Schedule & Agenda

Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range of retail-specific legal education. This year's education line-up will bring you the latest on retail-specific legal issues such as employment, litigation cases, regulatory developments, workplace safety, taxes, and more!

Your learning journey at the Retail Law Conference is sure to help you stay on top of what's next and what's to come in the world of retail. No matter what type of legal work is on your desk, there is something for you! Please check back often as we update our program as we get closer to the event. All times listed are eastern standard time.

Agenda

Print Agenda

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration & Information Desk

10:00 AM – 11:45 AM 2 Concurrent Events

Compliance Council Meeting

Chief Ethics and Compliance Officers and their designees will be meeting to address current compliance issues that affect retailers as well as challenges and opportunities with standing up, maturing and maintaining robust compliance programs and a corporate culture promoting ethical culture and compliance. This is a private meeting for RILA's Compliance Council members only.

RLC Meeting of the Members

The Retail Litigation Center’s retail and law firm members will convene for their annual meeting to elect directors, learn about the RLC’s latest work, and discuss litigation trends impacting retailers. This is a private meeting for RLC retail and law firm members only.

12:15 PM – 2:15 PM 2 Concurrent Events

Chief Legal Officer Committee Meeting & Lunch

The CLO’s of the nation’s leading retailers will convene over lunch to discuss current issues facing the retail industry’s top lawyers as they navigate a variety of opportunities and challenges with the c-suite, boards of directors and their departments. This is a private meeting only for RILA's Chief Legal Officer Committee.

Legal Direct Reports Committee Meeting & Lunch

The lawyers who report directly to the most senior lawyer in their company share a unique set of issues and face their own challenges. These “L2’s” will convene over lunch to discuss the issues and opportunities that they encounter. This is a private meeting only for RILA's Legal Direct Reports (or L2) Committee.

3:00 PM – 3:10 PM

Welcome to the 2025 Retail Law Conference

General Session

Welcome to the Retail Law Conference 2025 – the place to connect with peer leading retail counsel and elite experts to prepare for a fast-changing future.

Speakers: Merriann Metz
Senior Vice President, General Counsel

Publix; Deborah White
Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, RILA; President, RLC

RILA

3:10 PM – 3:55 PM

Legal Disruption Decoded: Rethinking Practice in a Tech-Driven Era

General Session

Legal departments are under pressure to evolve. This session explores how artificial intelligence, new legal service providers, and shifting professional norms are redefining the legal profession. Our panel unpacks the operational and philosophical shifts underway—and how in-house counsel can assess emerging risks, adopt flexible models, and lead with clarity through disruption.

3:55 PM – 4:40 PM

Beyond the Till: Embedded Payments, Crypto, and Retail’s Financial Future

At its core, retail is the exchange of goods for payment. As payment systems like digital currencies mature, how should retail legal teams prepare? This session dissects the evolving financial technologies reshaping how retailers engage consumers—and the regulatory, investigative, and cost-saving implications that come with them.

4:40 PM – 5:30 PM

Agile by Design: Leading Legal Teams with Purpose and Precision

General Session

The legal leaders of tomorrow are building teams that move with purpose and adapt in real time. This discussion brings together seasoned general counsel to share how they cultivate agility—in structure, culture, and talent—and make confident decisions in fast-moving, complex environments.

Moderator: Monica Welt
Incoming President, RLC - Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel

RILA

Speakers: Ron Masciantonio
Executive Vice President, General Counsel

Five Below; Merriann Metz
Senior Vice President, General Counsel

Publix; Ann Munson Steines
Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Nordstrom

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Welcome Party

7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Registration & Information Desk

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 8:50 AM

Under the Microscope: Managing Government Investigations with Confidence

General Session

Government scrutiny can come from many directions—congressional committees, enforcement agencies, or regulatory bodies. This session offers a practical playbook for navigating any type of investigation, with a focus on preparation, cross-functional collaboration, and minimizing reputational and operational risk. Learn how top retail legal teams can stay ready and resilient.

8:50 AM – 9:00 AM

Moving Break

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM 4 Concurrent Events

Health Plan Apocalypse? What Retirement Plan Litigation Can Tell Us About the Coming Wave of Health Plan Class Actions

Breakout Session

For years, plaintiffs’ lawyers have attacked virtually every aspect of 401(k) plans—their structure, fees, investment returns, and even the generosity of voluntarily offered benefits. The ERISA plaintiffs’ bar is now coming after employer-sponsored health plans. Given their complexity, cost, and nature of ERISA class actions, the incoming litigation wave poses a significant threat to employers, especially leading retailers, who often offer health benefits to thousands (or millions) of employees. We will discuss what retirement-plan litigation can tell us about what to expect, the challenges we have already seen in the health plan space, and how you and your legal departments can prepare.

