Jonathan Ziss is a seasoned legal strategist and advisor with over four decades of experience helping businesses, professionals, and insurers navigate risk management, corporate governance, and dispute resolution. As a partner at Goldberg Segalla LLP, he goes beyond litigation—guiding boards, executives, and industry leaders through complex legal and regulatory landscapes with pragmatic, forward-thinking solutions. A recognized thought leader, Jonathan has authored numerous articles and delivered hundreds of lectures on liability trends, fiduciary responsibility, and emerging risks, with insights featured in Forbes, Reuters, and Law 360. Whether counseling organizations on governance best practices, advising on alternative dispute resolution, or mitigating financial and reputational risks, Jonathan is known for his wisdom, strategic foresight, and ability to distill complexity into actionable guidance.

Danielle Blackhall is a distinguished legal executive and trusted advisor with extensive expertise in employment law, litigation management, and human resources strategy. As Chief Employment Counsel at The Scripps Research Institute, she leads the organization’s legal strategy on labor and employment matters, partnering with executive leadership to mitigate risk, drive compliance, and foster an inclusive workplace culture. With a proven track record in resolving complex disputes, implementing forward-thinking policies, and shaping employee engagement initiatives, Danielle blends legal acumen with strategic vision to support organizational success. Her background as a seasoned litigator, corporate trainer, and HR leader positions her as a key architect of workplace policies that align with both business objectives and legal best practices.

Peter L. Watson is an accomplished legal executive with extensive expertise in corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. As General Counsel for a leading industrial distributor and manufacturer, he plays a critical role in shaping corporate strategy, mitigating risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance across global operations. With over two decades of experience spanning industries such as energy, manufacturing, and finance, he has successfully led complex transactions, developed comprehensive compliance frameworks, and advised executive leadership on high-stakes legal and business matters. His strategic mindset, strong negotiation skills, and ability to align legal functions with corporate objectives have made him a trusted advisor to boards and management teams, driving business growth and operational excellence.

Paul Gugel is a seasoned attorney and corporate advisor with over 25 years of experience specializing in corporate, employment, and software law. He has a strong track record of guiding businesses through complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and mitigating risk through strategic governance and contract negotiation. Throughout his career, Gugel has played a critical role in shaping corporate policies, overseeing litigation, and advising on mergers, acquisitions, and entity formation. His expertise spans multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, construction, real estate, and technology, where he has consistently delivered sound legal counsel to drive business growth and operational efficiency.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting over two decades of experience in legal leadership, corporate governance, and compliance. My journey reflects a passion for ethical practices, strategic innovation, and empowering individuals and organizations to succeed.

Joseph H. Jolissaint is a distinguished Senior Litigation Attorney and founder of a highly regarded legal practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With over 15 years of experience, he has built a reputation for expertly navigating complex legal challenges and securing favorable outcomes for clients in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and employment law. Recognized for his integrity, strategic acumen, and mastery of legal frameworks, Mr. Jolissaint combines meticulous research, innovative strategies, and compelling advocacy to achieve justice for his clients. As a trusted mediator and thought leader, he has contributed to shaping state legal guidelines and advancing the legal profession through education and service. His unwavering commitment to ethical practice and client success underscores his standing as a respected legal advocate and leader.

Barry M. Rosenfeld is a distinguished legal executive with extensive expertise in the biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries, known for his unwavering integrity, strategic foresight, and ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. With a career spanning transformative roles at Oyster Point Pharma, Novartis Group Companies, and his consultancy at B. Rosenfeld LLC, Barry has driven impactful legal strategies across corporate governance, intellectual property, product development, and M&A transactions. His deep knowledge and effective communication skills have enabled him to align legal frameworks with business objectives, guide cross-functional teams, and deliver solutions that balance risk and innovation, cementing his reputation as a trusted leader in high-stakes environments.