Association of Corporate Counsel Europe Hub

US-style collective litigation is rising up the corporate risk register in the UK. There has been a significant increase in the number of claims over the last decade, driven by legislative and procedural changes, the approach of the courts, the availability of litigation funding and growth in claimant focused law firms (often with US roots) opening up in the UK to pursue and generate these claims. These claims are hitting the headlines and businesses – in all sectors, but particularly consumer, manufacturing, tech, pharma and utilities, will look to their in-house counsel to understand what this may mean for them.

In this partnership between the Association of Corporate Counsel Europe and Squire Patton Boggs, attendees heard from both external and in‑house counsel about the developments they were already seeing, the trends they expected to emerge over the next few years, and insights into resisting or defending these claims.

This webinar was designed to help attendees better understand the potential risk areas for their businesses and how to protect their position at the pre‑litigation stage.

In this partnership between the Association of Corporate Counsel Europe and Squire Patton Boggs, we were excited to bring this dynamic event to Manchester on 5 February 2026. Attendees stepped into the boardroom and experienced a high‑intensity crisis simulation, where allegations of harassment and sexual misconduct against a senior business leader unfolded in real time. As the scenario developed, participants grappled with complex legal and reputational dilemmas, placing them at the forefront of board‑level decision‑making when it mattered most. How the board handled such allegations was critical.

A poorly managed response could trigger legal or regulatory action against the company and cause lasting reputational damage, especially if the matter became public. Guided by our panel of experts, participants had the opportunity to explore the key risks facing the company in a complex and evolving scenario. Working with other attendees, they identified the most important factors to consider when determining an appropriate response, while the panel provided insights and guidance at each stage.

This interactive event was designed to enhance leadership, decision‑making, and crisis‑response skills.

Speakers

Hannah Laming
Squire Patton Boggs

Pete Lees
Squire Patton Boggs

James Pike
Squire Patton Boggs

Sarah Wilkinson
Squire Patton Boggs

Laura Woodfine‑Jones
ACC Europe Country Representative – UK

We invited attendees to join us for an exclusive, high‑impact panel discussion designed for Senior In‑House Counsel navigating contemporary geopolitical, policy, regulatory, and business shifts in Europe. In an era marked by geopolitical change, regulatory complexity, and economic uncertainty, corporate legal leaders played a critical role in shaping their organisations’ strategic direction. This interactive event was tailored for General Counsel, Chief Legal Officers, and senior in‑house counsel seeking actionable insights to enhance their strategic role within their organisations - contributing to growth while preparing for both the known and unknown unknowns. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the event focused on major global and European policy shifts and their impact on businesses and regulatory responses worldwide.

Speakers:

• Welcome from Carole Sportes, Office Managing Partner (Paris Office) and Tony Reed, Partner, Corporate

• Welcome from ACC Country Representative, Julie Guillotte (Group Legal and Tax Director, Adeo Services Group)

• Matthew Kirk, International Affairs Advisor

• Thomas Delille, Partner, European Public Policy