Legal Forum

May 04 - May 06, 2025

Le Meridien Sheraton, Charlotte, NC

Overview
Program ⏷
- Schedule
- Speakers
Location
Registration ⏷
Sponsors ⏷
- Sponsors

Hybrid Event - In-person & Virtual!

Providing Legal Direction and Valuable Counsel for over 50 Years

The PREMIER EVENT for attorneys serving the equipment leasing and finance industry. The best place to OBTAIN UPDATES ON LEGAL ISSUES that impact your company UNMATCHED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES with your peers in the industry.

Attend In-Person or Virtually

ELFA is offering the Legal Forum as a hybrid event! You have the flexibility to choose the option that works best for you:

In-Person: Attend the Legal Forum in-person to connect with colleagues in Charlotte. Onsite attendees will enjoy unparalleled opportunities to network, do business and uncover ideas to help your business grow. All in person attendees will also have access to attend virtually to education sessions as well.
Virtual: Attend the Legal Forum remotely to hear from industry experts from the comfort of your home or office. Watch livestreams of high-quality educational sessions and top-notch keynote speakers when and where it’s most convenient for you—for a discounted price.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsoring events and functions at ELFA meetings provides excellent exposure for your company. Contact Steve Wafalosky at 440-247-1060 or stevew@cvmpmedia.com if you are interested in sponsoring any of the conference events.

Who Should Attend?

Internal and external counsel, as well as entry and senior-level attorneys.

Price Description	Amount
*First Time Attendee (ELFA Member First Timer)	$1160.00
*Spouse/Companion of Member	$215.00
*Spouse/Companion of Non Member	$215.00
Attendee (ELFA Member)	$1355.00
Attendee Additional (ELFA Member)	$1225.00
Committee Member	$625.00
Coupon from 2024	$0.00
Non Member Attendee (All)	$2715.00
Speaker - Member (Attending Entire Conference)	$625.00
Speaker - Non Member (Attending Entire Conference)	$625.00
Virtual Attendee - Member Company	$595.00
Virtual Attendee - Non Member Company	$595.00

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Schedule

The Legal Forum is hybrid this year! Most but not all sessions will be available to stream online during the conference.

Blank Rome LLP

Lease Enforcement Attorney Network (lean)

Founded in 1999, LEAN is comprised of carefully selected member firms distinguished by their long and broad experience in leasing and an excellent reputation in the industry. We represent clients needing assistance with lease obligations, collections, asset recovery and bankruptcy. Many of our firms contain Board Certified Creditor's Rights Specialists and/or Business Bankruptcy Specialists certified by their individual states or by the American Board of Certification. EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS

LEAN law firms provide the finest enforcement representation with a wide array of flexible fee arrangements, ranging from hourly, contingent or blended, to flat fees. Our firms pride themselves on their ability to handcraft a fee arrangement to fit each client's individual needs.

With offices strategically located across the country, LEAN stands ready to assist lessors with their enforcement needs in every state. Our comprehensive network of lease enforcement specialists offers convenience along with high quality and high value service.

Visit us at www.leasecollect.org

Mayer Brown LLP

Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP

Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP is a full-service, AV- rated commercial firm with 90+ attorneys based in New York with offices on Long Island and in New York City and Florida. We have attained a national reputation over the past 40 years, representing members of the equipment leasing and finance industry including asset-based lenders, finance and leasing companies, banks and independent companies of varying size and specialty. Some of the largest, most well-known companies in the industry rely on us for services that include drafting, negotiation and structuring of loan and lease agreements, creating and documenting specialized programs, transactions and portfolio sales, capital markets, formation, purchase and sale of leasing companies, as well as workouts, litigation, creditors' rights and bankruptcy representation.

Thompson Coburn LLP

Thompson Coburn, a full-service law firm, assists clients in all facets of equipment finance, including structuring, negotiation, documentation, tax, closing, workout, litigation, and bankruptcy. We represent lenders and lessors in various industries, from motor vehicle to health care and industrial equipment. We have a niche practice in transportation with a nationally recognized maritime practice.

Total Commitment – to our clients, to our colleagues, and to our communities – is the beating heart of Thompson Coburn. We are a values-driven law firm with 400+ attorneys doing sophisticated, impactful work in more than 50 areas of law. With offices in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, Washington, D.C., and Birmingham, we serve clients across the U.S. and around the world.

