General Counsel Symposium Sessions

 

This schedule is for the General Counsel Symposium sessions only.
For breaks, meals, general sessions and networking activities, view the full Fall Super Regional Meeting schedule here.

CLE Credits

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are available for the sessions listed below. 7.1 hours credit in 50-min states and 5.9 credit in 60-min states.

Add CLE Credits to Your Registration

Monday, October 5

1:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. — General Counsel Committee Meeting (open to committee members only)

1:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. — Lease Amendments Discussion
William Mullins, Rob Wimbush

2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m. — Defending the Rails: Scene Investigations to Jury Verdicts
Rod Payne and Jim Turner, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

4:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m. — STB Update
David Rifkind, Partner, Stinson LLP

Tuesday, October 6

12:20 p.m.-2:10 p.m. — Navigating FELA Claims: The Critical Partnership Between HR and Legal — Midway 6

Human Resources often plays a critical role in the defense of a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claim, it is essential for legal and HR teams to understand each other’s responsibilities and processes. Effective collaboration helps ensure regulatory compliance, protects employee rights, and strengthens claim management from the initial injury report through resolution.  Join this interactive session to explore key questions, including:

• What can be done when an employee is unable or unwilling to complete a timely injury report?
• How should known pre-existing medical conditions be addressed in the context of a workplace injury?
• When does an injury trigger alcohol and drug testing requirements?
• Who should have access to details regarding an injured employee’s medical condition, and what privacy considerations apply?

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss real-world scenarios, share organizational best practices, and learn from the experiences of their peers. Leave with practical insights and strategies that can help improve coordination between HR and legal teams and enhance your organization’s approach to injury management, drug and alcohol testing and FELA claims.

Speaker(s): Colleen Helenhouse, Attorney, Fletcher & Sippel LLC; Bobbi Allen, Chief Administrative Officer, Iowa Interstate Railroad; Holly Rainwater, VP, Business Development, Spark TS, a RailCube Company

3:00 p.m.-3:50 p.m. — Colocation of Power Lines in Railroad ROW
Karin Stamy, Founder, Power & Rail Law Office; James Hoecker, Former FERC Chairman, Hoecker Energy

Wednesday, October 7

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. — General Counsel Panel
Aimee Nolan, Chief Legal Officer, Anacostia Rail Holdings; Miller Grumley, VP - General Counsel, Paducah & Louisville Railway, Inc.; Onna Houck, General Counsel, Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd.; Katherine Bourdon, General Counsel, New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway

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General Counsel Symposium Speakers