Next Generation Partners

Corporate governance in United States

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP‘s team is described as offering ‘excellent client service’ and as ‘very responsive and clear’. The large and steadily expanding corporate advisory and governance practice group is praised for its ‘grasp of corporate governance matters and trends’. Pamela Marcogliese, who ‘gives very client-focused, practical advice’, leads the team out of Silicon Valley and New York alongside capital markets expert Sarah Solum and corporate partner Ethan Klingsberg. Another key team member is counsel Elizabeth Bieber, who provides ‘has an excellent grasp of corporate governance matters’ and regularly advises key clients such as Buzzfeed on corporate governance, capital markets and securities law matters on an ongoing basis. The versatile team spans the country and includes experts on disclosure, securities litigation, shareholder activism defense, executive compensation, capital markets and securities, among other areas. Unless otherwise mentioned, all named practitioners are based in New York.

Practice head(s):

Pamela Marcogliese; Sarah Solum; Ethan Klingsberg


Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Bieber


Testimonials

‘Pamela Marcogliese gives very client-focused, practical advice and is extremely knowledgeable. Elizabeth Bieber is very knowledgeable about key corporate governance issues and does a great job in conveying the information to clients.’

‘Proactive and anticipates needs. Excellent client service, very responsive and clear.’

‘Elizabeth Bieber is a standout for her client services and knowledge of corporate governance. She gives practical and useful advice. I highly recommend her for all corporate governance questions.’

‘The team at Freshfields is very responsive to a client’s needs and does an exceptional job with client management and communication. I did not feel at any time that our team was anything less than a priority for them, in large part due to their excellent communication and partner and counsel engagement.’

‘The team is top notch at presenting information in a truly ‘client-ready’ format. You can tell this is a team that knows how boardrooms and high-level executive advice needs to work.’

‘Elizabeth Bieber gives very practical advice and has an amazing grasp of corporate governance matters and trends. Very approachable and digestible advice that can actually be implemented!’

Key clients

BuzzFeed


Clever Leaves


Sonoco


Zymergen


Li-Cycle


Directors of the Citigroup Board


Tesla and Board of Directors


Belron


Lilium


Work highlights


  • Advising pre-IPO companies, including TRM Labs, Capella Space, Ethos Life and others, at all stages of development.’
  • Representing a number of companies on a confidential basis, advising private and public companies on their structure and conversion to a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), and advising the newly converted PBCs on the specific requirements related to their status.
  • Advised Sonoco on ongoing governance, disclosure and shareholder engagement matters, which expanded to encompass executive compensation matters, capital markets, finance and M&A matters.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

The ‘strong minded, thoughtful & strategic‘ team at Hogan Lovells US LLP has significant experience advising public company clients and Fortune 500 companies, including both US companies and foreign private issuers, on a myriad of corporate issues such as corporate governance practices, securities law compliance, and SEC reporting. As well as regularly advising on SEC compliance, Alan Dye is a leading authority on the federal securities law, including Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Practice head John Beckman is ‘uniquely expert in everything from the largest complex transaction to the most delicate matters of corporate governance.’ Elsewhere in the team, Weston Gaines is a senior associate whose diverse workload includes shifts in corporate governance, securities law compliance, and SEC reporting. All named players are based in Washington DC. Alex Bahn departed from the firm n October 2022.

Practice head(s):

John Beckman


Other key lawyers:

Alan Dye; Weston Gaines; Richard Parrino


Testimonials

‘Strong minded, thoughtful & strategic. Provided important insights about what to expect and excellent advice regarding how to deal with challenging situations.’

‘John Beckman is uniquely expert in everything from the largest complex transaction to the most delicate matters of corporate governance. His advice is always practical and timely.’

‘John Beckman is outstanding. Provides excellent, thoughtful counsel. He has helped us navigate several very thorny situations which, with his help, we were able to turn into optimal outcomes.’

‘Richard Parrino leads with integrity.’