The 2025 Legal Form will be held at the Le Meridien Sheraton and Sheraton Charlotte hotels, 55 S McDowell St Tower, Charlotte, NC 28204. A special conference rate of $239 plus tax is offered to attendees. The discounted room rate is available until EITHER the room block sells out OR the discounted rate expires on April 16, 2025. Check-in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00am.

The Le Meridien and Sheraton Charlotte hotels are connected properties (located at the same address) and attendees are given a choice for room reservations through the link below. The Le Meridien property has fewer rooms available over the conference dates, so please make reservations early for that property, as it will sell out faster. The conference meeting space is located in the Sheraton Charlotte.

Hotel Reservations

Please use this link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/ to make your hotel reservations.

IMPORTANT The discounted room rate is available until EITHER the room block sells out OR the discounted rate expires on April 16, 2025. Reservations made after this date are based on hotel availability and may be at a higher rate.

Escape to the Le Meridien and Sheraton hotels, where guests have access to Charlotte Convention Center, Bank of America Stadium, downtown businesses and uplifting nightlife. Later, reconnect at their rooftop venue, City Lights, where signature cocktails are paired with some of the best sunset views and light bites in Uptown Charlotte, NC. Hotel rooms and suites boast imaginative designs, stimulating views, and much more. Discover Uptown Charlotte, NC, from our spirited and sensorial hotel.

Relax in elegantly designed rooms and suites featuring high-speed Wi-Fi. Take advantage of the Fitness Center, open 24 hours daily, the heated indoor swimming pool, open Mon-Sun from 9am- 9pm, or the outdoor swimming pool, also open daily (weather permitting), from 10AM - 8PM.

Getting There

The Le Meridien Sheraton is 7 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Approximate cost from the airport to the hotel is around $26 one-way with a Taxi and takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers a website with a multitude of transportation options and information.

Parking

We have a reduced overnight self-parking rate of $15 per car/per day, while the hourly rate is $10. Valet parking is $35.00 daily.

Cancellation & Other Policies

Cancellation Policy

No refunds of registration or exhibit fees will be given for cancellations received later than 10 days prior to the event. If you need to cancel, please email Janet Fianko (jfianko@elfaonline.org).

ELFA regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

Substitutions

Substitutions for the entire program may be made at any time including on-site registration.

Non-Member Conference Attendance Policy

Non-Members: Please Read Carefully

A non-renewing, Regular Member organization will be permitted to attend one ELFA conference as a non-member and pay the applicable non-member registration fee. If the company wishes to attend another ELFA conference thereafter, it must join as a Regular Member.
An organization that has never been a member of the ELFA, and is qualified to be a Regular Member, is subject to the same attendance policy that applies to the non-renewing ELFA Regular Member: i.e., it will be permitted to attend one ELFA conference as a non-member and pay the applicable non-member registration fee. If the company wishes to attend another ELFA conference thereafter, it must join as a Regular Member.
New members will receive a discount (the difference between the non-member and member registration fee) towards their dues if they attend a conference as a non-member, pay the non- member registration fee, and subsequently join the ELFA within 60 days.

To learn more about ELFA membership and its benefits, contact Julie Benson at jbenson@elfaonline.org or 202-238-3432.

Special Registration Fees

Speaker and Planning Committee Registration Policy

All speakers and committee members must complete and return the registration form, or register online. Speakers attending the entire conference pay half the registration fee. The fee is waived for speakers who are attending only on the day of their presentation. Committee members, regardless of length of stay at the conference, pay half the registration fee. Please make sure you check the appropriate box on the registration form. If you have questions regarding these policies, contact Emily Winkler at (202) 238-3415, ewinkler@elfaonline.org.

The exception to this policy is the ELFA Annual Convention. Speakers attending the entire Annual Convention pay the full regular member first person registration fee. The convention fee is waived for speakers who are attending only on the day of their presentation.

Spouse/Companion Registration Policy

A spouse/companion attending any portion of the conference or social functions must be registered and must pay the spouse/companion fee. Please mark the appropriate box on the registration form. If your spouse/companion is employed in leasing and wishes to attend any portion of the conference, the full attendee (member/nonmember) registration fee is due.

Continuing Education Credits

Attendees of qualifying conferences may obtain credit for attendance. Learn more about Continuing Education Credits.

CLE Credits: Some of ELFA Conferences qualify for CLE credits. We will note on the conference page if a particular conference qualifies for CLE credits.
Prior to the conference date, please inform ELFA of the state you are seeking to obtain CLE credits. Please contact Janet Fianko at (202) 238-3420 or jfianko@elfaonline.org with this information.
CPE Credits: The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credits. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219-2417 or (615) 880-4200, website: www.nasba.org.

