Brief Encounters

D.C. Bar Communities Office
  • 4.8 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Listen in for exclusive interviews and conversations with D.C. Bar members and guests about hot topics! To learn more about D.C. Bar Communities, join a community, and/or register for upcoming programs, visit www.dcbar.org/communities Presented by the D.C. Bar Communities Podcast Network. Other network channels include "The Tea on International Arbitration" with the D.C. Bar International Law Community (anchor.fm/DCBarTea) and "Let's Brief It" with the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (anchor.fm/DCLSC). Theme Music: "If" by Broke for Free

  1. JAN 21

    Securities Regulation and Enforcement Series – A Study in Contrasts: Innovation and Crypto versus the Crypto Fraud Landscape

    In the Season 3 premiere, co-hosts Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm’s Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, and William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, are joined by Caitlin Barnett, Director of Regulation & Compliance at Chainalysis for a timely, practical conversation on how crypto fraud is evolving - and what lawyers, regulators, and compliance professionals need to know now. This episode complements prior crypto episodes and addresses the misuse of innovation, which harms investors and erodes confidence in crypto and innovation. Drawing on Chainalysis’s frontline experience, Caitlin explains how crypto fraud has advanced, dispels common misconceptions, and breaks down how blockchain forensics works in practice—from spotting suspicious activity to tracing funds. The conversation then turns to regulatory and compliance implications, including where crypto fraud most directly intersects with securities law, common compliance gaps for regulated firms, and what it takes to move from on-chain activity to real-world attribution and recovery. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion of emerging fraud techniques, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. A must-listen for securities lawyers, compliance officers, regulators, and others navigating the rapidly evolving crypto enforcement landscape. Recent Past Episodes of this Series: A Year of Change, Challenges, and What Comes Next (12/17/2025) ⁠When Washington Stops: What the 2025 Shutdown Means for the SEC and Congress Going Forward⁠ (11/19/2025) ⁠⁠⁠The SEC’s New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠⁠⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠⁠⁠ (9/24/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC’s Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (7/16/25) Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    31 min

  2. JAN 14

    Addressing Human Trafficking in the U.S. through Law and Policy

    Join the leadership of the D.C. Bar’s Human Rights and Immigration Subcommittee (part of the International Law Community) in a stimulating conversation with two leaders in the anti-human trafficking movement. This program is particularly timely at the 25-year mark of the criminalization of human trafficking under U.S. law. Additionally, during the past two decades, survivors have successfully held their traffickers accountable through filing action in district court (frequently with the assistance of pro bono attorneys) under a civil remedy provision. We hope that this program will motivate D.C. Bar members to serve as pro bono attorneys in this significant area of the law. Guests: Martina Vandenberg (President and Founder) and Evelyn Chumbow (Advocacy and Survivor Leadership Director) at the Human Trafficking Legal Center in Washington, D.C. Evelyn is a survivor of forced labor who was trafficked from Cameroon to the U.S. as a young child. She spent years in involuntary servitude in Maryland to a Cameroonian national, enduring treatment described by the Justice Department as “modern-day slavery.” Since 2015, Evelyn has served on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    34 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Securities Regulation and Enforcement Series - Season 2 Finale: A Year of Change, Challenges, and What Comes Next

    In the final episode of Season 2, Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm’s Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, to recap a truly momentous year - one that brought a new administration, a new SEC Chairman, and the longest government shutdown in history. Valerie and William reflect on key themes and conversations from throughout the season, revisiting episodes on digital assets, artificial intelligence, corporate governance, and SEC examination and enforcement priorities. They also look ahead to 2026, offering insights into what the next six to twelve months may hold for the regulatory and policy landscape. To close out the season, we extend a heartfelt thank-you to all our incredible guests, to the D.C. Bar, and to you - our listeners - for your support and for making this podcast possible. Past Episodes of this Series: When Washington Stops: What the 2025 Shutdown Means for the SEC and Congress Going Forward (11/19/2025) ⁠⁠The SEC’s New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠⁠ (9/24/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC’s Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (6/18/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (5/21/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (4/23/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (3/26/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/26/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/5/25) Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    37 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    The Plight of Political Prisoners

