In this episode, we discuss the impacts of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (a.k.a. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)) on U.S. infrastructure on its third-year anniversary. While the IIJA/BIL has unlocked significant funding for major projects, it has also highlighted afresh important questions about the long-term sustainability of our infrastructure investments. We explore the balance between immediate construction goals and the need for planning long-term maintenance and resilience. We also look ahead at key priorities for the future.

John P. Smolen, Co-Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Infrastructure Group, hosts the discussion. John is joined by Sam Headon, the head of infrastructure investments at S&B USA Concessions; and Jennifer Hara, the acting head of innovative finance and technical assistance for the Build America Bureau of the United States Department of Transportation.

This episode features a discussion with Nick St. John, Director of Federal Compliance at America’s Credit Unions. We discuss the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by FinCEN and federal banking regulators regarding the enhancement and modernization of anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (“AML/CFT”) compliance programs under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”). This discussion focuses on the risk assessment process, the NPRM’s impact on the industry, “de-risking” strategies, technological innovation, feedback from law enforcement on the utility of BSA filings, hiring qualified compliance officers, and what it means for an AML/CFT program to be “effective.”

Peter Hardy, partner and co-leader of Ballard’s AML Team leads the discussion. He is joined by Kaley Schafer, also a member of the AML Team and an associate in the firm’s business and transactions department.

This episode is part of our Sustainability Spotlight series, which highlights the sustainability efforts that businesses are making to combat climate change and other environmental challenges.

This episode features a discussion with Matt O'Malley, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Jeannie Morris, Vice President of Government Affairs at Vicinity Energy. Vicinity Energy is the largest owner and operator of district energy systems in the U.S. and the first in the nation to offer carbon-free eSteam™ to rapidly decarbonize customers and achieve net zero carbon emissions across all operations. Our guests share the ways Vicinity is combating the climate crisis and why more businesses need to take action now.

Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia Office and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Group, hosts the discussion.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.

Today, we’re joined by Paolo Sbuttoni, a partner at Foot Anstey with years of experience specializing in technology and data. We compare the AI regulatory landscape in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We also provide insight on the scope of recent regulations that have been enacted in the EU and U.K., and those that will be enacted on a state by state basis in the U.S.

Greg Szewczyk, leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, hosts the discussion.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.

In today’s episode, our lawyers explore the basics of Daniel's Law and how it has ignited a wave of privacy class action lawsuits. They delve into the elements of a claim, recent litigation, and practical steps businesses can take to mitigate risk.

Matt Thornton and Lexi Chapman, Associates in our Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.

Today, our lawyers discuss new state consumer health data laws in Connecticut, Nevada, and Washington, highlighting the laws’ scope, obligations for regulated entities, and enforcement mechanisms.

Greg Szewczyk, Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, and Kelsey Fayer, an Associate in the Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.

This is the first episode in our new Sustainability Spotlight series, highlighting the sustainability efforts that businesses are taking to combat climate change and other environmental challenges.

This episode features a discussion with Alan Horowitz, Vice President of Sustainability at Aramark, a leading global provider of food and facilities services. Alan provides insight on Aramark’s “Be Well. Do Well.” ESG platform. We also discuss Aramark’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and what they’re focusing on in order to reach this goal.

Brendan K. Collins, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Philadelphia Office and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Consumer Products Industry Group, hosts the discussion.

In this episode, we are joined by Special Agent Jonathan Schnatz, Senior Analyst with IRS Criminal Investigation. Special Agent Schnatz will discuss his work with an international law enforcement and tax compliance group, and how that work directly impacts U.S. businesses and individuals.

Peter Hardy and Chris Jones, co-leaders of Ballard Spahr's Tax Controversy team, are joined by team member Siana Danch to lead this discussion.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by D.J. Lipke, a Principal at Prairie Capital. Prairie Capital is a private equity firm that has provided businesses with thought partnership and strategic guidance for over two decades.

Jeffrey Fickes, Co-Leader of the Private Equity Group, hosts the discussion.

This episode is part of our Cyber Adviser series, where we discuss emerging issues in the world of privacy and data security.

The privacy and cybersecurity landscape is evolving in the financial sector, from more specific data security reporting requirements, to potential data subject rights and the use of artificial intelligence. Today, our lawyers will highlight key developments and provide practical insights on how to stay ahead of the regulatory, litigation, and hacker threats.

Greg Szewczyk, Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Privacy and Data Security Group, and Sarah Dannecker, an Associate in the Privacy and Data Security Group, host the discussion.