It’s not all fun, games, and schmooze at the year’s most buzzed about event in Austin. Forward-thinking attorneys interested in learning about legal trends, caselaw, and the future of the industry have options—many of them. Since 1998, South by Southwest has been offering continuing legal education and additional legal-related programming, and this year features panels on everything from cross-border legal and business realities to dealing with addiction.
We’ve combed through hundreds of descriptions to highlight what we see as the festival’s top legal-related events. Attendees must have a SXSW badge to attend (CLE events are open to all badgeholders; other events require the specified badge(s)).
Interactive
Friday, March 11
- 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Ten Big Legal Mistakes Made by Internet Companies.
Exploring and avoiding common legal implications of having an online presence. - 5-6 p.m.
Everybody Dies: What Is Your Digital Legacy?
Examining estate laws from across the country to determine how to deal with a recently deceased person’s digital material.
Saturday, March 12
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Five Counterintuitive Truths About Habits.
New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin divulges on how to master habits to become more productive and happier at work and at home. - 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Why Diversity Can’t Be Built in a Day.
Dissecting barriers to and misconceptions about inclusion efforts as well as strategies for long-term investment in diversity. In conjunction with Film. - 3:30-4:30 p.m.
#You’reFired@Work: Social Media and Employment Law.
How to create workplace policies that protect the company while encouraging employees to use social media for business goals. - 5-6 p.m.
You’ve Been Hacked: Now What?
Responding step-by-step to a live simulation cyberattack.
Sunday, March 13
- 5-6 p.m.
Finding a Job in an Automated Future.
Standing out as a human employee as we approach a future of artificial intelligence.
Monday, March 14
- 12:30-1:30 p.m.
America’s LGBT Spies: Secret Agents (of Change).
Learning about the personal struggles and career efforts of LGBT pioneering members of the U.S. intelligence community.
Tuesday, March 15
- 11 a.m.-noon
Law and Policy Fundamentals of the Sharing Economy.
Examine the sharing economy’s legal and policy implications. In conjunction with Film and Music. CLE - 12:30-1:30 p.m.
How to Fight ISIS without Breaking the Internet.
How to uphold core civil liberties while bringing down terrorism. - 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Policies Impacting Drones and the Future of Flight.
The key issues that are helping and hindering the expanded role of drone technology.
Saturday, March 19
- 11 a.m.-noon
Substance Abuse and Dealing with Addiction.
Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program Director Bree Buchanan discusses mental health and substance use disorders within the legal profession as well as how to prevent and treat these issues. In conjunction with Film and Music. CLE. - 2-3 p.m.
We All Scream for My Stream.
Prominent entertainment lawyers address the legal issues surrounding streaming music services. In conjunction with Film and Music. CLE. - 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Suing The Beatles and Others: Perils and Precedents of Celebrity Lawsuits.
Legal stories and lessons learned from litigation involving artists’ intellectual property protection. In conjunction with Film and Music. CLE.
Music
Thursday, March 17
- 5-6 p.m.
Four Agreements Every Artist Needs to Understand.
This client-focused session by four entertainment lawyers covers terminology, negotiation tips, and pitfalls of various industry contracts.
Film
Saturday, March 12
- 9:30-10:30 a.m.
League vs. Player: The Battle Off the Field.
How professional sports leagues and their players resolve internal disputes and approach their relationships. In conjunction with Interactive.
Sunday, March 13
- 2-3 p.m.
FairUse-Docs & Fiction Films-Everybody Is Welcome!
How to incorporate existing material into documentaries and dramas while staying in the legal clear.