RopesTalk

In this second episode of AI at Work, Sophie Duffy, an employment associate, is joined by Jen Cormier and Greg Demers, partners in the employment practice, and Alyssa Clough Horton, a partner in the asset management practice, to discuss whether and how organizations should implement a dedicated workplace AI use policy.They explore the essentials of effective AI policies, including defining covered technologies, distinguishing between AI tools, and establishing governance. Key safeguards, regulatory developments, vendor diligence, and bias auditing are discussed, along with practical topics like AI transcription, employee disclosure, and role-specific training. Listeners gain actionable guidance for creating adaptable, compliant AI policies. The discussion highlights real-world challenges organizations face and offers strategies to integrate AI policies with existing compliance frameworks. Whether new to AI or refining current policies, this episode provides timely insights for navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, employment associate Kendall Dacey is joined by benefits consulting principals David Kirchner and Harvey Cotton to discuss a new twist on the relentless ERISA class action lawsuits targeting major employers—this time targeting both employers and their brokers—over voluntary benefit programs such as accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and hospital indemnity plans. The conversation explores how these lawsuits challenge long-held assumptions that voluntary benefits fall safely outside ERISA’s reach. If courts agree these plans are ERISA-covered, employers could face potential fiduciary liability for failing to prudently select insurance carriers and monitor broker commissions for reasonableness and brokers themselves are squarely in the crosshairs for allegedly prioritizing their own compensation over participants’ interests. The episode concludes with practical steps companies can take now to reduce their exposure before the next complaint lands.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast—the second in a two-part series venturing “inside the house” to draw on experiences and ideas—partner Amanda McGrady Morrison, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, former head of compliance for a global asset manager, rejoin Nitish Upadhyaya from the R&G Insights Lab for another in-depth discussion on the evolving role of legal and compliance leaders. The conversation explores how governance professionals can ask the right questions about AI deployment, data use, and risk management, emphasizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration and practical solutions. Amanda and Katie share insights from their in-house experiences, highlighting the need to translate rules into actionable strategies, foster strong relationships, and coach teams for effective risk mitigation. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on building trust, supporting business growth, and creating a healthy organizational culture in a rapidly changing environment.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast—the first in a two-part series venturing “inside the house” to draw on experiences and ideas—partner Amanda McGrady Morrison, global co-chair of the firm’s private capital transactions practice, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, former head of compliance for a global asset manager, join Nitish Upadhyaya from the R&G Insights Lab for an in-depth conversation on the evolving role of legal and compliance leaders. Drawing on their extensive experience, Amanda and Katie offer practical strategies for partnering with business teams to drive growth, manage risk, and build trust within global organizations, as valued commercial advisors. The discussion highlights how legal and compliance professionals can become valued advisors by building authentic relationships, deeply understanding business goals, and delivering consistently practical guidance. The episode also explores the importance of budgeting time to learn the business and staying connected to industry peers. Tune in for candid reflections, career tips, and a preview of next episode’s discussion on AI, governance, and client service.

On this special edition of The Data Day podcast, Ropes & Gray partner Rohan Massey—leader of the firm’s data, privacy & cybersecurity practice and managing partner of the London office—is joined by counsel Edward Machin and associates Catherine Keeling and Suzie Wilson to celebrate the 19th World Data Protection Day and explore the evolving landscape of data, privacy, and cybersecurity regulation across the UK and EU in 2026. The discussion covers headline-making cybersecurity breaches, new compliance obligations under DORA and the Cyber Resilience Act, and the anticipated UK cyber bill. The panel also examines the regulatory outlook for AI, including key dates for the EU AI Act and the potential direction of the UK’s AI Bill. Rounding out the conversation, the team highlights upcoming changes in digital regulation, such as the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Act, the EU Data Act, and the Digital Omnibus package.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, asset management partners Jason Kolman and Eric Requenez are joined by tax partner Chris Roman to discuss the rise of data center investments within private funds. The episode highlights how market trends are shaping fund terms and addresses the ESG, compliance, and tax challenges unique to data center investments, including the use of REITs. Listeners will come away with practical guidance on navigating the complexities and opportunities in this rapidly expanding asset class.