Conference Compliance

Attendee Contact Information

By registering for this conference, attendees authorize ELFA to share your contact information, including but not limited to email address and telephone number with other registered attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors. For more information please contact Janet Fianko at jfianko@elfaonline.org.

Health & Wellness Policy: Release and Assumption of Risk

As we continue taking important steps to provide for the health and safety of our attendees, we ask that you review our COVID-19 information, well-being protocols, and policies below. By registering for this event you agree to adhere to the below policies to sustain a healthy and safe environment for our attendees. It’s important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions. Any and all private health and personal data will be treated with confidentiality and sensitivity.

Because COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person-to-person contact, Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (“ELFA”) has adopted preventative measures to reduce the spread of the COVID virus at its conferences and events in accordance with guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for events and gatherings, in coordination with event host properties. ELFA will comply with all applicable requirements imposed by state, provincial, and local health authorities for the locality in which the conference or event takes place. However, ELFA cannot guarantee that conference attendees will not become infected with COVID-19.

Individuals who fall within either of the categories listed below should not attend ELFA conferences or events:

Individuals who are experiencing, or within the 14 days prior to the conference or event have experienced, symptoms associated with COVID-19; or
Individuals who believe that they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.

Conference and event attendees should self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and are asked to contact ELFA at meetings@elfaonline.org if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days after participating in an ELFA conference or event.

ELFA Code of Conduct

Thank you for choosing to enhance your professional development by attending this ELFA conference. One of our goals is to ensure that we promote a safe and productive environment for all conference attendees. We invite you to help us make each ELFA-sponsored conference and live event a place that is welcoming and respectful to all participants, regardless of race, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, national origin, ethnicity, political affiliation, or religion. We do not condone, nor will we tolerate harassment of our participants, including ELFA and facility staff, in any form—in person or online.

Examples of harassment include offensive comments, verbal threats or demands, sexualized images in public spaces, intimidation, stalking, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of sessions or events, and unwelcome physical contact or sexual attention.

We expect all participants—attendees, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff—to follow the Code of Conduct during the conference. This includes conference-related social events at off-site locations and in related online communities and social media. Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Conference participants violating this Code of Conduct may be expelled from the conference without a refund, and/ or prohibited from attending future ELFA events, at the discretion of ELFA.

Please bring any concerns to the immediate attention of the event staff, or contact Lisa Ramirez, ELFA Vice President of Business and Professional Development, at lramirez@elfaonline.org. You may also report violations by calling call +1 202-238-3414. Thank you for your help in keeping this and all ELFA events professional, welcoming, and respectful to all.

Photographs Taken at Conferences

Photographs of speakers and attendees may be taken at ELFA conferences. These may appear in ELFA publications or on the ELFA website. By registering for a conference, you authorize ELFA the right to use any photographs taken of you during the course of the conference.

Questions?

If you have a question about this conference not related to registration, please call ELFA Professional Development at (202) 238-3400.

Email jfianko@elfaonline.org for registration inquiries.

(Note: No registrations can be made by telephone)

