Shareholder Activism

Shareholder engagement can take various forms, from private engagement to public criticism, shareholder proposals, requisitioned meetings and proxy contests. Our lawyers specialize in advising on:

•  Initiating and responding to proxy contests for board control

• Board governance, effectiveness, composition and fiduciary duties

• Shareholder engagement strategies and policies

• Regulation governing proxy contests and shareholder communications

• Responses to shareholder proposals and corporate record demands

• Special committee composition and engagement

• Internal investigations, government investigations and hearings

• Soliciting dealer engagements

• Campaigns focused on environmental, social and governance (ESG) and other emerging risk management trends and issues

• Related-party transactions

Strategic planning and advance preparation can assist issuers in understanding and defending against shareholder campaigns. When facing a possible proxy contest, our proactive approach involves engaging in an advance review process so our clients can move quickly, decisively and effectively.
 
We have been at the forefront of emerging trends in shareholder engagement, leveraging strong, longstanding relationships with leading investor relations firms, proxy solicitation firms and media relations specialists. We are also well positioned to assist with investor relation programs as well as media and communication plans.