RopesTalk

Epizodes

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  Federal Clearance Is Not Always the Finish Line: State AGs and Private Plaintiffs Emerge as Merger Risks 23.07.2026 12min

  On this Ropes & Gray podcast, antitrust partners Mark Popofsky and Samer Musallam discuss recent cases, including Paramount, where state attorneys general and private plaintiffs have challenged deals even after federal review, highlighting the growing role of states and private parties in U.S. antitrust enforcement. They examine the risks companies face from these additional enforcement branches and offer practical takeaways for managing antitrust exposure throughout the transaction process. Tune in to learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of merger enforcement beyond federal agencies.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: Meditation—A Tool for Presence, Clarity, and Performance in an Ever-Changing World with Michael Miller 22.07.2026 43min

  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 Michael Miller, co-founder of the London Meditation Centre and New York Meditation Center, for an in-depth discussion on the transformative power of Vedic meditation. Discover how meditation can enhance well-being, boost professional performance, and foster healthier workplace cultures. Hear personal stories, myth-busting insights, and practical advice for busy professionals looking to integrate meditation into their daily routines. Whether you’re curious about mindfulness, seeking ways to manage stress, or interested in building a resilient organizational culture, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: Of Puppets and People—Humanizing Ethics & Compliance with Fraser Simpson 17.06.2026 30min

  On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, are joined by Fraser Simpson, enterprise strategy lead at the Wellcome Trust, to explore how organizations can make governance and compliance more human. The conversation delves into the importance of shaping ethical cultures that go beyond policies and procedures, focusing on real human behavior, creativity, and engagement. Fraser shares insights from Wellcome’s innovative “speak-up” program and the creation of Connie, a puppet character designed to spark ethical conversations and strengthen judgment across the organization. The episode also discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology and AI in compliance, emphasizing the need to support—not replace—human judgment.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: Sleep, Science & Success—Unlocking Chronoleadership 20.05.2026 37min

  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 Camilla Kring, founder of Super Navigators. Camilla shares her journey and explores how biological rhythms shape productivity, well-being, and workplace culture. The conversation delves into the science of sleep, challenges myths about early rising, and highlights the risks of living out of sync with our internal clocks. Listeners will hear practical insights on fostering chrono-inclusive organizations, supporting diverse work rhythms, and creating healthier, more effective workplaces. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that offers actionable steps for leaders and teams to empower individuals and drive lasting impact.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: Wonder, Creativity and the Power of Play - Inspiring Change in Compliance with Rebecca Mayfield 15.04.2026 31min

  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 Rebecca Mayfield, group compliance director and senior legal counsel at Merlin Entertainments. Rebecca shares her unconventional career journey, her passion for creative and engaging compliance training, and her commitment to mentoring and giving back to underserved communities. The conversation explores how injecting curiosity, playfulness, and storytelling into ethics and compliance can drive real engagement and lasting impact. Listeners will hear practical insights on measuring success, building meaningful relationships, and empowering individuals to speak up. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that challenges traditional approaches and highlights the importance of fun, empathy, and imagination in compliance.
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  AI at Work – Drafting an Effective and Compliant AI Workplace Policy 08.04.2026 20min

  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.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: The Human Factor—Psychology and Cybersecurity in the Digital Age with Sarah Zheng 18.03.2026 33min

  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 neuropsychologist Sarah Zheng to explore the human factor in cybersecurity. The conversation delves into the psychology behind hacking, the role of emotions and context in falling for scams, and the evolving risks posed by emerging technologies like AI and brain-computer interfaces. Sarah shares insights from her research at the Dawes Centre for Future Crime and her book, The Psychology of Cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of operational resilience and creative approaches to cyber awareness. Listeners will learn practical strategies for building a culture of psychological safety and reporting, as well as actionable steps to enhance organizational cyber resilience. 
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  Okaying a Premium Problem: When Voluntary Benefits Become Involuntary Lawsuits 09.03.2026 15min

  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.
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  Non-Financial Misconduct Miniseries: Episode 4 – The Impact of Toxic Culture on Hiring and Retention 23.02.2026 32min

  On this final episode of Ropes & Gray’s Non‑Financial Misconduct Miniseries, Amanda Raad, co-leader of the firm’s crisis management and global risk practices, and Katie Daniels, director of ethics, compliance, and insights at R&G Insights Lab sit down with Jamie Browne, managing director at Leonid Group, a leading talent advisory firm specializing in corporate governance hiring. The trio share a candid conversation about how toxic workplace culture is now one of the biggest forces shaping hiring and retention, posing a very real attrition and reputational risk—as well as a financial risk due in part to the significant costs of re-hiring. Together, they unpack why culture has become a make‑or‑break factor for candidates, what companies are getting wrong, and the practical steps leaders should be taking to ensure hiring best practice, ongoing diligence and stronger post-hire monitoring.
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  Inside the House—Managing Risk to Drive Commercial Success (Part II) 19.02.2026 16min