‘The team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that they understand the outcome that their client is trying to achieve. They are a hands-on team that consistently provides the best service and prioritizes knowledge and client relationships.’

Key clients

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.


Align Technology


Bristol Myers Squibb Co.


Colgate-Palmolive Company


Dell Technologies Inc.


Equifax Inc.


Ford Motor Company


Invivyd, Inc. (formerly known as Adagio Therapeutics)


Kiromic BioPharma, Inc.


Lockheed Martin Corp.


Oncosec Medical Incorporated


Papa John’s International, Inc.


UnitedHealth Group Incorporated


Walmart Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising regular public company clients, including Dell Technologies, Inc., on various developments, including rapidly changing business conditions, impacts arising from the war between Russia and Ukraine, supply chain issues, global inflation, and rising interest rates.
  • Advising Dell Technologies on the full range of SEC advisory and corporate governance matters, including Exchange Act reporting and new SEC rule proposals and rule amendments.
  • Advising Papa John’s International, Inc., on matters including its sustainability report, ESG and board matters, executive officer transitions, shareholder engagement, and related SEC disclosure.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Clients represented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s team include boards, committees, executive officers and investors, and not-for-profit foundations. The depth of corporate governance knowledge within the practice enables it to work on a wide range of issues such as such as ESG, day-to-day disclosure issues, executive compensation and board-level matters. The cross-departmental team often works alongside the firm’s M&A, IPO and restructuring practices and assists clients with cross-border transactions, for which former SEC employee Adé Heyliger in Washington DC is well known, as well as being instrumental in the team’s SEC disclosure work. Howard Dicker has a multifaceted corporate practice and leads the public company advisory practice group alongside Lyuba Goltser, and has particular strength in the not-for-profit sector. The pair are based in New York.


Practice head(s):

Howard Dicker; Lyuba Goltser


Other key lawyers:

Adé Heyliger


Key clients

Allego Holding B.V.


Annaly Capital Management


Black Knight, Inc.


Brookfield Asset Management


Campbell Soup Company


Covetrus


EQT Private


Equity


The Estée Lauder Companies


Fidelity National Financial


Franklin Resources


Getty Images


The Gores Group


Halozyme Therapeutics


IQVIA Iron Mountain


Jefferies Financial Group


The Kroger Company


Leafly Holdings


Magellan Health


MarketAxess


Work highlights


  • Advising The Kroger Company on the governance and securities aspects of its pending merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc..

Arnold & Porter

Arnold & Porter is a strong choice for clients requiring assistance with corporate governance matters with an insolvency angle, as well as for companies involved in litigation relating to alleged breaches of duty. Washington DC-based practice head Michael L. Bernstein  founded the practice group and is the go-to lawyer for the corporate governance aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring matters. Among the wide variety of issues include board and committee composition, Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank Acts compliance, and board fiduciary duties, the latter of which is an area of activity for former practice head Kevin Lavin, also based in Washington DC, who often advises boards of directors on fiduciary duties, governance and compliance issues and regularly assists government clients.

Practice head(s):

Michael L. Bernstein


Other key lawyers:

Steve Koval; Jonathan Green; Kevin Lavin


Key clients

Celestica, Inc


The Charles Schwab Corporation


CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


American Clean Power Association


Former CEO of Essar Steel Minnesota, LLC


Tailored Brands


iHeart Media


Ecological Service Partners


Extended Nursing Personnel CHHA, LLC


Factory


In-Q-Tel, Inc.


Corizon Health, Inc. (f/k/a Valitas Health Services, Inc.)


