Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP draws considerable praise from clients, who turn to the team for its ‘depth of knowledge’ and ‘client-focused practical advice’ on a broad range of corporate governance issues, including ESG matters, corporate compliance, and shareholder activism. The firms has continued its growth with the addition of several partners from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Among them are Beth George, who leads the strategic risk and crisis management practice at the firm, Megan Kayo, who regularly works with startups and Fortune, and Janet Kim and Andrew Dockham, both of whom have bolstered the team’s the litigation abilities. Practice head Pamela Marcogliese, who splits her time between New York and Silicon Valley, is described as a ‘standout partner’, praised for her ‘depth of knowledge in the corproate governance and securities space.’ Elizabeth Bieber is noted for her ability to provide guidance on a range of corporate governance issues, including director fiduciary duties, board evaluations and stakeholder engagement issues. Silicon Valley-based Sarah Solum has extensive experience on capital markets transactions and corporate assignments for public and private companies hailing from the tech and life sciences sectors. Unless otherwise mentioned, all named practitioners are based in New York.

Routinely involved in advising public company clients and Fortune 500 companies on significant policy and transactional matters, Hogan Lovells US LLP is able to handle day-to-day corporate governance practices, securities law compliance, and SEC reporting. Praised for fielding a team of ‘dedicated attorneys that specialize solely in this subject area’, the practice is well-placed to represent clients across the life sciences, healthcare, tech and manufacturing sectors. At the helm sits John Beckman  who is noted for his focus on securities regulation and corporate governance, frequently representing public companies in connection with shareholder interactions. Elsewhere in the team, Alan Dye  is sought after for his expertise in all aspects of securities law compliance, while senior associate Weston Gaines is experienced in SEC reporting and securities law compliance. All practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP houses a ‘top corporate governance practice’ that is equipped to handle a range of matters including ESG, day-to-day disclosure issues, executive compensation and board-level matters. Boards, committees, executive officers and investors turn to the team for its ability to assist on cross-border M&A and restructuring transactions with substantial securities law elements, seamlessly integrating the firm’s M&A, private equity, capital markets and restructuring teams to assist on matters. The practice is jointly steered by Lyuba Goltser  and Howard Dicker. Goltser advises clients on the full range of high-stakes corporate governance, securities law and regulatory compliance issues, while Dicker specializes SEC accounting issues. Washington DC-based Adé Heyliger, described as a ‘top practitioner’, is a key port of call for public companies, corporate boards and foreign private issuers seeking advice on SEC disclosure and regulatory matters. Attorneys mentioned are based New York unless otherwise stated.

Arnold & Porter remains a strong choice for public companies seeking counsel in corporate governance matters, with a focus on drafting and implementing codes of conduct, advising on compliance programs, and navigating disclosure issues. The team is spearheaded by Michael Bernstein, founding partner of the corporate governance practice, who is noted for his ability to advise clients on fiduciary duty issues arising in the insolvency context. Kevin Lavin is frequently engaged by private equity funds and their portfolio companies in M&A and public securities offerings, while Denver-based Ronald Levine is sought after by public and private companies across a myriad of industries. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Counting a bevy of public companies and Fortune 100 corporations among its roster of clients, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP handles an array of corporate issues, advising clients on IPOs, SEC and corporate governance matters, and shareholder proposals. Co-chair Elizabeth Ising has a multifaceted corporate practice, regularly representing Fortune 100 and S&P 100 companies, while Orange County-based co-chair James Moloney advises public company boards and committees of independent directors in connection with mergers, stock exchange proceedings, as well as SEC and other regulatory investigations. Both are assisted by co-chair Lori Zyskowski who is a trusted advisor to host of leading companies seeking securities regularly advice. New York’s Thomas Kim is recommended for his extensive experience handling regulatory matters for companies with the SEC. Attorneys based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Jones Day regularly handles ESG matters for Fortune 500 and other well-known clients hailing from the worlds of retail and consumer products, technology, and manufacturing. Alongside ESG matters, the team also offers demonstrable expertise high profile activism defense matters and internal investigations. Co-chair Randi Lesnick , who is based in New York, frequently advises clients on compliance, governance, and fiduciary matters, including ESG policies and disclosures relating to sustainability. A litany of domestic and international clients turn to Atlanta-based co-chair Joel May  , who advises on shareholder activism, proxy fights, and securities compliance matters. Lizanne Thomas has retired.

