Appreciated for its ‘focus on precision, quality and effectiveness’, the shareholder-side offering at Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP‘s New York office is one of the country’s standout, dedicated departments in the field. Beyond its expertise in core campaigns and filings, the practice includes leading practitioners for campaign strategizing, corporate governance, proxy rules, spin-offs and co-investments involving activists. The team also ensures close collaboration with its securities, litigation, tax, antitrust, and investment funds practices. Per one client, practice co-head Eleazer Klein ’has earned his reputation for being the most thoughtful and able lawyer working for shareholder activists‘. Overseeing the department alongside Klein is Marc Weingarten, whose varied practice encompasses shareholder activism as well as M&A and securities law. Adriana Schwartz is another key contact who is well regarded for her securities-focused advice to activist shareholders. January 2024 partner appointment Sean Brownridge has experience leading associate teams in some of the firm’s highest-profile matters, and Brandon Gold (based in Washington, DC) also stands out.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The most able and knowledgeable team that works for investors, with a focus on precision, quality and effectiveness.’
‘Eleazer Klein has earned his reputation for being the most thoughtful and able lawyer working for shareholder activists. Great instincts and knowledge.’
'SRZ provides a complete service offering for hedge fund clients and they deliver all of those services as needed on a matter-by-matter basis. The shareholder activism practice is one of the most active on the Street and is the best provider given the experience and skill level of the practitioners in it - I have been working with them for more than 10 years. The team is also incredibly hardworking and always available.'
'Ele Klein's mastery of the rules, regulations and technical considerations of not just activism but all of the surrounding securities law issues is better than anyone else on the Street. He brings practical skill and insight from having so much deal and negotiating experience, but the overlay of his technical skill, and brilliant legal mind, delivers unparalleled advice and allows him to anticipate issues and to see around corners that ordinary people do not.'
'Sean Brownridge is a standout star.'
Key clients
- D. E. Shaw & Co.
- Elliott Investment Management L.P.
- Farallon Capital Management LLC
- JANA Partners LLC
- Politan Capital Management LP
- Saba Capital Management, L.P.
- Starboard Value LP
- TCI Fund Management Limited
- Trian Fund Management, L.P.
- Voce Capital Management LLC
Work highlights
- Advised Trian Fund Management on its $1bn investment in, and public campaign for change at, The Walt Disney Company.
- Represented Starboard Value in its engagement with Salesforce, advising on various aspects, including securities law matters and Starboard’s negotiations with the company and its leadership.
- Represented Politan Capital Management in its engagement with Masimo Corporation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Eleazer Klein; Marc Weingarten
Other key lawyers
Adriana Schwarz; Brandon Gold; Sean Brownridge