Speakers: Jamie Fleckner
Partner, Chair, ERISA Litigation

Goodwin Procter; Crystal Kaldjob
Partner

Goodwin Procter; Jaime Santos
Partner

Goodwin Procter; David Steele
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel

The Home Depot; Michelle Vaughan
Senior Counsel

REI

Keep Your Friends Close . . .

Breakout Session

Mass arbitration is one of the thorniest issues facing major companies, including retailers, today. Sit in on this engaging panel discussion with elite representatives from both sides of the table.

Speakers: Gary Klinger
Senior Partner

Milberg.; Mike McTigue
Partner

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Jeff Ostrow
Managing Partner

Kopelowitz Ostrow; Meredith Slawe
Partner

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Amy Turk
Partner

McGuireWoods

retAIl: You Can’t Spell Retail Without AI

Breakout Session

Ready or not, AI is here to stay. In this practical look at the use of AI by retailers, this session will review the legal framework for AI, identify use cases, explore the associated regulatory landscape (or lack thereof) and consider transactional risks and compliance issues.

Speakers: Sarah Bruno
Attorney

Reed Smith; Joy Chenault
AVP, Associate General Counsel

CarMax; Jason Gordon
Partner

Reed Smith; Olivier Manigat
Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Global Retail and Technology

MillerKnoll

Supply Chain Challenges and Antitrust Implications: Examining Transactions and Remedy Packages

Breakout Session

This session will explore the antitrust implications at the intersection of supply chain challenges and opportunities for the retail industry and how to best position your transaction for success. Key considerations include supply-related arguments and the requirements for remedy packages. Join us to discover how retail companies can navigate these complexities, balance growth with legal compliance, and sustain a competitive advantage in today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Speakers: Michelle Yost Hale
Partner

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati; Rohan Pai
Acting Assistant Director

Federal Trade Commission; Cary Pumphrey
Vice President, General Counsel, Retail & Digital Legal

Walgreens

10:00 AM – 10:20 AM

Business Break

10:20 AM – 11:20 AM 4 Concurrent Events

Beyond Borders: Protecting Retail Supply Chains Amid Trade Uncertainty

Breakout Session

With new administrations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada and the re-negotiation of the USMCA deal slated for this year, the future of the nearly $2 trillion North American trading relationship is at stake. Retailers must adapt to tariff threats, shifting supply chains, regulatory changes, and increased enforcement. This session will provide practical guidance on mitigating supply chain disruptions, ensuring compliance with developing policies, and structuring supplier agreements to protect operations.

Speakers: Martha Harrison
Partner

McCarthy Tétrault; Warren Maruyama
Senior Counsel, Global Regulatory

Hogan Lovells; Sarah Thorn
Vice President, Global Government Affairs

Walmart; Ivan Zapien
Partner

Hogan Lovells

Learn the Opponent's Playbook To Spot and Weaken Civil Securities Fraud Risks in the Retail Sector

Breakout Session

Retailers are frequent targets of securities fraud litigation—but these cases often follow predictable patterns. This session explores key risk indicators from past securities fraud cases, helping in-house counsel identify when their retail company may face litigation. Learn proactive and responsive strategies to strengthen your company’s defense against Section 10(b) lawsuits.

Speakers: Heather Barber
Senior Counsel

CVS; Garrett Hooe
Partner

McGuireWoods; Brian Schmalzbach
Partner

McGuireWoods

Retail Media Networks: Flipping the Liability Script

Breakout Session

Retailers are now publishers, offering up media space and content on their digital and real-world platforms that rivals traditional publishers and ad agencies. Join us to learn key practices for new and mature retail media platforms. We will share top-level insight on how to navigate the legal and financial risks of media offerings, data deals, and content creation to build a successful, liability-conscious Retail Media Network.

Speakers: Igor Bakhilov
Senior Corporate Counsel, Amazon Advertising

Amazon.com; Sarah LaVoi
Partner

BakerHostetler; Amy Mudge
Partner

BakerHostetler; Selena Spritz
Senior Director and Managing Counsel - Retail and Intellectual Property

Walgreens

Retail Wage and Hour Class Actions: Emerging Trends, Pitfalls, and Defense Strategies

Breakout Session

Explore the latest trends in wage and hour class action litigation affecting retailers, including key case law developments, emerging certification strategies, and evolving state law claims. The session will provide strategies to mitigate litigation risks, enhance compliance programs, and craft effective defense strategies. Learn how to navigate novel liability theories, strengthen compliance to reduce exposure, and oppose class certification with proven tactics.

