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Home / Experts / Susan Apel

Susan Apel

Susan Apel is a partner in the Pittsburgh office of the international law firm K&L Gates LLP, K&L Gates Center, 210 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2613, 412-355-6500, Fax: 412-355-6501, [email protected], www.klgates.com. A graduate of Harvard Law School and Kenyon College and member of the Pennsylvania bar, she has extensive knowledge of the forging and steel industry from her experience as the general counsel and corporate secretary  of Ellwood Group, Inc., a large privately held manufacturer of steel ingots and open and closed die forgings, where she was responsible for a wide array of legal matters, most notably acquisition-related activities, commercial matters, credit agreements, real estate, intellectual property, litigation and corporate governance matters. Beginning in 2008, she also served on the board of directors and executive committee of this manufacturer. 

Articles by Susan Apel

NAFTA Renegotiation: Are You Prepared?

The agenda is being set and manufacturers have an opportunity to get the issues that matter to them on the table. Now is the time to consider how NAFTA benefits or harms your business. Analyze what might happen if those benefits or burdens are changed or eliminated, monitor developments and participate in the process. To get started, here are some of the significant issues likely to be on the agenda, and some ways to ensure that your business’ interests are represented at the negotiating table.

Dealing with Confidentiality Agreements

Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past, the use of Confidentiality Agreements is growing as manufacturers protect their intellectual property in materials development, automation, fabrication and machining processes, and other trade secrets that are not patented. Here are some points to consider when asking for and receiving protection under Confidentiality Agreements.  

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Who wants to go through all of the stress, expense and hassle of documenting a business relationship in a clear, comprehensive contract? It is always easier and more expedient to have a verbal contract or an incomplete imprecise written contract. Until something goes wrong.

Dealing with Non-Competition Agreements – from Both Sides

Non-compete agreements are increasingly a part of employment contracts and employment at will, and employers and employees must learn to deal effectively with them. Here are some key aspects of non-competition agreements that must be addressed, from both the employer and employee perspective.

Putting Your Head in the Sand is a Bad Idea

The Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission are ramping up enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to the point that it is imperative that officers, directors and relevant employees of every manufacturer sit up, take notice, and become informed.

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