ABA News Technology and business concerns of ABA meeting include cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and driverless autos

Cybersecurity, surveillance technology and its impact of privacy, as well as legal concerns arising from the Internet of Things and driverless cars are chief among business and technology legal issues that will be explored at the 2016 American Bar Association Annual Meeting Aug. 4-9 in San Francisco. High-profile speakers at the meeting include FBI Director James Comey on emerging technology and its impact on national security (Aug. 5, 4 p.m.), Hollywood writers Jonathan Shapiro and David E. Kelley (both of "The Practice," "Boston Legal" and other iconic legal TV) on pop culture and the perception of justice (Aug. 5, 10:30 a.m.) and O. J. Simpson prosecutor-turned-novelist Marcia Clark on her high-profile cases and writing career (Aug. 5, 5:30 p.m.). Additionally, the general counsel of the hottest technology companies, including Microsoft, Uber, Salesforce and Oculus, will discuss intellectual property, privacy and other concerns (Aug. 6, 10 a.m.). In addition to the more than 1,400 events at this premier gathering of legal professionals, the ABA House of Delegates - the association's policymaking body - will meet at 9 a.m. on Aug. 8-9 at the Moscone Center Second Floor Ballroom. Business and technology programs include: Thursday, Aug. 4 "Knock, Knock. Who's There? The Internet of Things" - Experts will discuss the legal implications of the Internet of Things the network of electronic devices such as home security systems, cellphones and fitness trackers that collect and exchange data. Topics will include data privacy, intellectual property and product liability concerns. "Today's Interpretation of Computer Laws Developed for a Bygone Age" - Panelists including San Francisco attorney Elliot R. Peters, who represented internet activist Aaron Swartz will explore the implications of decades-old federal statutes governing computer crimes that now create ambiguity in the criminal justice system in the face of advancing technology. "Women's Rights: Lessons from Bay Area Women Who Made History" A who's who of feminist leaders from San Francisco will share their stories of achieving success following the second wave of the women's rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s. "Interpreting US SEC 2011: Cybersecurity Risk Guidance" Experts will examine implementation of the SEC's 2011 Cybersecurity Risk Guidance by covered entities that must develop a flexible, living and structured approach to managing cyber risk emanating from aggressive nation-states, transnational organized crime, hacktivists and others. "Developing Fast, Inexpensive, Technology Solutions for Courts: Hackathons" The founding president of the Internet Bar Organization will be among speakers who will describe how courts and justice agencies can bring together software developers, technologists, subject matter experts, judges and citizens for hackathons, where participants develop technology solutions to solve court problems. "Public-Private Partnerships - The Deal Pipeline for Government Infrastructure Projects" Panelists including representatives from the San Francisco Transportation Authority and Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority will discuss public-private partnerships, an emerging legal and business market that combines construction and government contracts law with private finance for new infrastructure. Friday, Aug. 5 "Minefields in the Modern Employee Handbook" - Panelists will address important issues and common pitfalls of the modern employee handbook, including employee misclassification; the legalization of marijuana; same-sex marriage and LGBT rights; expanded disability and leave rights (including paid sick leave); and the increasing need for bring-your-own-device and social media policies. "Pay Equity: Latest Developments and Best Practices" - A panel will examine the pay differences between genders, measures to eliminate the disparity and the responsibilities of government, employers and society as a whole in addressing the issue. "A Dynamic "Trans"-ition: A Path Forward on the Recognition of Transgender Rights, Employment Equality, and Integration of Transgender Troops Into the US Military" - Experts on transgender rights and military representatives will discuss litigation related to transgender employment matters and the unique challenges of the Department of Defense integration of transgender uniformed service members into the U.S. military. "Effective Cybersecurity in the 21st Century: Privacy, Policy & Protocol" - Representatives from the FBI and FTC will be among experts who will review issues related to cybersecurity regulation and enforcement, including privacy investigations, trends in privacy litigation and how privacy law is (and is not) developing hand-in-hand with technological advancement. "Dealing with Data Breach: Not 'If' but 'When'" - Data breaches will be examined from a variety of perspectives, including those of legal counsel, insurer staff and cybersecurity professionals. "Volkswagen Emissions One Year Later: Litigation and Science Update" - One year after Volkswagen admitted that it violated federal law by installing vehicle software that circumvents federal emissions standards, panelists will discuss the investigatory response, including criminal or civil sanctions and possible class-action litigation seeking remedies for consumer fraud. "The New Frontier Surveillance Technology and the Law" - Panelists will discuss how smart phones, GPS and other new technologies that can be used in surveillance have resulted in privacy concerns, requiring judges to reconsider some of the traditional doctrines that have governed Fourth Amendment jurisprudence. "Driverless Cars in the Fast Lane: Liability Ahead!" - Autonomous driving will radically change transportation, road safety, environmental management, insurance, land use planning and many other aspects of our society. Silicon Valley experts will discuss the legal and sociological barriers to driverless cars, as well as how liability may threaten to deter manufacturers from bringing the lifesaving technology to market. "Emerging Issues in National Security and Law Enforcement" - FBI Director James Comey will be among experts who will examine the use of emerging technology by criminals and terrorists to evade detection. Given the recent FBI-Apple encryption dispute, does the FBI have the tools it needs to address such problems? Saturday, Aug. 6 "What's Next? Tech's Top Counsel Reveal All!" - The top lawyers at today's hottest technology companies Twitter, Google, Microsoft, Uber and Oculus share their priorities and what keeps them up at night, including intellectual property protection as well as privacy, liability and corporate compliance concerns. "Fortune 500 General Counsel Share the 3Cs of Diversity and Inclusion: Commitment, Candor and Collaboration" - Top general counsel for some of the nation's leading companies and former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer will discuss ways that corporate America can move the needle on diversity and inclusion within their ranks. Published: Fri, Jul 22, 2016