    Repressive regimes throughout the world are increasingly relying on political imprisonment to silence opposition and dissent. In this episode, Brian Tronic, Director of the Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners at Freedom House, will discuss what a "political prisoner" is; the prevalence of political imprisonment and key countries of concern; common issues political prisoners face and violations they experience; and advocacy strategies for their release. He will be joined by Talia Khattak, the daughter of Pakistani political prisoner Idris Khattak, who will share her father's story and what it is like when a family member becomes a political prisoner. To learn more or get involved, email tronic@freedomhouse.org. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    33 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    Securities Regulation and Enforcement Series - When Washington Stops: What the 2025 Shutdown Means for the SEC and Congress Going Forward

    In this episode of Season 2, A. Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm’s Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, to break down the ripple effects of the unprecedented 2025 government shutdown. The episode was recorded as the 43-day shutdown was nearing its end, during a period of uncertainty about the exact timing of its resolution. In this episode, Valerie and William focus on what the shutdown means for the months ahead. William explores how postponed or cancelled Congressional hearings are slowing momentum on potential legislation, and why we’re unlikely to see any new SEC rule proposals in 2025. Valerie walks through the expected delays to the SEC’s examination and enforcement priorities—typically released by year-end—which now appear more likely to slip into 2026. Together, they unpack why the full impact of the shutdown on policy and rulemaking will take time to fully emerge, and what investment advisers, broker-dealers and public companies should be watching for next. Past Episodes of this Series: ⁠The SEC’s New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠ (9/24/25) ⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC’s Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠⁠⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠⁠⁠⁠ (6/18/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠⁠⁠⁠ (5/21/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠ (4/23/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠ (3/26/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/26/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/5/25) Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    17 min

  6. 11/05/2025

    U.S. PIRG's Advocacy for "Right to Repair" Laws

    U.S. PIRG's Federal Legislative Director, Isaac Bowers, discusses his organization's advocacy for "right to repair" at the state and federal level, including for the military. Such laws guarantee access to parts, tools, and service information for an array of products, from military ships and planes to consumer electronics and general consumer goods. D.C. does not yet have a comprehensive right to repair law. Don Allen Resnikoff moderates. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    25 min

  7. 10/22/2025

    Securities Regulation and Enforcement Series - The SEC’s New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus

    In this episode of Season 2, A. Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm’s Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, to discuss the ongoing government shutdown and two recent speeches by SEC Chairman Paul Atkins on enforcement and corporate governance. Chairman Atkins has announced plans to revamp the SEC’s Wells process, aiming to make the agency more transparent in sharing investigative findings and to give firms greater opportunity to respond before enforcement actions move forward. He also signaled a potential shift in the shareholder proposal framework under Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, suggesting the SEC may allow companies to exclude precatory, or non-binding, shareholder proposals - a move that could reshape how corporate governance issues reach the ballot. Finally, Valerie and William explore the implications of the government shutdown, noting that its full impact on rulemaking and policy may take time to unfold. Past Episodes of this Series: From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto (9/24/25) ⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC’s Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠ (8/13/25) ⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠⁠ (6/18/25) ⁠⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠⁠ (5/21/25) ⁠⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠⁠ (4/23/25) ⁠⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠⁠ (3/26/25) ⁠⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠⁠ (2/26/25) ⁠⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠⁠ (2/5/25) Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    27 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    Making Litigation Less Complex, More Efficient, and Just

    Retired Judges Thomas Moukawsher and Bennett Rushkoff speak on the role of dynamic judges in guiding the course of litigation so that it moves efficiently to a reasonable and just conclusion.Judge Moukawsher is the author of "The Common Flaw: Needless Complexity in the Courts and 50 Ways to Reduce It." The book critiques the complexity of modern litigation and judicial practices and proposes a series of suggestions to bring greater efficiency to court proceedings, as well as greater public respect for the courts.Judge Rushkoff brings to bear his experience as an D.C. Administrative Law Judge, where the guiding role of the judge is very important.The discussion is moderated by Don Allen Resnikoff of the D.C. Bar Public Interest and Courts Community. Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

    31 min
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About

Listen in for exclusive interviews and conversations with D.C. Bar members and guests about hot topics! To learn more about D.C. Bar Communities, join a community, and/or register for upcoming programs, visit www.dcbar.org/communities Presented by the D.C. Bar Communities Podcast Network. Other network channels include "The Tea on International Arbitration" with the D.C. Bar International Law Community (anchor.fm/DCBarTea) and "Let's Brief It" with the D.C. Bar Law Student Community (anchor.fm/DCLSC). Theme Music: "If" by Broke for Free

Information

  • Creator
    D.C. Bar Communities Office
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © D.C. Bar Communities Office
  • Show Website
    Brief Encounters