Keep On Top Of Trends And Developments In Securities Regulation
In these rapidly evolving times, securities lawyers need to do more than simply pursue CLE for credit. The best lawyers keep their skills current and their knowledge up to date by reading, listening, attending conferences, and more.
As a securities lawyer, you’re well aware that you must stay informed of changes in the law and regulations. Indeed, 46 states have mandatory continuing legal education requirements that apply to all lawyers. With a wealth of resources out there, what’s the best way to keep current? Is it enough to merely stay updated on the law itself — or are there other topics to consider?
One of the easiest ways to stay informed on the law is by reading primary and secondary resources. Go straight to the source: subscribe to RSS feeds of the relevant government websites where possible. Blogs, such as those published by PLI, are also an excellent resource. Through PLI PLUS, subscribers can access a complete library of over 4,000 titles covering 25 practice areas. And if you prefer to learn “on the go,” podcasts, such as PLI’s inSecurities series, can provide the latest perspectives.
Live conferences are another way to keep informed and stay connected with others in the field. Though the pandemic has forced many of these events into the virtual space, technology allows for a robust, interactive experience. A good securities law conference will cover the topics most important to you and your clients. A great securities law conference will bring together a variety of perspectives on these topics. Those should include professionals from various settings, such as in-house, law firms, government, self-regulatory agencies, consultants, and business executives.
It’s also essential that these perspectives be diverse, representing multiple backgrounds including gender, age, experience, ethnicity, and political/policy leanings. Integrating multiple viewpoints into your understanding of the law is not only a requirement of many state bars (i.e., bias credits), but is also beneficial to your growth as a lawyer and advocate for your clients. Just as the #metoo movement caused a shift in discourse around sexual harassment and equality, the recent marches and protests for racial equality have forced companies and firms to reexamine and recommit to the need for diversity and inclusion. In addition, the COVID pandemic has heightened awareness of the environmental and governance issues facing businesses, investors, governments, and other constituencies, and has required greater disclosure and transparency around all of these issues.
This fall, securities lawyers will have the opportunity to hear from the nation’s leading securities and corporate legal experts during a three-day conference broadcast as a live webinar. For over 50 years, Practising Law Institute’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation has provided keen analysis and timely insights into the critical issues facing securities law practitioners. From November 4–6, PLI’s faculty will discuss capital markets, enforcement and securities litigation developments, accounting and auditing, Delaware law developments, and much more, including new panels on proxy statements, disclosure challenges, and a luncheon roundtable on diversity and inclusion in the law.
Don’t simply meet your continuing education requirements — seek to exceed them. You’ll enrich your understanding of the law for yourself, for your organization, and for your clients.
About PLI
Practising Law Institute is a nonprofit learning organization dedicated to keeping attorneys and other professionals at the forefront of knowledge and expertise. PLI is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, and was founded in 1933 by Harold P. Seligson. The organization provides the highest quality, accredited, continuing legal and professional education programs in a variety of formats which are delivered by more than 4,000 volunteer faculty including prominent lawyers, judges, investment bankers, accountants, corporate counsel, and U.S. and international government regulators. PLI publishes a comprehensive library of Treatises, Course Handbooks, Answer Books and Journals also available through the PLI PLUS online platform. The essence of PLI’s mission is its commitment to the pro bono community. View PLI’s upcoming live webcasts here.