Speakers: Kathleen Barrett
Member of the Firm

Epstein Becker Green; Melanie Bonanno
Senior Director, Employment Law

Publix; Paul DeCamp
Member of the Firm

Epstein Becker Green

11:20 AM – 11:40 AM

Business Break

11:40 AM – 12:40 PM 4 Concurrent Events

Fostering Healthy Workplace Cultures

Breakout Session

This multi-disciplinary panel will explore strategies for fostering a healthy, positive and inclusive workplace culture that enhances employee engagement while mitigating legal risks. We will discuss practical approaches to pay transparency, equitable policies, managing a polarized workforce in today’s political climate, and proactive employee relations strategies that can help position your company as an employer of choice in an evolving labor market.

Speakers: Chanell Bracey-Davis
Vice President, Human Resources Business Partner

Macy's; Tania Mistretta
Principal

Jackson Lewis; Laura Pierson-Scheinberg
Principal

Jackson Lewis; Lindsey Taylor
Senior Director, Employment Counsel

Lululemon

From Cost Center to Revenue Generator: Legal Finance and the Rise of Affirmative Recovery

Breakout Session

In an era where legal departments are expected to deliver more with less, many large companies are shifting from a largely defensive posture to a proactive strategy that leverages high-value affirmative recovery programs. This panel will explore how top legal departments are identifying and monetizing litigation assets—treating meritorious claims as revenue opportunities rather than cost burdens. Hear how legal finance can help move costs off the balance sheet, mitigate risk, and accelerate access to capital. Learn how partnering with legal finance providers enables legal teams to pursue claims without upfront costs, generate working capital, and contribute directly to their companies' financial goals, turning legal departments into strategic business partners.

Speakers: Tina Dekker
SVP, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Meijer; Andrew Johnstone
Counsel

Smith Gambrell Russell; Alyx Pattison
Director

Burford Capital; Aviva Will
President, New York

Burford Capital

Pricing Algorithms and Antitrust Risk

Breakout Session

Antitrust regulators and the plaintiffs’ bar have recently focused investigations and consumer class actions on companies that use algorithms to determine prices for consumer products and services. Leading antitrust experts will address recent developments and emerging trends in this fast-evolving area of law.

Speakers: Boris Bershteyn
Partner

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Karen Lent
Partner

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Michael Menitove
Partner

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Angela MItchell
Associate General Counsel

QVC Group

Turning the Tide: Navigating Financial Distress and Transformation

Breakout Session

In today’s retail landscape, financial distress—whether in your own company or a partner’s—can bring both risk and opportunity. In this session, attendees will learn how to spot early warning signs, explore legal tools available in bankruptcy and other troubled business scenarios, and take proactive steps to protect contracts, credit, and customer relationships. Gain practical strategies for minimizing risk, securing key assets, and uncovering growth opportunities in uncertain times.

Speakers: Sara Chenetz
Partner

Perkins Coie; Amy Croft
General Counsel

VENUS Fashion; Scott Staff
Business Development Director

Perkins Coie

12:40 PM – 2:00 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 4 Concurrent Events

Going Global: What Every Counsel Must Know Before Entering New Territories

Breakout Session

Entering new territories brings both opportunity and complexity. This session unpacks the legal strategies behind major retail growth, including when to pursue acquisitions, open stores, or expand through franchising or licensing. Attendees will learn how counsel navigates these options, mitigates key risks, and protects the brand in new markets.

Speakers: Elizabeth Baran
Senior Vice President & General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

DICK'S Sporting Goods; Matt Clark
Shareholder

Dentons; Maria Makowiecki
Vice President, Assistant General Counsel

Ulta Beauty

How to Get Ahead in Navigating a New Frontier of PAGA Actions

Breakout Session

Plaintiffs’ lawyers continuously devise new tactics to pressure employers to pay large settlements to resolve PAGA actions. Join our panel of PAGA experts for a robust discussion of strategies retailers can deploy to mitigate risk, minimize exposure, and achieve successful outcomes in PAGA litigation. If you do business in California, you won’t want to miss our panel’s practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls (before and after a PAGA notice is filed), drafting enforceable arbitration agreements, defending “headless” PAGA actions, and navigating post-PAGA reform theories and trends that impact retailers.

