Key Regulatory Shifts in Business Law: Understanding the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule & Corporate Transparency Act

 Co-sponsored with the Business Law Section

Thursday, November 21, 2024 
8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
AK Bar Zoom
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3.0 General CLE Credits
CLE# 2024-078
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Registration: Free
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This program will cover two timely and critical developments in business law that are reshaping the corporate landscape and could have a substantial impact on Alaskan businesses.

1. The SEC’s Landmark Climate Disclosure Rule 

In March 2024, the SEC adopted a landmark rule on climate-related disclosures following a 2022 proposal and extensive revisions. Accompanied by a comprehensive almost 900-page release, this rule aims to mandate climate impact disclosures for companies registered under the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934. However, its implementation has been delayed by legal challenges, with consolidated cases now before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. Though currently limited to federal regulations, the rule’s emphasis on materiality could influence state securities laws, potentially affecting regulations like the Alaska Securities Act over time.

2. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) represents an unprecedented change for small businesses, their owners, and the attorneys who advise them. By imposing strict federal reporting requirements and felony criminal penalties for imperfect compliance, the CTA is going to change how attorneys who work on business formation, estate planning, M&A, real estate transactions, family law, and other areas structure their practices and do business. This program addresses the requirements of the CTA, the impacts that this new law will have on clients, and strategies for ensuring that your clients do not fall short of their obligations.

Faculty:

Julius J. Brecht
Manley Brautigam Bankston P.C.

Mr. Brecht is Of Counsel to, and an attorney in private practice with, the law firm of Manley Brautigam Bankston P.C., with offices in Anchorage, AK. Mr. Brecht’s concentration of practice is in state and federal securities law, corporate and business law. He is a former director of the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities and, prior to coming to Alaska, worked as a physicist for the National Space Science Data Center, a part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. As an aside, he has been a longtime amateur astronomer. He may be reached via email at jbrecht@mbb.law.

Chris Lauer
Manley Brautigam Bankston P.C.

Chris Lauer is an associate attorney at Manley & Brautigam Bankston P.C. in Anchorage, Alaska. His practice centers on wills, trusts, and estate planning; wealth protection; tax planning; and business entity formation. 

Before law school, Chris worked as a consultant focused on anti-money laundering compliance in the banking industry. Through his work with financial institutions, Chris has first-hand experience with the ways banks attempt—and often struggle—to implement seemingly straightforward anti-money laundering programs. He has spoken about the Corporate Transparency Act to national audiences and has worked with businesses to implement sensible measures to comply with this new law.

Course Materials: Digital materials will be available the day before the event. You can access them through your Member Dashboard (https://alaskabar.org/for-lawyers/member-login/) under the "My Course Materials" section, located within the "My Document" header. Please note, for in-person attendees, printed materials will not be provided on-site.
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Explore More AK Bar Programs: Don’t miss out on our other upcoming events and CLE opportunities! Click here to view our full calendar and register for additional programs. 
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Join the Business Law Section: Section membership is open to both members of the Alaska Bar Association and the public, offering numerous benefits to support your professional growth and development. Click here to learn more about membership. 
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Video On Demand (VOD): For those unable to attend, the event will be recorded and made available on Video On Demand (VOD) approximately 5 days after the event. This ensures you can access the content at your convenience.