American Finance Trust, Inc. (Independent Directors)


Work highlights


  • Acted for In-Q-Tel, Inc. as lead outside corporate counsel in its board governance, board committee governance, conflicts, tax, and fiduciary responsibility matters.
  • Assisted The Charles Schwab Corporation with securities compliance, disclosure and governance issues, as well as with multiple debt and securities transactions.
  • Represented American Clean Power Association as outside general counsel on issues including corporate governance, tax, employment, IP, government ethics/compliance, and corporate work.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

The ‘top-flight talent‘ and ‘deep bench‘ on display at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP includes transactional expert Helene Banks, and ‘stellarBrockton Bosson, based in New York alongside civil litigation and internal investigations specialist Brian Markley. The team’s varied client base ranges from large scale multinational clients such as Arch and Walmart, but also small private companies who require assistance to develop governance structures and protocols. The team handles a range of work which extends to M&A, IPOs and associated corporate governance issues relating to public companies, and ESG strategies, with the team increasingly engaged in ESG matters.

Practice head(s):

Helene Banks; Brian Markley


Other key lawyers:

Brockton Bosson;


Testimonials

‘Brockton Bosson and the team are stellar.’

‘Caring, thorough, top-flight talent, deep bench.’

Key clients

Brookfield Asset Management


Arch Capital Group


ICON plc


Kaspien


S&P Global


Novonix


Walmart


WeWork


Korn Ferry


Shutterstock


Hecate


Friends of Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM)


Work highlights


  • Acted for Brookfield Asset Management as outside counsel for FCPA and corporate governance matters.
  • Assisted S&P Global with the M&A and corporate governance aspects of its acquisition of The Climate Service, Inc.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s ‘knowledgeable, responsive, practical‘ group often assists international corporate clients in relation to ESG issues, stockholder engagement plans and proxy advisory firms, among other matters. The practice is led by Francesca Odell, Helena Grannis and Jim Langston out of New York, with Grannis and Langston recently advising Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. on a negotiated cooperation agreement with Ryan Cohen and RC Ventures LLC. Odell is described as ‘smart and technical on reporting issues,’ and ‘responsive, problem-solving, emotionally intelligent and calm under pressure’; she also has a particular involvement in the Latin American market. Elsewhere, Jeffrey Karpf in New York is a key name to note in relation to board structure and practices, and together with Grannis is viewed by one client as ‘the best in the business.’

Practice head(s):

Francesca Odell; Jim Langston; Helena Grannis


Other key lawyers:

Lillian Tsu; Jeffrey Karpf


Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable, responsive, practical and honed into our particular business, needs and concerns. Team is high performing, diverse and thought leaders in the governance space.’

‘Francesca Odell is a delight to work with. She is smart, supportive, responsive, problem-solving, emotionally intelligent and calm under pressure. Helena Grannis is a fountain of knowledge – smart and technical on reporting issues, highly responsive and reassuring in her style and approach.’

‘A rare team of lawyers which has an incredible grasp of the law and gives practical advice that is tailored to your business (not just the rules, and not just what you can do, but what, in their opinion, you should do). They can do this because they take the time to understand the people/culture of an organization.’

Key clients

American Express


American Tower


Applied Materials


Broadcom


Bed Bath & Beyond


Clorox


Compass Minerals


ConEdison


Dentsply Sirona


EagleBank


GlobalFoundries


Google/Alphabet


The Hartford Financial Services Group


Honeywell


Howmet Aerospace


Inter


International Flavors & Fragrances


Jeld-Wen


LivaNova


Lowe’s


Work highlights


  • Assisting Google with ongoing corporate governance and securities regulatory advice in relation to its business activities.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Joseph Hall and Ning Chiu co-lead the team at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in New York, which handles disclosure and regulatory insight matters, governance reviews and advice, as well as advising on executive compensation. Chiu stands out for her ability to assist clients on emerging trends and developments and for responding to evolving best practices, and Hall regularly advises public companies and regulated entities on corporate governance and financial regulatory compliance. Among Hall’s clients are companies and regulated entities, who he assists with a range of transactions including capital markets transactions. The cross-practice group is also noted for its capability in executing litigation strategies and collaborates with white-collar litigators and executive compensation specialists at the firm on these issues. In February 2023, the team welcomed James Dougherty from Jones Day.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Hall; Ning Chiu


Other key lawyers:

James Dougherty


Jones Day

Jones Day, whose team members are noted for their accessibility and ability to ‘work very hard to understand a particular company and industry‘, has a strong track record of representing Fortune 500 and other well-known clients in corporate governance matters. The team also regularly assist clients with ESG matters. Leading the team is Lizanne Thomas, whose practice is split between New York and Atlanta, and acts for special committees in control and conflict transactions, and in internal investigations. New York lawyer Randi Lesnick has experience in large cap M&A transactions and assists clients with compliance and governance, fiduciary duty matters, and ESG policy advice, particularly in the retail and consumer products, technology, and manufacturing industries. James Dougherty left the firm in February 2023.