Sunday, May 04

09:15 AM - 09:30 AM	TopGolf Transportation Loading & Departure Location: Hotel Lobby
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM	TopGolf Experience Unleash the FUN at TopGolf - where exciting play meets friendly competition for players of all skill levels. Brunch bites and beverages will be served while you hit microchipped golf balls to score points in interactive games and team play. Transportation will depart from the hotel at 9:30am and will return by 1:00pm. This event is NOT included in your conference registration fee and is $75 per person. Must register by April 16, 2025.
02:00 PM - 06:00 PM	Attendee Registration Location: Convention Foyer
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM	Air, Rail, Marine Roundtable Location: Mecklenburg 3 Eileen Brown, Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP Robert Goldberg, Assistant General Counsel & Executive Director, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Jason Huff, Partner, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Matthew Kaiser, Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP Brian Wendt, Associate, Vedder Price P.C. This session is not available virtually.
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM	Vendor Finance - Risks, Rewards and Challenges in a Vendor/Funder Relationship Location: Carolina Ballroom A This panel will explore the distinctions, benefits, and challenges of vendor finance programs, emphasizing the importance of careful structuring and compliance with evolving regulations. There will be a focus on legal considerations relating to bundled transactions, recourse arrangements and portfolio sales of vendor finance transactions. Shari Bacsardi, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson Christine Brown, Sr. Flex Financial Counsel, Flex Financial, Stryker Ryan Thompson, Of Counsel, Womble Bond Dickinson
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM	Structuring 101 Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE Debra Devassy-Babu, Shareholder, Darcy & Devassy PC Mike Tobak, Partner, Kutak Rock LLP Matthew Cleaves, Managing Counsel, Equipment Finance and Vendor Financial Services, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
04:00 PM - 04:15 PM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM	Title Vehicles Roundtable Location: Mecklenburg 3 Panel discussion on the digitization of the transportation finance industry, including eNotary/Remote Notary and eTitling laws, legislative update on Vehicle Tracking laws and recent fraud cases. William Wilson, Associate General Counsel & Vice President, BMO Transportation Finance and Vendor Finance Bob Cohen, Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Greg Poole, Senior Counsel, BMO Bank N.A. Jared Roach, Partner, Reed Smith Jane Downey, Of Counsel, Baker Donelson This session is not available virtually.
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM	State Law Update Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE Kyle Alexandre, Vice President, State Government Relations, ELFA Moorari Shah, Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLC
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM	UCC 101 – The Importance of Being Perfected Location: Carolina Ballroom A This panel discussion will provide foundational information on perfection and priority issues related to UCC Article 9, including the importance of and common pitfalls observed in UCC searches, purchase-money security interests, perfection of specialty collateral, and a discussion on common issues encountered in negotiating landlords lien subordinations and waivers. Shari Bacsardi, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson Daniel Dvorak, Chief Legal Counsel, Choice Financial Group Thomas Makens, Partner, Kutak Rock LLP Trudie McAdams, Assistant General Counsel, The Huntington National Bank
05:15 PM - 06:00 PM	Rising Lawyers & Newcomers Reception Location: City Lights, 18th Floor
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM	Opening Reception Location: Craft City Social Club

