[LEGAL] "The most powerful Y2K awareness tool ever!"
This is an interssting way to raise awareness at the CEO level: mock play of a future trial. David Eddy (SI member) playing a role!
John
__________
"What a great way to get the message across"
" A must-see for executives and attorneys"
"Trial of the Millennium"
New York Preview
The CEO of ComLinks Air (Alan Simpson) was modeled
on the worst characteristics of CEO's around the world.
Totally focused on the quarterly dividend to
shareholders, and his image with the Analysts in Wall
Street, he is oblivious of the problems that face his
company in 2000. His plight in the courtroom scene will
be shared by CEO's the world over!
His CIO (David Eddy, Boston) was modeled on the
typical CIO found in industry and commerce. He has
been struggling to meet an impossible deadline, with a
mismatch of systems and directives from management.
Against the bombastic CEO, he has to explain why he
needs the extra funding. His approach is the norm for
the industry!
The "In-house" counsel (Steve Karolin, Miami) tries to
bring some idea of responsibility into the meetings
between the CEO and the CIO. A carefully researched
explanation of the company liability is described to the
CEO. In the ensuing trial Steve attacks the actions of
the plaintiff, in not making sure that the promises of the
CEO could be realistically met.
The "outside" counsel (Andy Pegalis, Washington) tries
to persuade the CEO to consider the possibility of
litigation against him. In the courtroom he joins forces
with Steve Krulin and clearly demonstrates the
consequences of letting an issue like Year 2000 get to
court, even for the poor plaintiff. Their spirited defense
of the CEO was compared to a "tag" team.
The plaintiff's attorney (Larry Eisenstein, Washington)
grilled the CEO, and CIO for their inability to prepare the
company for Year 2000. Hammering home the
statements made that "We are compliant" he brought
home the dangers in sending out misguided statements
and compliance letters. The CEO was made to truly
feel that "The buck stops here" despite his pleas of
ignorance of the serious nature of the problem
Although a "theatrical" performance, the Judge (Dan
Steinberg, Canada) ran the proceedings as a true
facsimile of a courtroom. This brought home to the
audience that this could be for real. The arguments
were researched, and the proceedings accurate. The
questions posed to the lawyers were those a trial judge
would ask. Frighteningly realistic.
Seeing his business collapse "through no fault of his" the
plaintiff (Glenn Ericson, New York) seeks to recover
damages. Despite seeming to be in the right, the court
scene clearly showed the consequences of leaving it to
litigation. A vivid portrayal of making absolutely sure all
suppliers are compliant.
Note: Despite the fact that the legal parts were played by practicing Y2K
Lawyers, this should not be taken as legal advice. You must consult a
qualified lawyer, in your place of business.
comlinks.com
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