Practice head(s):

Lizanne Thomas


Other key lawyers:

Randi Lesnick; Joel May


Testimonials

‘The partners and associates that work on our account work very hard to understand our particular company and industry. In addition, they are very accessible.’

Latham & Watkins LLP

The nationwide group at Latham & Watkins LLP includes former SEC senior officials and experienced corporate practitioners, who focus on highly specialized SEC matters involving complex disclosure and compliance issues under the US federal securities laws. Co-chairs Ian Schuman, Keith Halverstam, and Jenna Cooper in New York are key figures in the team and are well supported by Julia Thompson in Washington DC, who focuses on securities regulation. ESG issues are a key area of work for the team, which takes a multidisciplinary approach to a wide range of matters, including responsible investment, sustainability, and corporate integrity issues. Vice-chairs Stelios Saffos  and Jeffrey Lawlis are also key names.

Practice head(s):

Ian Schuman; Jeffrey Lawlis; Stelios Saffos; Keith Halverstam; Jenna Cooper


Other key lawyers:

Julia Thompson; Betty Huber


White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP advises a number of major clients such as The Hertz Corporation on key corporate governance concerns such as CEO transition advice and EV strategy advice. The firm is praised for its deep bench, with clients nothing that ‘the team’s global reach and resources means that they are prepared to handle any matter regardless of its size or scope’. Practice head David Thatch in New York is regional section head, and other standout team members include the ‘technically superb lawyerMaia Gez. More widely, the group is noted for being ‘uniquely pragmatic in its approach to advising clients on issues and matters that present novel or complex situations.'

Practice head(s):

David Thatch


Other key lawyers:

Maia Gez; Scott Levi


Testimonials

Very engaged team. Strong leadership and regulatory processes.’

‘The team is uniquely pragmatic in their approach to advising clients on issues and matters that present novel or complex situations. The team’s global reach and resources means that they are prepared to handle any matter regardless of its size or scope.’

‘Maia Gez is not only a technically superb lawyer but also outstanding in her ability to gain trust and instill confidence. Maia not only takes the time to learn the company’s business, but she also concerns herself with the ‘intangible’ aspects of the company and its management.’

‘Expert knowledge of subject matter, the ability to be responsive to questions that arise, and the depth of examples they share to support conclusions.’

‘Intelligence, ability to communicate clearly and concisely, knowledge of area, and communication skills.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and skilled at collaborating and relaying information to the client in an understandable manner without being condescending. The members of the team are all highly attentive and responsive and the firm seems to have a great deal of diversity.’

‘Maia Gez is easy to work with and relays a sense of confidence and calm.’

Key clients

The Hertz Corporation/Hertz Holdings, Inc.


Saudi Arabian Oil Co.


Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd.


Avangrid, Inc.


Ormat Technologies Inc.


Varonis Systems, Inc.


Steel Partners Holdings, L.P.


SES AI Corporation


Alta Equipment Group


D-MARKET Electronic Services & Trading


Oatly Group AB


Steel Connect Inc.


Akin

The workload at Akin‘s diverse practice comprises advice on best practice governance structures, ESG programs, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Kerry E Berchem in New York heads up the team, with John Goodgame in Houston also a key player: The former co-chairs the firm’s ESG group; while the latter is notable for his advice to boards of directors, board committees, and controlling stockholders regarding corporate governance and Securities and Exchange Commission compliance. The team continues to expand, with a number of corporate governance-focused hires made during 2022.