Speakers: Tritia Murata
Partner

Davis Wright Tremaine; Anne-Marie Waggoner
Associate General Counsel, Employment

Ashley Furniture

Partnering for Success: A Practical Guide for Retail Counsel on Finance Transactions and Related Legal Issues

Breakout Session

Join us for a practical discussion with our panel of inside and outside counsel experts experienced in working with the treasury and finance functions of retail organizations. This conversation will equip in-house counsel to work effectively with outside counsel in complex finance transactions and to better understand what you need to know – and why it matters (even if you are not a finance lawyer!) We will also explore the nuances of finance transactions that are relevant when negotiating a myriad of other contracts. No finance degree or spreadsheets required!

Speakers: Steven Gazdag
Assistant Legal Counsel

Abercrombie & Fitch; Cauley Oliver
Associate

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease; Suzanne Whisler
Vice President, Legal

Designer Brands; Nici Workman
Partner

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease

Trash Talk: Defending Junk Fee Litigation

Breakout Session

Retailers are facing a garbage heap of "junk fee" litigation in federal and state courts—especially California—over a range of fees added to online purchases. Panelists will examine how plaintiffs are leveraging both broad consumer protection statutes and targeted laws like the CLRA’s “drip pricing” provision to sue retailers over fees such as shipping protection or delivery charges that are perceived as mandatory. Learn about the evolving legal theories, enforcement priorities, and emerging compliance risks facing e-commerce, as well as how to assess your own fee disclosures and mitigate litigation risk.

Speakers: Harrison Brown
Partner

Blank Rome; BreAnna Davis
Corporate Counsel

The Finish Line; Ana Tagvoryan
Partner

Blank Rome; Tamula Yelling
Senior Managing Counsel and Director, Compliance

Hibbett Retail

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Business Break

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM 4 Concurrent Events

Retail M&A: Deal Trends and Litigation Lessons

Breakout Session

From strategic roll-ups to distressed asset sales, retail M&A is evolving fast—and the legal challenges are keeping pace. Join us for a candid discussion on the latest dealmaking trends in the retail sector, the legal landmines that are surfacing more frequently, and the litigation risks that should be on every in-house counsel’s radar. Learn how to better anticipate, structure, and defend deals in an increasingly complex environment.

Speakers: Chantale Fiebig
Co-Managing Partner, Weil-Washington DC Office

Weil, Gotshal & Manges; Sachin Kohli
Partner

Weil, Gotshal & Manges; Kristin Ray
Associate General Counsel

The Home Depot

Scanning for Risk: Decoding the New EEOC's Enforcement Agenda for Retail

Breakout Session

Political dynamics and broader federal agendas are fueling sharp turns in some EEOC enforcement priorities alongside a recommitment to some historical norms. This session dissects those developments and unpacks their implications for retailers, with a close look at emerging litigation and compliance risks. Practical guidance will be shared to help companies stay prepared and protected.

Speakers: Christopher DeGroff
Partner, Labor & Employment

Seyfarth Shaw; Martin Ebel
Vice President, Division Counsel

Albertsons; Andrew Scroggins
Partner

Seyfarth Shaw

What Retail Counsel Need to Know about Advertising Law — a 360° Perspective with the NAD, In-House, and Outside Experts

Breakout Session

Dive into the biggest advertising issues retail in-house counsel are currently facing—now with perspectives from every side. Hear directly from the head of BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division (NAD), a leading in-house lawyer, and seasoned outside counsel as they unpack the legal and practical challenges retailers are navigating today. From enforcement trends to real-world strategies, this panel offers a 360-degree view of what’s shaping retail advertising law right now.

Speakers: Katie Dunne
Senior Director, Assistant General Counsel

Crate & Barrel; Phyllis Hurwitz Marcus
Vice President, National Advertising Division

BBB National Programs; Hannah Taylor
Deputy Managing Partner

Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz

Winning with Experts: Best Practices and Challenges in Consumer Class Litigation

Breakout Session

Expert witnesses are often at the heart of consumer class action litigation, shaping class certification and trial outcomes – while also driving much of the litigation expense along the way. This session will offer practical insights on how to deploy experts strategically, manage Daubert and Comcast challenges, navigate the evolving use of conjoint analysis in damage models, and avoid the pitfall of overreliance or premature use of experts. Discover the real-world tactics top companies use to make or break consumer class actions with expert witnesses.

Speakers: Craig Cardon
Partner

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton; Danielle Hohos
Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel

Williams-Sonoma; Jay Ramsey
Partner

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton

4:30 PM – 4:45 PM

Moving Break

4:45 PM – 5:45 PM

The First Monday in October: Supreme Court Watch

General Session

The Supreme Court’s latest term included decisions with direct implications for retailers—touching on administrative law, labor, commerce, and regulatory authority. This session breaks down the rulings that matter most to in-house counsel and previews the upcoming cases that could shape retail operations, compliance strategies, and legal exposure. A brief look at a few landmark cases rounds out the session with broader context.

