In an era where belonging to the decision-making core is no longer a perk for a general counsel but a necessity, merely having a position in the upper echelons is deemed insufficient. According to legal expert Lisa Lang, a general counsel needs to command substantial authority and influence within the organization to be able to…
In an era where remote working is increasingly becoming the norm, maintaining and enforcing work ethics among employees poses new challenges. A recent podcast episode of “Hiring to Firing” sheds light on a prevalent issue commonly known as “moonlighting” in the corporate space. Partners Tracey Diamond and Evan Gibbs hosted this insightful discussion along with…
Ryne Miller, formerly the U.S. general counsel for cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has established his own New York-based legal firm, Miller Strategic Partners. His firm aims to offer guidance to both digital asset and blockchain corporations and traditional financial firms. They will particularly focus on issues of regulation, regulatory investigations, and crisis management. Drawing from his…
Former Covington & Burling legal heavyweight, Mitchell Kamin, has transitioned to a role bound to pique the interest of sci-fi enthusiasts across the globe. Kamin served as a key player in Covington & Burling’s commercial litigation practice before taking up his new, intriguing, post as the first general counsel of the Lucas Museum of Narrative…
The traditional political debate model might be ready for a re-think. In today’s climate, political debates are as much about politicians’ ability to generate viral, internet-ready moments as they are about the dry details of policy. A clever, well-timed remark or retort that can be easily shared across social media can be extremely advantageous, often…
Almost 80 general counsel and legal executives have put forward a collective appeal to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) by penning a letter, calling for the formal acknowledgment and inclusion of the role of general counsel in the overhauling process of the U.K. Corporate Governance Code. It has been indicated that the U.K. Governance Code…
In a recent episode of “Real Talk”, renowned legal professionals opened a vibrant discussion with someone remarkably eminent in her field, Deirdre Stanley. She is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The Estée Lauder Companies and has cultivated an illustrious career path filled with inspired decisions and meaningful influence. The conversation brought insight…
On August 9, 2023, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (“EEOC”) welcomed its new Commissioner, Kalpana Kotagal. Kotagal is expected to guide the EEOC towards more employee-friendly policies. The EEOC has already made significant strides in the past month towards building a firmly progressive stance in the legal framework around hiring, pregnancy, and pay reporting in…
As the world grapples with economic uncertainty, corporate legal departments are evolving into problem-solvers helping businesses not only survive but also thrive. This changing role of in-house legal teams is deeply rooted in their strategic approach towards litigation and risk management, according to a study sponsored by Burford. For this study, in-depth interviews were conducted…
American International Group (AIG) has recently announced an executive promotion that is sure to create a buzz in legal circles: Lucy Fato has been elevated to Vice Chair, a newly created position at the insurance giant. Recognized as a significant player in AIG’s continued success, Fato’s promotion marks her transition from her former post as…
As we approach 2024, it’s imperative for law firms and corporations alike to begin internal preparations. One such necessary preparation includes understanding the “Desktop Staleness Calendar for 2024 Offerings”. This staleness calendar serves as a guide by providing critical dates when financial statements may expire, otherwise going ‘stale’ for issuers with fiscal years ending December…
In a recent analysis by Corporate Counsel, in partnership with ALM Intelligence, it was found that female General Counsel (GC) at Fortune 1000 companies received slightly higher total compensation than their male counterparts in the last fiscal year. The study, which drew on pay disclosures by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, also noted a…
It has been an engaging day for global financial news. Today’s highlight comes from New York, where Richard Ostrander, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York General Counsel, prepared a comprehensive paper that was presented at a panel discussion at the ECB Legal Conference 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The discourse focused on Central…
The recent International Legal Technology Association conference, ILTACON, held in Orlando, Florida was a hub for dialogue about legal technology. Several established and startup legal tech companies attended, providing scope for a range of fascinating insights in the industry. In a set of live interviews conducted and recorded at ILTACON, numerous company representatives shared their…
The high stakes and demands of the corporate legal world have often resulted in a perpetuating cycle of artificial emergencies – often caused by unrealistic client expectations and pervasive modern connectivity. Both General Counsels (GCs) and outside counsel carry the responsibility of combating this unhealthy norm, transforming the dynamics of communication and demands within the…
As we continue to navigate an ever-evolving landscape of regulatory rules and guidelines, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to play a significant role in shaping the direction of private investment funds. As legal professionals, it is paramount that you stay informed of the changes that directly impact your practice or the firms you…
The investment sector sees another high-profile move as the chief compliance officer and general counsel of Glenview Capital Management joins Lowenstein Sandler LLP. Underscoring a continuing trend of talent migration from the investment industry to the legal field, this move is set to take effect later this month. The new role at Lowenstein Sandler will…
The week leading up to September 2023 saw considerable activity within the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), especially in regard to several significant rulings. Legal professionals around the world, particularly those involved in corporate affairs and labor relations, would do well to take note of these developments. One of the most notable rulings…
President Joe Biden has chosen former partner of Sidley Austin, Christopher Fonzone, to head the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) within the U.S. Department of Justice. This announcement was made on Tuesday, indicating a replacement for Christopher Schroeder who left his position earlier in the summer. The OLC plays a key role within federal governance,…
The landscape of fiduciary duties is evolving rapidly, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are at the forefront of this transformation. Corporate boards find themselves under the scrutiny of various stakeholders, including investors, politicians, regulators, clients, and activists, each with strong opinions on how ESG should be integrated into corporate decision-making. Fiduciary duties, enshrined…
Jonathan A. Danziger, former general counsel and chief compliance officer at Glenview Capital Management, has joined the investment management group of Lowenstein Sandler as a partner operating out of New York, the firm announced. Danziger possesses extensive experience in guiding clients on the formation and structuring private funds and management companies. Moreover, he has a…
Rob Chesnut, a name synonymous with legal prowess and expertise, formerly served as a general counsel and prosecutor for the Justice Department. In a recent piece, he delves into the intricacies of how Big Tech companies comply with EU digital regulation in the absence of similar oversight in the US. His article poses an intriguing…
UK Top 50 firm, Kennedys, has recently added a new partner to its branch in Chile. Rodrigo Hayvard, previously acting as general counsel and chief compliance officer for leading Chilean insurance company FID Seguros, is making a return to Kennedys where he had formerly held a senior associate position. This move further bolsters Kennedy’s strong…
Senior legal officers and general counsel from leading corporations including Vodafone, Rolls Royce, and BP have joined hands with partners from prestigious law firms such as Skadden, Arps, Meagher & Flom to launch a new campaign geared towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity. This new initiative called OUT@work seeks to assist law firms and companies in enhancing their…
The way lawyers decide what to say, both in court and beyond, can significantly influence the outcomes in favor of their clients, their career growth, and their entity’s legal footing. Nevertheless, often overlooked is the weight of this responsibility and the strategic thought process shaping these decisions. Recently, Above the Law published an article that…