Practice head(s):

Kerry E Berchem


Other key lawyers:

John Goodgame


Key clients

Alliance Data Systems Corporation


Cimarex Energy Co.


Conflicts Committee of Summit Midstream Partners, LP (SMLP)


Diamondback Energy, Inc.


Enterprise Products Partners LP


EOG Resources, Inc.


EP Energy LLC


Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd.


Laredo Petroleum, Inc.


Mammoth Energy Services, Inc.


Rattler Midstream LP


Sorenson Communications, Inc.


Viper Energy Partners LP


Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

At Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, key expertise includes advising clients on IPOs after going public as a company, and on laying out their SEC and corporate governance platforms. Elizabeth Ising in Washington DC, James Moloney, also in Washington DC, and Lori Zyskowski in New York are practice group heads. Another key lawyer is Thomas Kin in Washington DC, whose practice runs the gamut of SEC disclosure and regulatory issues. Aaron Briggs in San Francisco is proficient in the technology and life sciences sectors.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Ising; James Moloney; Lori Zyskowski


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Kim


Key clients

PIC Renegade Properties


Kraft Heinz


Aerojet


Rocketdyne Holdings


Amazon


Excelerate Energy


Goodwin

Goodwin has ‘an exceptional way of distilling very complicated legal rules into practical, usable advice‘ is therefore able help clients increase their market presence through exposure to market players and trends. Jonathan Hecht leads the practice from Washington DC; a team which is able to advise on a full range of governance issues, from advisory and regulatory work to transactions and litigation, as well as issues such as public reporting, ESG, securities offerings, and many others. Sean Donahue has left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Hecht


Testimonials

‘This corporate governance team is innovative and user-friendly. They have an exceptional way of distilling very complicated legal rules into practical, usable advice.’

Key clients

SoFi


Aspen Technologies


Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown‘s capital markets focused global public companies and corporate governance practice is spearheaded by Anna Pinedo in New York and Edward Best, who splits his time between Chicago and New York. Pinedo and Best are co-heads of the global capital markets practice and often work with financial institutions and provide securities advice for REITS. Another key area of expertise for the practice is counseling management and boards of directors on change and crisis management.

Practice head(s):

Anna Pinedo; Edward Best


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Carlson


Testimonials

The Mayer Brown team is world class. They dug deep into DD information available, used that information and their expertise and experience to ask penetrating questions, and tied them to negotiating strategies. They out-banked our investment bankers while doing their job as our lawyers. Patience, attention to detail, domain knowledge all came together.

Very responsive to our questions. Very proactive. Very effective in dealing with the target’s management and advisors. Asked the tough questions, but in non-confrontational ways.

Key clients

Great Ajax Corp


Dynex Capital Inc.


InMode Ltd.


Protalix Biotherapeutics, Inc.


Triton International


Gulf Oil International


Tenneco


GATX Corporation


Opendoor Technologies Inc.


Prologis, Inc.


AgileThought, Inc.


Key Tronic Corporation


CNA Financial Corporation


Profire Energy, Inc.


TC Energy Corporation


ALTI Private Equity Access Fund


Alaia


Halo


Work highlights


  • Advising Prologis, Inc. on Exchange Act reporting matters, corporate governance issues, ESG related disclosures, general board matters, SEC reporting trends, securities implications of employment plans, executive compensation matters and proxy statement work.
  • Representing ALTI Private Equity Access Fund in its initial public offering.
  • Advised Halo on various securities laws matters.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s members are praised for ‘having great depth of expertise’ and being ‘pragmatic and creative problem solvers,’ in corporate governance, with the team regularly sought out for advice on SEC internal investigations. Matters handled by the group are often related to corporate events such as IPOs, share offerings, and practice group head Karen Hsu Kelley in New York excels at supporting domestic and international public companies with the listing requirements of the major US exchanges. Public company expert Charles Mathias is also a key name in the team.