  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.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: Breaking Down Silos—Integrated Assurance in Compliance and Risk with Klaus Moosmayer 18.02.2026 32min

  On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery are joined by Klaus Moosmayer, a distinguished leader in ethics, risk, and compliance, and a current member of the supervisory board of Deutsche Bank. The conversation delves into the importance of integrated assurance—breaking down organizational silos to foster collaboration across risk, compliance, strategy, HR, and legal functions. Klaus shares practical examples from his career, including how crisis moments can drive meaningful change and the value of crowdsourcing a code of ethics to truly engage employees. Behavioral science and its role in shaping ethical decision-making are highlighted, along with actionable insights for boards and compliance professionals. Tune in for fresh perspectives, real-world strategies, and inspiration to connect, innovate, and elevate compliance culture in your organization.
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  Inside the House—Managing Risk to Drive Commercial Success (Part I) 05.02.2026 23min

  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.
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  Five Things Developers Should Remember about New State AI Laws in Health Care 04.02.2026 10min

  On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partner Jamie Darch and associate Andrea Millard introduce the Health AI Atlas, a new online resource designed to help health care stakeholders navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of state laws regulating artificial intelligence. The discussion focuses on the top five things developers in the health care sector need to know about compliance, including understanding which laws apply, implementing robust compliance programs, ongoing risk monitoring, regulatory reporting, and the potential penalties for non-compliance. Jamie and Andrea also highlight the importance of considering broader privacy statutes that impact automated decision-making and profiling, even when not explicitly labeled as AI laws. With enforcement expected to increase, developers are urged to stay informed and proactive in meeting these new obligations.Editor’s Note: Since this episode was published, the New York RAISE Act has been amended by Senate Bill 8828. Among other changes, the amendment significantly reduced the civil penalties the New York Attorney General may seek—from $10 million to $1 million for a first violation and from $30 million to $3 million for subsequent violations. The amendment also narrowed the definition of “large frontier developers” who are subject to additional obligations and removed the third-party independent audit requirement. The New York RAISE Act, as amended, will go into effect January 1, 2027. Listeners should refer to the amended text for the current state of the law.
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  The Data Day: World Data Protection Day & Regulatory Insights for 2026 28.01.2026 17min

  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.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: Networking That Works with Dorie Clark—From Transactional to Transformational 22.01.2026 37min

  On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, join Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, as they welcome Dorie Clark—a top business thinker, communications coach, and bestselling author—for an impactful discussion on authentic networking and relationship-building in the compliance and legal world. Discover practical strategies for connecting with peers, navigating business dynamics, and fostering trust, including the “no ask for a year” rule and tips for making meaningful introductions. This episode offers actionable advice for compliance professionals and anyone looking to build influence and genuine connections. Tune in for fresh perspectives and start your year with new ideas for personal and professional growth.
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  The Rise of Data Center Funds: Market Drivers and Unique Challenges 20.01.2026 11min

  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.
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  Considerations for Fund Managers and Investors in Light of EMG Litigation 15.01.2026 17min

  On this Ropes & Gray podcast, partners Bil Davison and Adam Dobson are joined by counsel Kevin White to discuss recent high-profile litigation involving Energy & Minerals Group’s (EMG’s) single asset continuation vehicle transaction. The conversation explores how this litigation highlights the complexities and conflicts of interest inherent in GP-led continuation vehicle deals, focusing on the importance of transparency, parity of information, and robust LPAC involvement. The team analyzes the implications of this litigation for fund managers, buyers, and investors, highlighting best practices for communication and process integrity. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the evolving landscape of continuation vehicles and the lessons learned from the EMG case.
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  Non-Financial Misconduct Miniseries: Episode 3 – Assessing Culture 07.01.2026 25min

  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.
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  Embracing AI: Driving Legal Innovation 17.12.2025 11min

  On this Ropes & Gray podcast, asset management partner Sarah Davidoff is joined by colleagues Ty Owen, Olivia Yoon, and Doug Ballanco to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on legal practice. The episode highlights how AI is streamlining document compilation, side letter negotiations, and market data analysis, leading to significant workflow improvements and time savings. The team also discusses the TrAIlblazer program, which empowers first-year associates to learn and collaborate on AI-driven projects, accelerating their development and enabling them to focus on more substantive legal work earlier in their careers. The conversation emphasizes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with associates actively piloting new technologies and sharing best practices to deliver better results for clients.
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  Culture & Compliance Chronicles: From Formula 1 to Resilient Leadership – Health, Identity & Success with Annastiina Hintsa 17.12.2025 36min

  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.