ThinkHouse Foundations is our tailored programme for in-house lawyers starting out in their careers. Drawing on the topics and insights that matter to you, we explore the opportunities and challenges faced by paralegals, trainees and lawyers with up to five years' experience. These events are specifically tailored to the needs of the in-house lawyer and also offer the opportunity to network with their peers at a similar career stage.

At the seminar we will deliver training on four topics, all designed to help broaden your knowledge and provide practical take-away points you can apply in your day-to-day role.

DMCCA: What you need to know about the "Consumer" in The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024

The consumer protection elements set out in the long-awaited Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 are coming into force from April this year. We will take a look at these key changes- including how the CMA is adding to their enforcement toolbox with new boosted powers- and we will also look at the laws on subscription contracts due to come into force next year.

Introduction to ADR and Arbitration: The only games in town?

Many commercial contracts provide that disputes arising between the parties shall be resolved in state courts. What alternatives are out there – and what advantages do they offer over litigation? Patrick Fox will discuss various methods of alternative dispute resolution and arbitration from an in-house lawyer's perspective, focusing on time, cost and commercial drivers.

Governance and director duties

Frank Beeton and Owen Shave will take you through a timely refresher on the director duties and key points of risk for your senior leadership team. This will also include a review of how in-house lawyers can collaboratively work to assist the senior leadership team with their obligations and the introduction of the new failure to prevent fraud offence (coming into force on 1 September 2025).

Biometric recognition systems – what are the data protection risks for your business?

The use of biometric data for identification purposes is on the rise. Biometric recognition systems undoubtedly have many advantages, but the use of biometric data for identification purposes comes with challenges too, from the possibility of discrimination that may arise in the biometric recognition itself, to the risk of personal data breaches. Claire Van Ristell will be discussing some key data protection issues and risks, as well as the practical steps you should be considering before rolling out a new biometric recognition system in your business.

We hope you can join us at one of the events for a morning of legal updates, skills development and peer networking.