Practice head(s):

Karen Hsu Kelley


Other key lawyers:

Charles Mathes


Testimonials

‘The corporate governance team, led by Karen Hsu Kelley, is exceptionally strong. In addition to having great depth of expertise, they are pragmatic and creative problem solvers. The team attracts dedicated, smart and thorough associates, so clients receive a consistently strong service from everyone that works on the account.’

Key clients

AEP


Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


Apria


Aramark


Ashton Woods


Balchem Corporation


Bentley Systems, Incorporated


Best Buy


Blackstone


Brightspring Health


Brightview


Bumble


Caterpillar


CB Richard Ellis


Certara


Cigna Corporation


Cooper-Standard


Coty


Evercore


Ferro Corporation


Work highlights


  • Representing the second largest shareholder of VMware, Inc. in governance and disclosure considerations related to the announced acquisition of VMware by Broadcom Inc.
  • Advised Ferro Corporation on governance and disclosure considerations related to Ferro’s acquisition by Prince International Corporation, a portfolio company of American Securities LLC.

Sullivan & Worcester LLP

Public companies, private companies, trusts and not-for-profit organizations are among the diverse array of clients at Sullivan & Worcester LLP. Capital markets practice group head Howard E Berkenblit in Boston, who ‘has a deep knowledge of securities laws and practices‘, heads up the team alongside Washington DC-based Nicole Crum, David Mahaffey, and David Leahy, who are regularly advised by investment advisers. Matters such as ongoing legal counsel to investment funds, and general ongoing board counselling are standout drivers of activity for the practice.

Practice head(s):

Nicole Crum; Howard Berkenblit; David Mahaffey; David Leahy


Other key lawyers:

Domenick Pugliese


Testimonials

‘Howard Berkenblit is a very qualified corporate and securities practitioner with many years of experience. He has a deep knowledge of securities laws and practices.’

Key clients

Brookfield Funds DarioHealth Corp


Diversified Health Care


FMR Corp.


Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd.


Independent Trustees of the John Hancock Funds


Independent Trustees of the John Hancock GA Mortgage Trust and Senior Loan Trust


John Hancock Asset-Based Lending Fund


Independent Trustees of the Matthews Asia Funds


Independent Trustees of the Pacific Select Fund and Pacific Funds Series Trust


Independent Trustees of the Virtus Funds


Independent Trustees of the Virtus Closed-End Funds


Industrial Logistics Properties Trust


ING Group


Iron Mountain Incorporated


Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc.


Nano Dimension Ltd.


Office Properties Income Trust


Oramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


Pluri Inc.


RADCOM Ltd.


The RMR Group Inc.


Work highlights


  • Acted as independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees of the John Hancock Funds.
  • Acted as legal counsel to the Independent Trustees of the Virtus Mutual Funds and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust.
  • Advising Service Properties Trust on corporate governance matters.

WilmerHale

WilmerHale‘s group, which is split between New York, Boston, and Washington DC, comprises former SEC senior staff members and security law experts such as Meredith Cross, and is led by Knute Salhus, Lillian Brown, and Jonathan Wolfman. Standout mandates include advising on SEC and stock exchange requirements, as well as anti-takeover defenses, but a particular strength of the group lies in its pedigree to support clients with ESG risks and opportunities. Alex Bahn joined from Hogan Lovells US LLP in October 2022, advising public companies and investment vehicles.

Practice head(s):

Knute Salhus; Lillian Brown; Jonathan Wolfman


Other key lawyers:

Meredith Cross; Alan Wilson; Alex Bahn


Key clients

Activision Blizzard


Agios Pharmaceuticals


Akamai Technologies


Analog Devices


Blue Apron


CIRCOR International


Danaher Corporation


Discovery Communications


Editas Medicine


Generation Bio


Genpact


Hilton


Huntington Ingalls Industries


Kala Pharmaceuticals


Karyopharm Therapeutics


MKS Instruments


Northrop Grumman


PepsiCo


PerkinElmer


Progress