization to the email list for updates and other information supporting compliance personnel and in-house counsel, please contact Ice Miller's Lu Carole West, Dale Stackhouse or Matt Fornshell.

To learn more about Ice Miller's Labor, Employment and Immigration practice group, please contact Ryan Poor.

Information about the upcoming Spring 2016 Roundtable and other events will be provided to the roundtable mailing list.

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