The Sidley Podcast
Sidley Austin LLP
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Welcome to The Sidley Podcast. Join us as we bring a unique perspective to complex issues at the intersection of law and business.
Available episodes
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Apr 12, 2023
Regulatory Considerations For Businesses Following Recent Bank Failures
Bank failures have roiled the financial sector, leading consumers and businesses to brace for economic fallout. How did we get here, and how will policymakers respond? What are the tools businesses can use to mitigate risk, and could a crisis like 2008 be repeated?
Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the financial industry — *Michael D. Lewis* and *Teresa Wilton Harmon*. Together, they discuss just how steady the banking system is and whether regulators can make it any safer.
Michael represents financial institutions, their investors, and their counterparties in connection with federal and state banking laws. His experience includes advising on complex investment authority and regulatory structure questions, prudential regulation of banking organizations, and bank resolution and receivership issues.
Teresa is the managing partner of Sidley’s Chicago office and focuses on financial transactions and commercial law. Her financial transactions experience includes secured and unsecured loans, workouts and restructurings, and structured finance and securitization.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Feb 23, 2023
How Businesses Should Navigate a Tightly Divided New Congress
After a contentious State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden faces off against a divided United States Congress over the debt ceiling. The business world is paying very close attention. Will Speaker Kevin McCarthy be able to corral his slim House majority? Are any compromises possible, and can any legislation actually pass? Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner*, Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on Congress — *Michael Borden, Pattie DeLoatche, *and* Brittany Bolen*. Together, they discuss congressional priorities for 2023 and the potential impact on businesses.
Michael is a partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and leads the Government Strategies practice. He offers counsel to clients facing complex and high-stakes challenges involving congressional investigations, legislation and government regulation.
Pattie is a senior policy advisor in Sidley’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Government Strategies practice. She provides strategic advice to the firm’s clients on legislative and regulatory issues before the administration, the U.S. Congress and federal and state agencies.
Brittany is counsel in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Environmental and Government Strategies practices. She advises clients on a wide range of environmental regulatory and policy matters across the executive branch and on Capitol Hill.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Feb 8, 2023
What it Takes to Score in High-Stakes Sports Acquisitions
It’s time to play ball, both on the field and off. As this year’s pro football season culminates with the big game, the business of sports is booming. More teams are for sale, buyers are lining up, and valuations are through the roof. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the sports industry — *Charles Baker* and *Irwin Raij*. They discuss the acquisition of sports teams and their media assets, the lure for investors, and emerging trends in the industry.
Chuck is a partner in the firm’s New York and Miami offices and co-chair of Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media team. He represents investors in professional sports businesses and teams and advises on sports entertainment transactions. With decades of experience in the industry, Chuck has represented sports franchise investors across numerous U.S. and international leagues.
Irwin is a partner in the firm’s Miami office and co-chair of Sidley’s Entertainment, Sports and Media team. He focuses his practice on the business of sports, including team acquisitions and sales, stadium and sports-anchored development, and media. This includes having handled matters involving the European soccer leagues, Major League Soccer, Major and Minor League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, colleges and universities, and the National Football League, among many others.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Nov 21, 2022
How SCOTUS May Rule on Potentially Seismic Cases for Business and Society
This could be the most controversial United States Supreme Court term ever. After overturning Roe v. Wade, the court now considers more profound change in election law, affirmative action, and other regulations affecting businesses. As SCOTUS welcomes a new justice, it faces questions over its own legitimacy and how far the conservative majority will go. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s experienced Supreme Court lawyers on these subjects — *Carter Phillips* and *Kwaku Akowuah*.
Carter is a partner in Sidley’s Supreme Court and Appellate practice. He `is one of the most experienced Supreme Court and appellate lawyers in the country. During his time with Sidley, Carter has argued 80 cases before the high court, more than any other lawyer in private practice. Prior to joining Sidley, Carter served as an Assistant to the Solicitor General. In that position, he argued nine cases before the Supreme Court on behalf of the U.S. government. In all, he has now made 89 oral arguments before the court and more than 145 before the U.S. Courts of Appeals.