5:45 PM – 7:00 PM

Reception

7:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Registration & Information Desk

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Breakfast

8:30 AM – 9:20 AM

Workforce in Focus: A Conversation with the U.S. Department of Labor

General Session

As workplace policies and expectations continue to evolve, so too does the federal approach to labor enforcement. In this main stage conversation with the U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling, we’ll examine current priorities, emerging areas of focus, and how policy developments may impact employers across the retail industry – especially as they are connected to AI. Gain direct insight from a senior policymaker helping to guide the nation’s labor agenda.

Speakers: Jason Schwartz
Partner; Co-Chair, Labor

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Keith Sonderling
Deputy Secretary

U.S. Department of Labor

9:20 AM – 11:05 AM

AI in Practice: Tools, Trials, and Transformation

General Session

Less talk, more action. This hands-on practicum moves beyond theory to showcase how retail legal teams are practically applying AI today. From contract review to compliance workflows, explore real-world applications and take away insights to test, scale, and govern responsibly.

Speakers: Jen Leonard
Founder & CEO

Creative Lawyers; Bridget McCormack
President & CEO

American Arbitration Association-International Centre for Dispute Resolution

11:05 AM – 11:20 AM

Business Break

11:20 AM – 12:30 PM

Ethical Frontiers: AI and the Attorney’s Role in a Changing World

General Session

The AI revolution is prompting fundamental questions about the duties and boundaries of legal professionals. This session confronts the evolving ethical challenges posed by AI—helping attorneys assess risk, uphold integrity, and provide sound counsel in an uncertain landscape.

Speaker: Meaghan Kent
Partner

Venable

Schedule & Agenda

Our comprehensive program is designed to give you a full range of retail-specific legal education. This year's education line-up will bring you the latest on retail-specific legal issues such as employment, litigation cases, regulatory developments, workplace safety, taxes, and more!

Agenda

Registration & Information Desk

Compliance Council Meeting

RLC Meeting of the Members

Chief Legal Officer Committee Meeting & Lunch

Legal Direct Reports Committee Meeting & Lunch

Welcome to the 2025 Retail Law Conference

Legal Disruption Decoded: Rethinking Practice in a Tech-Driven Era

Beyond the Till: Embedded Payments, Crypto, and Retail’s Financial Future

Agile by Design: Leading Legal Teams with Purpose and Precision

Welcome Party

Registration & Information Desk

Breakfast

Under the Microscope: Managing Government Investigations with Confidence

Moving Break

Health Plan Apocalypse? What Retirement Plan Litigation Can Tell Us About the Coming Wave of Health Plan Class Actions

Keep Your Friends Close . . .

retAIl: You Can’t Spell Retail Without AI

Supply Chain Challenges and Antitrust Implications: Examining Transactions and Remedy Packages

Business Break

Beyond Borders: Protecting Retail Supply Chains Amid Trade Uncertainty

Learn the Opponent's Playbook To Spot and Weaken Civil Securities Fraud Risks in the Retail Sector

Retail Media Networks: Flipping the Liability Script

Retail Wage and Hour Class Actions: Emerging Trends, Pitfalls, and Defense Strategies

Business Break

Fostering Healthy Workplace Cultures

From Cost Center to Revenue Generator: Legal Finance and the Rise of Affirmative Recovery

Pricing Algorithms and Antitrust Risk

Turning the Tide: Navigating Financial Distress and Transformation

Lunch

Going Global: What Every Counsel Must Know Before Entering New Territories

How to Get Ahead in Navigating a New Frontier of PAGA Actions

Partnering for Success: A Practical Guide for Retail Counsel on Finance Transactions and Related Legal Issues

Trash Talk: Defending Junk Fee Litigation

Business Break

Retail M&A: Deal Trends and Litigation Lessons

Scanning for Risk: Decoding the New EEOC's Enforcement Agenda for Retail

What Retail Counsel Need to Know about Advertising Law — a 360° Perspective with the NAD, In-House, and Outside Experts

Winning with Experts: Best Practices and Challenges in Consumer Class Litigation

Moving Break

The First Monday in October: Supreme Court Watch

Reception

Registration & Information Desk

Breakfast

Workforce in Focus: A Conversation with the U.S. Department of Labor

AI in Practice: Tools, Trials, and Transformation

Business Break

Ethical Frontiers: AI and the Attorney’s Role in a Changing World

Attend the can’t miss event for your retail law team!