A&R Attorneys Discuss GR, M&A, and Immigration Trends at 2025 SCG Meeting

Adams & Reese attorneys Rob Rieger, Rob Bethea, and Mary Kate Fernandez served as panelists at the 2025 SCG Legal Annual Meeting, held on Sept. 18-19 in Austin, Texas.

The event hosted close to 200 law firm leaders and attendees, representing more than 75 independent firms from 50-plus countries. Adams & Reese has been a longtime member of SCG Legal, and many attorneys have served as SCG Legal board members and routinely participate as panelists at meetings held throughout the year.

The 2025 annual meeting offered premier thought leadership on matters that are top of mind for in-house counsel and clients, and included topics from the Trump administration’s impact on local, state, and federal governments, to mergers & acquisitions trends, and immigration and labor and employment concerns amidst changing federal policies.

Rob Rieger, a leading member of the Adams & Reese Government Relations Team and a Partner in the Baton Rouge office, was a panelist on “Navigating Change: Forecasting the Trump Administration's Impact on Local, State & Federal Governments.” The timely session focused on the potential and lasting impacts of a second Trump administration on the legal and political landscape across all levels of government.

Rieger was joined by Tray Adams (McGuire Woods); Alexis Glascock (Fennemore), Nick Tosco (Poyner Spruill), Randi Valverde (Capitol Counsel & Consulting); and Jamie Joiner (McGinnis Lochridge). Panelists explored how federal policy shifts influence local, state, and national frameworks including a focus on key issues such as regulatory rollbacks, international supply chains, tariffs, and constitutional challenges. This discussion also offered insights into how these developments may continue to shape the legal environment in the United States.

Rob Bethea, Adams & Reese M&A Team Leader, EC Member, and Partner in our Columbia office, was a panelist on “M&A Trends: Navigating Opportunities in a Shifting Market.” While recent fluctuations in M&A have tempered deal volume, the landscape is showing signs of resurgence, presenting opportunities for companies seeking to expand their market reach.

Bethea was joined by Vinita Mehra (Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter); Mariano Batalla (ALTA Batalla); Steve Doak (WeirFoulds); and Craig Hodgson (Mills & Reeve). Panelists also offered a deep dive into the latest M&A trends, highlighting key considerations and challenges that businesses face today.

Mary Kate Fernandez, Adams & Reese business immigration attorney, participated on the panel, “Work Without Borders: Navigating Immigration & Employment Law.” Fernandez was joined by Felicity Fowler (McGinnis Lochridge); Kristopher Kunasingam (Hall & Wilcox); and Lauren Sigg (Robinson+Cole).

The panel discussed how the intersection of immigration and employment law has become increasingly complex as global mobility and workforce dynamics continue to evolve. Attorneys explored key legal considerations for employers navigating cross-border talent acquisition, work authorization, remote work, compliance obligations, and shifting immigration policies. Panelists also provided guidance on managing risks, supporting international hires, and aligning immigration strategies with broader employment law frameworks.