We are delighted to present our annual July/August double issue. We think you'll find it packed with "voices from the cutting edge," as we are calling a new series focused on the hottest of hot topics. We launch this issue with an exploration of bitcoin. Future installments will cover emerging legal and business issues related to the cannabis business, mobile payments, unmanned aerial systems and inter partes patent review. If you have topics you'd like us to tackle, please let me know.
You will also find robust special sections on risk management/insurance and FCPA enforcement. Not surprisingly, data security and government regulation are very much top of legal mind these days. We have a package of strong pieces, including Jones Day's Hank Walther on the billion-dollar reach of FCPA enforcers and Michelle Reed of Akin Gump on the ins and outs of cyberinsurance, including how the buying process often uncovers risky weaknesses in company systems and, therefore, can be as valuable as the policy itself.
AlixPartners offers insights into using data analytics to prevent and defend against whistleblower allegations. In addition, Inventus offers an in-depth discussion about how forensic data collection relates to digital media IP litigation.
Sills Cummis & Gross reports on recent judicial interpretation of statutory exceptions that expand the ability of the IRS to investigate fraud, and Sheppard Mullin covers bankruptcy code and how government contractors may be limited in their ability to shed, assign or resume contracts.
Our thoughtful interview with former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Barbara Franklin delves into a study about the post-Dodd-Frank executive compensation landscape that she led for the National Association of Corporate Directors. As usual, NACD makes an important contribution to the dialogue in a key area of discourse for boards and their counsel.
Our expanded In-House Ops section includes two pieces on the use of data-driven metrics to enhance in-house operations. iDiscovery Solutions brings us a deep dive by a couple of judicial insiders into the proposed amendments to the federal rules, which potentially could disrupt the e-discovery subculture. Finally, we present a not-so-tongue-in-cheek Backstory essay on the many surveys of in-house counsel and what they reveal about what they (you) want.
Finally, we welcome three new contributors to MCC: Baker Tilly, Benesch and DiscoverReady. Our readers look forward to your thoughts and guidance.
Thank you for reading MCC. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with your suggestions.
Best,
Kristin Calve, Publisher
Published July 17, 2015.