eCourses

Explore the unique title challenges in renewable energy transactions. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, understanding the intricacies of title work in this sector is crucial. Gain valuable insights into navigating title issues in renewable projects and how they differ from the traditional commercial and residential title insurance projects.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Session 01: Finance: Introduction to Structure of Construction Financing & Role of Key Parties - Listen to a discussion about the basics of construction finance, loan agreements and their key provisions, conditions to closing, and schedules and exhibits. Explore the role of commercial parties, counsel, and consultants and other third parties in the loan agreement negotiation process.  Session 02: Finance: Introduction to Structures for Tax Equity Investments in Renewable Energy Transactions - The Inflation Reduction Act has led to an uptick in tax equity investments in renewable energy transactions. Look at how these investments are structured and why, including a look at key transactions documents and new emerging hybrid structures that take advantage of tax credit transfers.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Overview of key differences between early and later stage development deals, conditions to closing, and areas that can and cannot be negotiated.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

An overview of (a) key development contracts, and (b) the process of raising capital to develop, construct, and operate renewable energy projects.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Learn about ways to organize and streamline the process of engaging a title insurer on projects with long ramp-up periods and large volume of commitments, reviewing and resolving title issues, and preparing your project for construction and financing. Hear about the strategic use of tracking spreadsheets, online platforms and technologies for distribution and real-time access to large volumes of data and suggestions about the best timing for the creation of comprehensive reports and proformas.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

A discussion on the various survey aspects related to project transactions and how collaboration among survey, title, legal, and development is integral throughout the evolution of the project development process.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Session 01: Lifecycle of Renewable Energy Projects - A discussion of the sequencing of the development of renewable energy projects and how lawyers and developers can best work together to mitigate project risks at each stage of development.  Session 02: Overview of Renewable Project Development and Finance - An overview of (a) key development contracts, and (b) the process of raising capital to develop, construct, and operate renewable energy projects. Session 03: Empowering the Grid: Title Considerations in Renewable Energy Deals - Explore the unique title challenges in renewable energy transactions. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, understanding the intricacies of title work in this sector is crucial. Gain valuable insights into navigating title issues in renewable projects and how they differ from the traditional commercial and residential title insurance projects. Session 04: Finance: Introduction to Structure of Construction Financing & Role of Key Parties - Discuss the basics of construction finance, loan agreements and their key provisions, conditions to closing, and schedules and exhibits. Explore the role of commercial parties, counsel, and consultants and other third parties in the loan agreement negotiation process.   Session 05: Finance: Introduction to Structures for Tax Equity Investments in Renewable Energy Transactions - The Inflation Reduction Act has led to an uptick in tax equity investments in renewable energy transactions. Look at how these investments are structured and why, including a look at key transactions documents and new emerging hybrid structures that take advantage of tax credit transfers. Session 06: What's New? Federal Energy Update - Hear a lively update on developments affecting the renewable energy market.  Session 07: Joint Venture and Joint Development Agreements - As more new entrants enter the renewable energy industry, we continue to see an increase in joint ventures and other types of joint development arrangements. In this panel, we will discuss the reasons why, different types of joint structures, and key issues that tend to arise in these negotiations.   Session 08: Mineral Issues Impact on Real Estate Documents, Siting and Planning: Texas vs. California - Understanding the interplay of the mineral estate to the surface estate, and site control agreement and title insurance issues and strategies for securing financeable renewable energy surface rights in Texas and California, and more generally. Session 09: ​Procurement and Construction in Energy Projects - Explore key considerations and potential pitfalls in structuring and carrying out procurement and construction for energy projects, including competitive bid processes, early design and engineering, and key contractual provisions, such as financing and tariff considerations and UFLPA and IRA requirements.  Session 10: Ethical Obligations in Negotiations - A foundational discussion about how you, as Counsel, accomplish your objectives and meet your goals while acting legally and ethically during negotiations. Reinforces the professional responsibility a lawyer must maintain when faced with ethical dilemmas in negotiations in order to identify: (1) the balance between a lawyer’s obligations of honesty and candor with client advocacy; (2) best practices in negotiations; and (3) the application of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct in legal negotiations.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Session 01: Federal Organization and Compliance for Nonprofits (Part 1): The Do’s and Don’ts for Obtaining Tax-Exempt Status - Learn what nonprofit organizations need to know to qualify for recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Topics also include an overview of the application process, the different basis for obtaining exemption, and the different types of tax-exempt organizations from an attorney and accountant perspective. Learn about when it may be necessary from a liability standpoint to set up another entity. Session 02: Federal Organization and Compliance for Nonprofits (Part 2): Maintaining Tax-Exempt Status - Explore a high-level overview of the general compliance requirements in connection with maintaining tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In particular, touch upon certain on-going federal and state-level reporting obligations, baseline operational and technical requirements, and governance practices.

