On this episode of Alumni @ RopesTalk, the firm’s technology strategy leader Ed Black is joined by Steven Obiajulu, Ropes & Gray alum and founder of legal tech startup UseJunior. Steven shares his journey from MIT and Harvard Law School to Ropes & Gray, where he worked in patent and private equity practices before launching UseJunior. The discussion centers on how AI-powered tools like UseJunior are transforming legal document comparison and workflow efficiency, the importance of data security and compliance, and the broader impact of AI on the legal profession. Steven also emphasizes, “AI isn’t replacing attorneys—it’s transforming how we work and improving outdated processes,” offering a forward-looking view on how technology is enhancing the quality and efficiency of legal services.

On this episode of Culture & Compliance Chronicles, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery speak with Archana Kotecha, CEO of The Remedy Project, about her journey from corporate law to leading human rights initiatives across Asia. Archana shares practical insights on assessing workplace culture, supporting women and migrant workers, and building trust between businesses and NGOs. The conversation explores the challenges of conducting human rights impact assessments, the importance of direct worker engagement, and the role of pilots and feedback in compliance programs. Whether you are a compliance professional, legal advisor, or business leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on aligning purpose with practice, amplifying unheard voices, and finding common ground to create lasting impact. Tune in to explore how culture shapes compliance—and how new perspectives can help your organization to shape solutions to challenges.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, ERISA and benefits partner Sharon Remmer is joined by litigation & enforcement partners, Amy Roy and Dan Ward, to discuss President Trump’s recent Executive Order that directs the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies to expand access to alternative assets for 401(k) investors and what the potential ramifications could be for retirement plan sponsors and asset managers from a litigation risk perspective. We have been closely monitoring the significant increase in lawsuits targeting 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans over the last several years, where plaintiffs have alleged fiduciary defects in the prudence of investment menu design as well as with respect to the monitoring of plan service providers and fees. Using this as a backdrop, our team examines the evolving landscape and how recent case law clarifies key points for plan sponsors to consider should they decide to offer private equity and other alternative assets in their menus. Our speakers discuss practical steps for mitigating risk when offering alternative investments, such as conducting thorough due diligence, providing clear participant disclosures, and maintaining robust documentation of investment decisions.