Kwaku is a co-leader of the firm’s Supreme Court and Appellate practice. His work encompasses traditional appellate litigation, administrative law disputes, contract disputes, and pre-litigation counseling. Prior to joining Sidley, Kwaku served as a law clerk to Justice Stephen Breyer of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Oct 5, 2022
How Cryptocurrency’s Key Players Navigate Market Challenges and New Regulations
It’s a wake-up call for the cryptocurrency industry. Falling prices have created dangers — but also opportunities for market participants. How will investors, lenders, and the courts respond? What new laws could be imposed, and who will end up on top?
Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — *Teresa Wilton Harmon, Stephen Hessler*, and *Dennis Twomey*.
Teresa is the managing partner of Sidley’s Chicago office, a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and a partner in the firm’s Global Finance practice. She focuses on financial transactions and commercial law.
Steve is the global practice leader of Sidley’s Restructuring group. His practice encompasses representing debtors, creditors, and investors in corporate Chapter 11 cases, out-of-court restructurings, and acquisitions.
Dennis is a partner in Sidley’s Restructuring group. He has more than 20 years of experience representing clients in complex corporate restructurings and bankruptcies.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Aug 25, 2022
How the Supreme Court’s EPA Ruling Complicates Climate Action and What Companies Can Do
The Supreme Court’s recent decision in West Virginia v. EPA clips the EPA’s ability to address climate change and may fundamentally alter the administrative authority of other federal agencies to tackle big problems.
As state and local governments find ways to fill the void, shareholders are demanding a response from Corporate America. How seismic is the ruling? Will it doom our efforts to address climate change? And what impact will the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act have on the ruling? Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — *Justin Savage* and *Simone Jones*.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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May 16, 2022
What Fund Managers and Investors Should Know About the SEC’s Bold New Regulatory Agenda
Private fund managers and investors are on high alert as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposes an aggressive new regulatory agenda. Its new draft rules have been described as a “sea change” and are intended to enhance regulation and protect investors in private funds. But do those investors need or want this protection? What are the broader policy issues? And what should fund managers and investors plan for? Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — *Elizabeth Shea Fries* and *Stephen Cohen*.
Liz is the managing partner of Sidley’s Boston office, global co-leader of the Investment Funds practice, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. She advises clients on a broad range of transactions, business and investment structures, and regulatory matters.
Steve is the global practice leader of the firm’s Regulatory and Enforcement group and a member of Sidley’s Executive Committee. He advises clients on governmental and internal investigations, enforcement-related litigation, whistleblower complaints, cyber breaches, and regulatory and compliance issues, including those that involve private fund managers.
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Mar 11, 2022
Why Are Green Bonds All the Rage, and What’s in it for Business?
Finance is finally catching up with the environmental movement. Green bonds, which are debt raised by companies whose proceeds are used for environmentally beneficial purposes, are all the rage. More of them are being sold than ever before. But not all green products are equal, and the politics and regulation are complex. Why are investors buying in? What are the compliance challenges, and what are the incentives for businesses? Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — *Benedetta Pacifico *and* Matt Feehily*.
Benedetta is counsel in Sidley’s London office and a member of the firm’s Capital Markets practice. She founded Sidley’s ESG-focused cross-practice sustainable finance and ESG working group in Europe. Matt is a senior managing associate in Sidley’s London office and a member of the firm’s Banking and Financial Services practice. He is also a member of Sidley’s sustainable finance and ESG working group.
*Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.*
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Feb 15, 2022
Litigation Trends in Delaware and How Businesses and Boards Can Mitigate Risk
New structures, new rules? Delaware’s Chancery Court provides guidance on disclosure, conflicts, and risk allocation. We take a look at the latest Delaware rulings and what they say about SPAC directors'* *fiduciary duty, as well as COVID’s effect on M&A deals, and how corporations and boards can mitigate their liability. Join host and Sidley partner,* Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — *Jim Ducayet* and *Charlotte Newell*.
Jim is a partner in Sidley’s office in Chicago and a co-head of the firm’s Securities and Shareholder Litigation practice. Charlotte is a partner in Sidley’s office in New York and a member of the firm’s Securities and Shareholder Litigation and Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation practices.
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Jan 12, 2022
Could Proposed Laws in the U.S. and EU Help Save the Planet?