Includes: Audio Slides

Session 01: Texas Nonprofit Basics (Part 1): Entity Formation, Governance, and Fiduciary Duties - A discussion about the types of entities that can be used to carry out nonprofit activities and the factors that should be considered when selecting among them. Recognizing that nonprofit corporations typically are the most appropriate choice, the panelists explain the role of a Board of Directors and offer suggestions for how to determine whether individual directors are abiding by their fiduciary duties. Session 02: Texas Nonprofit Basics (Part 2): Regulatory and Tax-Related Essentials - Deepen your understanding of essential regulatory and tax issues for Texas nonprofits. This session covers critical compliance considerations, including franchise and property taxes, sales tax exemptions, UBIT basics and proactive steps to manage fundraising and event-related risks.

Includes: Audio Slides

Focus on key terms as well as financial issues that are important to consider when advising clients producing film and television projects.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

As artists shy away from the long duration of traditional recording agreements, there is a rise in distribution deals being offered, even from the major labels. Dive into those deals and the various options that are being offered to artists.

Includes: Video Audio Paper

A panel presented by Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts discusses how pro bono representation of arts and entertainment clients helps to build substantive knowledge and an ethical foundation for practice management. The panel walks through a case-study involving a dispute among and between members of a musical recording group.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

An author and a publisher discuss legal and practical concerns of publishing agreements and ancillary deals.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Session 01: Threat Landscape Update - From cyber criminals to nation states who target our country, this session provides an overview of the cyber actors currently dominating the threat landscape Session 02: Anatomy of a Ransomware Negotiation: Lessons Learned from Communicating with a Threat Actor - Once the tough decision to negotiate with a Threat Actor has been made, what happens next? In this session, we role play negotiation scenarios highlighting valuable lessons learned from years in the trenches.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

HR professionals and legal counsel can better advise employers on compliance efforts if up to speed on the latest changes and trends in employment law. Hear a brief update of the most critical court cases, legislation, and federal agency activity at EEOC, DOL, and NLRB.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Practical guidance and considerations in developing and implementing governance around the internal use of AI.

Includes: Video Audio Slides

Understand the difference between disparate treatment and disparate impact, and why it matters. Why do you need to know about the "shifting burden of proof?" How can you prevent liability for harassment even after it occurs?

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Learn the best practices in documentation to effectively performance coach problem employees, while minimizing risks and maximize the chances of successfully defending the employer’s actions when challenged. Understand the value and risks posed by offer letters, disciplinary documentation, performance evaluations, and termination paperwork. Recognize the value and critical role of proper documentation in employment disputes.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

The FMLA was the first federal act that required an employer to provide time off for employees. Learn the basics of the law, which has been amended to cover additional types of leave. When do you send the various notices and certifications? Avoid common mistakes in completing the paperwork and understand how FMLA can overlap with ADA issues.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides

Avoid common mistakes in policy drafting. Adopt provisions that support the company's good faith compliance efforts and help reduce potential liability in audits, claims, and litigation. Understand how recent NLRB decisions affect policies even in non-unionized workplaces, and what government agencies such as TWC, EEOC, and DOL look for in matters involving employer policies.

Includes: Video Audio Paper Slides