Our two-day Annual Conference is designed to encourage conversation and inspire professional advancement through a series of short, dynamic presentations from industry leaders and networking events. Each year, the topic of the Conference centers around leadership with over 250 members in attendance. The Conference fee is included in the yearly membership dues. The 28th Annual Conference takes place on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20, 2026 at the Fairmont Austin in Austin, Texas.
Together, we will explore the evolving pressures shaping top-tier leadership—from navigating macroeconomic shifts and gaining valuable insights directly from the bench to honoring foundational constitutional principles as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Sessions will address the practical realities of modern practice, examining how AI integration, advanced problem-solving, and operational excellence streamline legal departments while maintaining high ethical standards. Ultimately, the program balances high-stakes competitive leadership with personal wellness and team resilience, empowering general counsel to lead with vision, integrity, and strength at every level.
| 12:00 PM–1:45 PM | Welcome Luncheon Panel Protecting the Core: Our Federal Judicial System Under Stress Judge Barbara Lynn (Ret.) | United States District Judge, Northern District of Texas (Retired) Judge W. Royal Furgeson, Jr. (Ret.) | United States District Judge, Western District of Texas (Retired) Judge Nancy F. Atlas (Ret.) | United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas (Retired) Judge Lee Yeakel (Ret.) | United States District Judge, Western District of Texas (Retired) |
| 1:45 PM–2:00 PM | Welcome Remarks |
| 2:00 PM–2:20 PM | Talk 01: The GC as Infrastructure Strategist: Managing Risk Without Slowing Growth Shalini Sharma | General Counsel, Fleet Data Centers |
| 2:20 PM–2:40 PM | Talk 02: Second Chair – Lessons from a Court, a Constitutional Convention, and Coca-Cola Richard Albert | Hines H. Baker and Thelma Kelley Baker Chair in Law, Professor of Government, and Director of Constitutional Studies, The University of Texas |
| 2:40 PM–3:00 PM | Networking Break w/ Refreshments |
| 3:00 PM–4:00 PM | Keynote Panel The GC’s Playbook: What the Business of Sports Teaches Us About Teamwork, Leadership and Cultivating a Winning Culture Reggie Bush | Founder & Chairman, United Athletes Tour David Mulugheta | Partner & President of Team Sports, Athletes First Len Brown | Chief Executive Officer, United Athletes Tour James Carlos McFall (Moderator) | Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP |
| 4:00 PM–4:05 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 6:00 PM | Magna Stella Awards Dinner (Separate Ticket Required) |
| 8:00 AM–9:00 AM | Networkng Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM–9:15 AM | Welcome Remarks |
| 9:15 AM–9:35 AM | Talk 03: Regional Economic Outlook Luis Torres | Senior Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio Branch |
| 9:35 AM–9:55 AM | Talk 04: Empowering In-House Counsel: Practical AI Strategies to Deliver Business Impact Chris Adams | SVP, Legal Transformation Services, Consillio LLC |
| 9:55 AM–10:15 AM | Talk 05: From Pilot to Practice: How to Make AI Work for You Brandan Montminy | Partner, Troutman Pepper Locke Denton Muse | General Counsel, City Electric Supply |
| 10:15 AM–10:35 AM | Networking Break w/ Refreshments |
| 10:35 AM–10:55 AM | Talk 06: Leadership at Scale: The Transformative Power of Delegation Sterling Miller | COO, General Counsel & Senior Counsel, Hilgers PLLC |
| 10:55 AM–11:15 AM | Talk 07: Lead Yourself Well Ty Bradshaw | Ted X Presenter, Solopreneur - Personal Trainer & Life Coach, Ty Bradshaw Coaching |
| 11:15 AM–12:00 PM | Closing Panel (Ethics CLE Pending) Practicing Before the Texas Business Court: Updates from the Bench, including Ethics and Professionalism Hon. Melissa Andrews | Judge, Texas Business Court, Third Division Hon. Jerry Bullard | Judge, Texas Business Court, Eighth Division Hon. Bill Whitehill | Judge, Texas Business Court, First Division Alan Dabdoub (Moderator) | Partner, Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann |
| 12:00 PM–12:10 PM | Closing Remarks & Prize Drawing |
| 12:00 PM–2:30 PM | Farewell Celebration Lunch at Moonshine 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 |
Moderator
Moderator
Located in the heart of downtown, Fairmont Austin offers a luxury hotel experience with modern amenities and direct access to the city’s vibrant culture. Attendees staying on-site can enjoy refined accommodations, exceptional dining options, a full-service spa, and a scenic rooftop pool deck, providing an ideal setting to relax and network throughout the conference.
If you are interested in booking rooms at the Fairmont Austin, we have secured a special room rate of $269.00/night (plus associated taxes and fees). To book online within our block, please click here.
All reservations are final after Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and a full deposit will be collected.
Please join us to celebrate our 2026 winners at the 21st Annual Magna Stella Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 19, 2026, hosted at the Fairmont Austin in Downtown Austin, Texas. Held in conjunction with the Forum’s 28th Annual Conference, this premier evening recognizes exceptional legal leadership across the state.
All ticket and table sales directly benefit our newly created Texas General Counsel Forum Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing leadership and scholarship in the Texas legal community.
Dinner attendance is not included in Conference registration. Attire is cocktail.