* All times are in Eastern Standard Time

07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	Breakfast Location: Craft City Social Club
08:00 AM - 09:30 AM	GENERAL SESSION – ELFA Update & Legal Update Part 1 Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE Welcoming Remarks, Presentation of Edward E. Groobert Award for Legal Excellence, 2025 Brian Kestenbaum, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc. ELFA Legal Committee Chair ELFA Update James Cress, Vice President & General Manager, Flex Financial, Stryker ELFA Board Chair Legal Update I Randall Armentrout, Shareholder, Nyemaster Law Firm Vince Borst, Partner, Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC Larry Holmes, Principal, Offit Kurman
09:30 AM - 09:45 AM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
09:45 AM - 10:45 AM	Workout Strategies and Troubled Credits in an Evolving Economic Environment Roundtable Location: Meckleburg 3 Whether you are representing a small finance company or a large international bank, workouts are an important (and unfortunate) aspect of your business. In this interactive session, the panel will discuss the most effective strategies for approaching the collection and workout process and what trends they are seeing in the current economic environment. The panel will feature the unique perspectives of both the in-house legal team and outside counsel and will explain how each plays an integral role in ensuring a successful workout. The discussion will range from best practices and internal policies to employ at the finance company/bank level, to the appropriate time to engage outside counsel (and how to use them), to what workout tools such as, forbearance agreements, confessions of judgment and active bankruptcy case involvement are truly effective. We will also discuss how to manage expectations of recovery. The panelists will discuss their recent experiences with workout issues in court, including the tactical use of DIP financing by debtors in Chapter 11 cases and how, and when, to invoke Purdue Pharma to prevail against guarantors. Robert Hornby, Chair — Equipment Leasing & Finance, CSG Law PC Scott Chait, Director, Counsel \| Practice Group Head - Equipment Leasing & Finance, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Marc Hamroff, Chairman, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Ross Juliano, Chief Operating Officer - ABA Certified Paralegal, Highland Capital Corporation This session is not available virtually.
09:45 AM - 10:45 AM	Artificial Intelligence: Understanding and working with the ever changing operative and legal landscape Location: Carolina CDE It’s a whole new world. A learner’s guide to the operatives of AI as well as the legal and ethical risks it presents. This thought-provoking session will appeal to anyone wishing to catch up or keep up on the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence. The panel will provide insight as to the technological makeup of AI and address questions about its application in the industry. What is AI? How is it used? How is it currently used in the equipment and finance industry? Further, the discussion will offer insight as to the legal questions presented by AI. What is the current legal posture? What are the latest ethical issues? And what are risks and considerations when advising clients using AI? Denise Field, Shareholder, Buchalter Scott Nelson, President and Chief Technology Officer, Tamarack Brittany Ogden, Attorney, Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Lease & Loan Template Updates: Critical Clauses & E-Leasing Roundtable Location: Meckleburg 3 This session will explore the most critical clauses you should add to your lease and loan templates right away and why this is important. The session will also include an e-leasing update. Kristin Esche, Associate Chief Counsel, John Deere Financial Andy Jorgensen, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP Bob Cohen, Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Derek Marks, Of Counsel, Alston & Bird This session is not available virtually.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	So You Want to Securitize? Location: Carolina Ballroom A This session will focus on securitization matters impacting finance companies and things that companies, and their outside counsel, should consider when entering into leases or loans with a view to securitize the transaction. This session will also provide an overview of options for structuring the transaction, an overview of UCC and PPSA concerns in a securitization, true sale and bankruptcy remoteness considerations and related opinion matters, among other relevant topics. Josephine Chang, Counsel, Reed Smith LLP Lauren Grossman, Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Kevin MacLeod, Shareholder, Head of the New York Capital Markets Group, Vedder Price Carla Potter, Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Cybersecurity: Keeping Your Client Safe and Protected Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE This panel will examine the current state of cybersecurity challenges and topics that an equipment finance provider should consider to transact business in a safe and compliant manner. Topics include the threat of cyberfraud and the developing legal framework the industry should understand; state data privacy laws that may affect how equipment financiers and their counterparties handle personal information; and cybersecurity from an insurance provider’s perspective and what pitfalls an equipment funder should be aware of when seeking coverage. Eric Gazin, General Counsel and SVP, Verdant Commercial Capital LLC Snehal Desai, Attorney, Sheppard Mullin Brian Dusek, Director, FINEX NA Cyber, WTW Shawn Edwards, Shareholder, Maselli Warren, P.C.
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM	Lunch Location: Craft City Social Club
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM	Inside/Outside Roundtable Location: Meckleburg 3 Communication, Expectations, and Value – Keys to Building a Strong Inside/Outside Counsel Partnership Linda D'Amico, Assistant General Counsel, CrowdStrike Financial Services, Inc. Matt Giadrosich, Partner, Padfield & Stout, LLP Katie Riggs, Corporate Counsel, Dext Capital Mary Ann Stathopoulos, Managing Attorney, Cisco Systems Capital Corporation This session is not available virtually.
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM	Blockchain, UCC, Crypto, Digital Assets Location: Carolina Ballroom A Scott Chait, Director, Counsel \| Practice Group Head - Equipment Leasing & Finance, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Frank Weigand, Partner, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP Barbara Goodstein, Partner, Mayer Brown LLP
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM	Bankruptcy – Hot Topics Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE Mark Stout, Partner, Padfield & Stout, LLP Jennifer Crastz, Partner, Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP
02:00 PM - 02:15 PM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
02:15 PM - 03:15 PM	Industry Fraud Location: Carolina Ballroom A Robert Ernst, Senior Counsel, Verdant Commercial Capital LLC Ken Ito, Attorney, Hemar, Rousso & Heald, LLP Alexis Leventhal, Counsel, Reed Smith LLP Carla Potter, Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Richard Tannenbaum, Partner, Reed Smith LLP
02:15 PM - 03:15 PM	Advanced UCC (you might know or think you know this, but maybe you don’t…) Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE The panelists will discuss a myriad of “Advanced” UCC-related topics that should be of particular interest to in-house and outside equipment finance lawyers, including, among other things: 2022 Amendments; Enactment status update and conflicts of law considerations. Tricky Transactional Traps/Take-Aways regarding, among other things: Bundled Transactions - What is it, and how can I be sure the customer will pay? Both pre and post-2022 Amendments. Chattel Paper Perfection - What is CP; why isn’t perfection by filing enough; and possession or control of what and how? Both pre and post-2022 Amendments. Equipment vs Inventory and vs Fixtures, Accessions and Software - What is being financed/leased, why should I care and what should I do? PMSIs – How can I be sure that it really works for my deal? Liquidated Damages – Is your formula the solution for getting paid? Dominic Liberatore, Deputy General Counsel, DLL Edward Gross, Shareholder, Vedder Price P.C. Bonnie Michael, Shareholder, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC Diona Rogers, Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP
03:15 PM - 03:30 PM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM	Managing the Closing Process - Legal Opinions Roundtable Location: Meckleburg 3 This roundtable will explore key legal and operational considerations in closing equipment finance transactions. Bring your questions—attendee participation is encouraged, and all topics are on the table. From due diligence to post-closing to legal opinions, we’ll discuss best practices for balancing efficiency with risk mitigation and how different clients, equipment, and structures impact the process. Scott Chait, Director, Counsel \| Practice Group Head - Equipment Leasing & Finance, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Thomas Hotard, VP - Program Management and Contracts, Midland Equipment Finance Andrew Romshek, Partner, Kutak Rock Kelli Roussos-Smith, Assistant General Counsel, M&T Bank This session is not available virtually.
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM	Advanced Technology in Equipment Finance Location: Carolina Ballroom A Drones, autonomous vehicles, tracking device implications, server farms, and other things you need to be careful of. Scott Adams, Vice President Legal & Compliance, North America, Volvo Financial Services Mike Beattie, Shareholder, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC Joe Davies, Partner, Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP Cody McDavis, Associate \| Global Transportation Finance, VedderPrice
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM	Unlocking Government Finance: Tax-Exempt Leasing and Emerging Issues Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE This presentation dives into government finance with a focus on state and local financing, and examines the requirements and documentation for tax-exempt leasing as well as the growing trend toward “alternative” agreements. It also delves into current hot topics and important issues lenders should consider, offering a comprehensive guide to navigating the current landscape of government leasing. Ben Hall, VP & Senior Legal Counsel, U.S. Bank Matthew McKeon, SVP & Senior Associate General Counsel, The Huntington National Bank Brad Nielsen, Partner, Kutak Rock LLP
04:30 PM - 04:45 PM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
04:45 PM - 05:45 PM	General Session - 4th Annual “It’s All Legal!” Trivia Game with Drinks Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE Led by Chair of the Legal Committee, Mr. Brian Kestenbaum, the "It's All Legal!" trivia game features a diverse range of questions with a playful connection to legal topics. Get ready for two engaging rounds of in-person competition alongside your ELFA Legal Forum companions. Prizes, along with the coveted bragging rights, await the top three participants. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND THIS YEAR: Alcoholic refreshments will be available for all contestants during the game. FIRST PLACE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $100 GIFT CARD!
05:45 PM - 06:15 PM	Women in Law & Leasing Reception Location: City Lights, 18th Floor
06:15 PM - 07:30 PM	Hosted Reception Location: CJ's