Latham & Watkins LLP offers a broad nationwide corporate governance practice, catering to an array of Fortune 500 companies on a key matters including ESG issues, shareholder proposals, SEC reporting and corporate investigations. The team has deep agency experience, comprising many former SEC senior officials and experienced corporate practitioners. Ian Schuman, Jenna Cooper, Stelios Saffos and Keith Halverstam  jointly steer the practice from New York, brining their comprehensive expertise in various corporate governance matters. Elsewhere, Julia Thompson focuses on company representation and securities regulation matters, while Washington DC-based Joel H. Trotter is distinguished for his ability to handle complex issues arising under the US securities laws.

Praised for its ability to package its ‘strong command of corporate governance laws and regulations, and emerging trends in the area, into actionable advice’, the team at White & Case LLP advises clients on a broad array of corporate governance issues and ongoing SEC reporting obligations. Practice head Maia Gez, lauded as ‘absolutely brilliant and ultra responsive’, is sought after by public companies for her expertise in corporate governance and securities regulation matters. Scott Levi boasts a successful track record winning securities regulatory rulings and no action requests with the SEC with regard to shareholder proposals and earns further praise for his ‘responsiveness and attentiveness’. Era Anagnosti has left the firm. Practitioners mentioned are based in New York.

The ‘top notch’ team at Akin is regularly engaged by public and private companies on a host of corporate governance matters spanning ESG programs, shareholder activism and board evaluations. The cross-departmental team often works alongside the firm’s corporate, litigation and cybersecurity practices, augmenting its client work with the production of articles and newsletters. ‘Terrific’ co-chair Kerry E Berchem, based in New York, has a strong track record working with boards and C-suites on a broad range of matters, ranging from the establishment and compliance with corporate governance policies to fiduciary duty obligation. A mix of public and private companies and private equity funds turn to Houston-based co-head John Goodgame for his expertise in the MLP industry.

Praised by clients for its ‘consistent collaborative client-centric approach’ and ‘outstanding legal services’, DLA Piper LLP (US) is well-versed in a wide range of corporate governance issues, standing out for its work in the tech and life sciences spaces. The team is jointly led by Christopher Paci and Era Anagnosti. Paci is noted for his extensive experience in the securities law aspects of financial restructuring, while Anagnosti, who joined the team from White & Case LLP, has bolstered the team’s agency experience as a former SEC employee. The ‘top notch’ Sanjay Shirodkar is lauded for his ability to provide clients with ‘sound, practical advice.’ Attorneys mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Clients represented by Goodwin‘s team include boards, committees, executive officers and investors across a diverse range of sectors. Described as ‘very efficient and very tailored to the task at hand’, the team handles the full range of governance issues, from advisory and regulatory work to transactions and litigation. Washington DC-based practice head Jonathan Hecht , described by one client as a ‘savvy SEC practitioner’, excels in advising clients on investigations by the SEC and securities-related private civil actions. San Francisco’s Karen Ubell earns praise for ability to provide ‘clear, succinct advice in an actionable way.’

Standing out for its expertise in counseling management and boards of directors on change and crisis management, Mayer Brown draws on its global footprint to advise major corporations across a myriad of industries. The practice is jointly steered by New York-based Anna Pinedo, who has a busy capital markets and corporate practice, representing issuers, investment banks and investors, and Eddie Best, who splits his time between New York and Chicago.

The corporate governance group at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP frequently advises domestic and foreign public companies on all aspects of their compliance and for advice on SEC internal investigations. The team is spearheaded by New York-based Karen Hsu Kelley who is a key port of call for management, boards of directors and board committees seeking assistance on SEC reporting, committee structures and shareholder proposals.

Fielding a team of ‘technical experts’, praised for its ability to keep up ‘to speed on emerging issues and trends and providing proactive guidance‘, WilmerHale advises on SEC and stock exchange requirements, ESG issues and anti-takeover defenses. Washington DC's Lillian Brown leads the practice alongside New York's Knute Salhus and Boston-based Jonathan Wolfman, each distinguished for their wealth of experience in corporate governance issues. Alex Bahn is also a key team member in Washington DC.