This forum provides a unique, collaborative space for engaged dialogue between energy company General Counsels. Content includes challenges common to all executives including managing legal teams, budget pressures, succession planning and risk management. In addition to sharing best practices for the traditional executive role, the program regularly invites guest speakers to discuss specific contemporary legal issues relevant to the energy industry and the effective use of outside counsel. Specific topics are chosen directly by program participants in advance of each meeting.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Laura Lewis, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
- Program Location
- Sacramento Municipal Utility District
- 6201 S. Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Who Should Attend
Participation is restricted to senior leaders responsible for management of legal functions at WEI energy member companies. The small size of this program provides a unique environment for collaborative thinking, open discourse and long-term relationship building. CLE and CPD credits are supported by this forum, depending on your state or province. Legal assistants should confirm with the WEI program manager for specific requirements
- Registration Options
Member: $499 USD
Registration includes access to all agenda items, meals, and digital program materials.
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to contractual obligations, cancellations received 15 business days prior to the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 6 to 14 business days prior to the event will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No shows and last minute cancellations, 5 business days prior to the event or less, will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Amy Nye, Director of Programs at (971) 303-2119.
Agenda
Thursday, September 28, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WEI Hosted Networking Dinner
Join us for a WEI hosted networking dinner in downtown Sacramento.
Friday, September 29, 2023
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Registration + Networking Breakfast
Arrive early to register and network with peers over a hot breakfast.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome + Introductions
Facilitator(s): Laura Lewis, Chief Legal & Government Affairs Officer, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
The Program Chair will welcome the group and kickoff roundtable introductions. Come prepared to share a recent success story and the biggest challenges you and your team are facing right now.
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Networking Break
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Roundtable
This time is dedicated to a focused discussion on DEI initiatives. Come prepared to share and discuss your DEI success stories, challenges or institutional barriers, employee resource groups, communication strategies, and long-term initiatives.
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Remote Work Roundtable
Most organizations have returned to the office in some capacity, whether they are offering a hybrid option or in the office full-time again. How is your organization handling requests to remain remote or requests to leave the state? Come prepared to discuss your own experiences with remote requests, employment taxes/laws, and innovative strategies for keeping the workforce engaged.
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Environmental Justice
Facilitator(s): Michael O'Connor, Associate General Manager & Chief Legal Executive, Salt River Project
This time is dedicated to a facilitated discussion on environmental justice, new initiatives from the EPA and DOJ, real world examples, and communication plans for sharing projects with customers and the community.
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Networking Break
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion + Wrap Up
Facilitator(s): Laura Lewis, Chief Legal & Government Affairs Officer, Sacramento Municipal Utility District
We'll close out the day with an open roundtable discussion on top-of-mind issues. Topics will be guided based on the current challenges shared during introductions. The meeting will conclude with a brief wrap-up and a conversation on plans for the Spring 2024 meeting.
Hotel + Travel
Please note, WEI does not have a group rate or discount arranged for a specific hotel. However, the following hotels in downtown Sacramento are a short drive from Sacramento Municipal Utility District and are recommended for meeting guests that need accommodations the evening of Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection
926 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
1209 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814