Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP

Shareholder Activism Practice

Partner

Rebecca Van Derlaske delivers savvy strategic counsel to help shareholders unlock value on their investments in public and private companies through proactive, constructive shareholder engagement.

Shareholders, hedge funds, and other investors call on Rebecca for advice and representation in domestic and international activism matters, including proxy contests, withhold campaigns, consent solicitations, and settlement negotiations. She also advises on Schedule 13D investments in public companies, proxy rules, securities laws, mergers and acquisitions, SEC filings, and complex disclosure requirements, including Section 16 filings.

With a legal background in corporate bankruptcy and restructuring, Rebecca has a deep understanding of credit agreements, bond indentures, financings, and how to view a company's outstanding liabilities properly. First-time and seasoned activists benefit from her ability to clearly explain their shareholder legal rights and quickly review and decipher various public filings. She summarizes complex legal agreements and debt documents to address potential issues and sharpen engagement strategy. As a result, clients receive the advice and information they need to proceed, from corporate governance, communications, nominations, and proxy solicitations advice to drafting and negotiating settlement agreements and help in securing representation on their company’s board.

Collaborative, even in tense situations, Rebecca is known for being a successful dealmaker with exceptional grace under pressure. Clients and opposing counsel appreciate her professional, calm, and respectful approach and creativity in developing win-win, workable solutions that resolve disagreements and get deals done.

J.D., summa cum laude, William & Mary School of Law, 2013

Lead Articles Editor, William & Mary Law Review Alumni Scholarship

B.A., magna cum laude, The College of William & Mary, 2009

Recognized as a "Recommended Lawyer" in The Legal 500 United States guide in M&A/Corporate and Commercial: Shareholder Activism - Advice to Shareholders, 2025 and as a "Key Lawyer" in the same category, 2021 Named a “Rising Star” by New York Metro Super Lawyers, 2021-2024