On this third episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, is once again joined by asset management partner Eve Ellis as well as special guest Michelle DiMartino, an organizational research and design specialist at the R&G Insights Lab. Together, they explore the critical role of workplace culture in preventing and addressing non-financial misconduct, such as harassment, bullying, and discrimination, and examine why regulators like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are increasingly focused on these issues. The discussion dives into how culture shapes behavior, influences misconduct, and serves as both a risk factor and a protective shield. Michelle explains how informal social cues and everyday interactions can quietly redefine what is considered acceptable, often before any formal rules are broken. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive culture assessment, using both quantitative and qualitative data, and introduces practical frameworks—like the “four I’s” of cultural psychology—to help organizations identify misalignments and drive meaningful change.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab welcome Annastiina Hintsa, CEO of Hintsa Performance. The conversation examines the relationship between well-being and sustainable high performance, the importance of personal identity, and the impact of holistic health on resilience and productivity. Annastiina shares insights from her work with elite athletes and business leaders, practical strategies for integrating well-being into daily routines, and advice on defining success beyond professional achievements. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being, actionable tips for improving performance, and a timely reminder of why investing in health is essential for long-term success.

In this inaugural episode of AI at Work, Greg Demers, an employment partner, is joined by Meg Bisk, head of the employment practice, and John Milani, an employment associate, to explore how employers across industries can harness artificial intelligence responsibly while mitigating legal and operational risk.They discuss the most common pitfalls of employee AI use, including inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, model “hallucinations,” and source opacity, that undermine auditability and accuracy. Turning to HR functions, they examine emerging regulatory frameworks and compliance expectations, such as bias auditing requirements for automated employment decision tools and accessibility obligations, alongside practical steps for vetting vendors, embedding human oversight, and enforcing contractual protections. Listeners will come away with pragmatic strategies to update policies, document decisions and foster a transparent culture of accountability that will position organizations to leverage AI use that is smarter, not riskier.Stay tuned for future episodes where we will explore the use of AI in human resources, privacy implications and cybersecurity issues, AI in executive compensation & employee benefits, among other topics.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery welcome Pav Gill, renowned for his role in exposing the Wirecard scandal, with a special introduction from Ropes & Gray Litigation & Enforcement partner Andrew Dale. The conversation explores the complexities of organizational culture, the barriers to speaking up, and the critical importance of protecting whistleblowers. Pav shares his firsthand experience navigating retaliation, the challenges of internal and external whistleblowing, and practical advice for fostering transparency and psychological safety within companies. Listeners will gain valuable insights into building a culture where concerns can be raised without fear, the pitfalls of commoditized hotlines, and the human side of compliance. Tune in for candid reflections, actionable strategies, and a compelling reminder of why listening and acting on employee feedback is essential for ethical business success.

In the inaugural episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non-Financial Misconduct four-part miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-chair of the firm’s global anti-corruption & international risk practice, is joined by asset management partner Eve Ellis and litigation & enforcement senior attorney Sarah Lambert-Porter to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape for non-financial misconduct in the UK financial services sector. The conversation examines the Financial Conduct Authority’s new rules, the impact of the Worker Protection Act, and the increasing regulatory and legal risks associated with issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Drawing on recent survey data and enforcement trends, the hosts highlight key risk areas for asset managers, private equity sponsors, and other regulated firms, including the importance of breaking down organizational silos, adapting to remote and hybrid work environments, and ensuring senior management accountability. The episode provides practical guidance on updating policies, strengthening investigations, leveraging data, and fostering a culture of compliance, helping organizations prepare for the new regulatory requirements.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery are joined by Rachel Samren, a board director, responsible business advocate, and crisis management expert. The discussion centers on the changing demands of board membership, including the need for clarity, agility, and continuous learning in today’s complex risk environment. Rachel shares practical advice for new and seasoned board members, emphasizing the importance of integrated risk management, open communication, and upholding organizational values. The episode offers actionable tips on effective governance, crisis management, and fostering a culture of collective responsibility for compliance and integrity.