07:00 AM - 08:00 AM	Breakfast Location: Craft City Social Club
08:00 AM - 09:00 AM	General Session - Legal Update Part 2 Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE A timely discussion of recent case law and statutory developments affecting various aspects of the leasing and finance industry. Julia Gavrilov, Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Lisa Peters, Partner, Kutak Rock LLP Brittany Ogden, Attorney, Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP
09:00 AM - 09:15 AM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
09:15 AM - 10:15 AM	Energy Finance Location: Carolina Ballroom A Energy Finance continues to expand, notwithstanding political changes. The panelists will describe the major growth areas, the legal structures and documents, and the tax benefits of investing in energy equipment. Rafael Castillo-Triana, CEO, Latin American Region, The Alta Group LLC Joe Sebik, Director, Tax Compliance, Siemens Corporation Steve Whelan, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
09:15 AM - 10:15 AM	Federal Law Update Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE ELFA SVP of Public Policy Andy Fishburn gives us the latest on what has been happening in Washington, D.C. this year, including policy updates on issues affecting the equipment finance industry, such as Dodd-Frank 1071, the Corporate Transparency Act, tariffs, and more. Bradley Salyer, Associate General Counsel, U.S. Bank Andy Fishburn, Senior VP, Public Policy, ELFA
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Break Location: Convention Foyer
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	General Session: AI in Law Practice - Ethics Location: Carolina Ballroom CDE Our inboxes are filled with news of artificial intelligence – its dangers, threats, promises, and possibilities. During this program, we will consider the practical uses for AI, generative and otherwise, in the delivery of legal services. We’ll discuss the possibilities for their use, as well as the ethical guardrails we must consider to best ensure client protection. We’ll look at the states that have provided guidance on the use of generative AI and peek at what the future might hold. Scott Adams, Vice President Legal & Compliance, North America, Volvo Financial Services Ellen Murphy, Professor of Practice, Wake Forest University School of Law