Optional Sunday Session

Directors’ College Attendees are invited to register for an optional Sunday Session before the Directors’ College opening reception and dinner on the afternoon of June 23, 2019. This session will feature a wine-pairing lunch, tabletop exercises, and a panel discussion on The Practically Ethical Corporation.

Topic: The Practically Ethical Corporation

Date / Time: June 23, 2019
11:45am – 12:15pm | Registration
12:15pm – 1:45pm | Networking lunch with tabletop exercises and discussion (SLS Student Lounge)
2:00pm – 3:15pm | Panel Discussion (SLS Classroom Building)

Speakers:
Paul Brest – Professor, Stanford Law School
Michael Callahan (moderator) – Executive Director, Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance and Professor of the Practice of Law, Stanford Law School
Gordon K. Davidson – Partner, Fenwick & West LLP
Paula Goldman – VP, Chief Ethical and Humane Use Officer, Salesforce

Session Description: Pressure on corporations to behave ethically is mounting from many directions. Institutional investors are advocating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agendas. Larry Fink’s annual letters exhort boards to demonstrate greater social responsibility. Government officials are calling for corporations to address social issues by providing better wages, improved healthcare, and expanded family leave.

But what does it mean to be an ethical corporation, particularly when society is so divided over a broad range of social issues? Is Milton Friedman’s maxim that the goal of the corporation is to maximize profit within the bounds of the law still good advice–if it ever was? How should boards respond to pressure to “do good,” as many interpret Larry Fink’s recent letters? Is Tim Cook of Apple correct when he says that corporations are being asked to do more because government is failing? And, how should boards respond to initiatives such as Senator Warren’s legislative proposal that would introduce federal chartering of corporations and require that forty percent of the board represent employees?

This special session features a panel of experts who will engage in discussion and exercises to highlight how companies might responsibly address these evolving challenges.

Location: Stanford Law School (Law School Cafe/Classroom Building) | 559 Nathan Abbott Way

Session Rate: $500. Space is limited, so register early.

* Cancellation policy for the Optional Sunday Session – Cancel by May 1, 2019 to receive a credit voucher applicable to most Executive Education programs offered by Stanford Law School within 12 months of cancellation date (less a $60.00 processing fee). Written notification of cancellation must be sent to rockprograms@law.stanford.edu. After May 1, 2019, all program fees are forfeited.

**Content & Schedule subject to change.