Momentum on climate action is unstoppable. Investors, businesses, and the public are demanding policymakers get serious about reducing emissions. Legislation from the U.S. and EU offers challenges and incentives for businesses worldwide. How will these proposed laws impact companies, and importantly, can they deliver on the promise of making tangible progress in the fight against climate change?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — *Nicolas Lockhart*, *Andrew Shoyer*, and *Brittany Bolen*. Nic is a partner in Sidley’s Geneva office and a member of the firm’s Global Arbitration, Trade, and Advocacy practice. Andy co-leads Sidley’s Global Arbitration, Trade, and Advocacy practice and is a partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Brittany is a senior policy advisor in the firm’s Environmental and Government Strategies practices in Sidley’s Washington, D.C. office.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Nov 15, 2021
What We’ve Learned About Preempting Crises at Universities
It’s not just “varsity blues.” Universities are facing different kinds of crises than they ever imagined before, from COVID and Title IX to sports scandals and cyber breaches. As these institutions find themselves in legal and political crosshairs, their legal counsel are called on to mitigate and even preempt potential disaster. How do they plan and execute these strategies, and what makes universities unique compared to other institutions?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — Wendy Lazerson and Karen Popp. Wendy is co-chair of Sidley’s Labor, Employment, and Immigration practice and is a partner in the firm’s San Francisco and Palo Alto offices. She also serves on the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force. Karen is the global co-leader of the firm’s White Collar: Government Litigation and Investigations practice and…
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Nov 1, 2021
Increased Scrutiny Has Boards of Directors in the Hot Seat
Life is getting harder for boards of directors of public companies. Increased scrutiny of companies — particularly in heavily regulated industries — has led to greater risk of criminal and civil liability. And recent Delaware cases have ratcheted up the pressure, allowing lawsuits to proceed against boards for failure of oversight. What should directors know about their oversight responsibilities? And what can boards do to mitigate their risk? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — *Holly* *Gregory *and *Dr. Paul Kalb*.
Holly is co-chair of Sidley’s global Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation practice, and currently serves as the president of the American College of Governance Counsel. Paul serves as the global leader of Sidley’s Healthcare and FDA group and leader of the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force. H…
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Oct 11, 2021
How to Mitigate Corporate Risk and Respond to Crises
Recent events have given the term “corporate crisis” a whole new meaning. From cyberattacks and pandemic disruptions to political divisions and tweets that go viral, companies are being challenged in ways they never have before. How should they respond in a fast-moving crisis? How can they identify risks and mitigate them? And who should execute their strategy? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on crisis management and corporate risk — *Yvette* *Ostolaza* and *Raymond Bonner*.
Yvette is chair-elect of Sidley’s Management Committee. She is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and global co-leader of its Litigation practice. Ray founded the firm’s Food, Drug, and Medical Compliance and Enforcement practice. He is lead counsel for the firm’s Risk Management and Critical Matters team and a member of the firm’s Exec…
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May 13, 2021
Can Private Businesses Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations?
Three COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for use in the U.S., and more than half of all U.S. adults have received at least one shot. The push for vaccinations is raising ethical and legal questions. Can private employers mandate vaccinations for their workers? What are the ramifications if they do? How should businesses navigate federal and state requirements? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — Wendy Lazerson and Rebecca Wood.
Wendy is the co-chair of Sidley’s Labor, Employment, and Immigration practice and a partner in the firm’s San Francisco and Palo Alto offices. She also serves on the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force. Becky serves on the firm’s Global Life Sciences Leadership Council and leads our Washington, D.C. Healthcare and FDA group. She was a founding member of the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force and recent…
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May 4, 2021
Finding New Opportunities in the SPAC Landscape
Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have raised more money in the first quarter of this year than they did in all of last year. And 2020 was already being labeled “The Year of the SPAC,” with hundreds launched. Now, more and more sponsors are stepping up. Why are SPACs so hot, and how have they evolved from their origins in the ‘90s? What are their risks, and where can we find new opportunities in the SPAC landscape?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with four of the firm’s thought leaders on SPACs — *Joshua DuClos*, *Michael Heinz*, *David Ni,* and *Jeffrey Smith* — co-leaders of Sidley’s SPAC practice. Josh, Mike, David, and Jeffrey have more than a decade of experience in counseling clients on this alternative deal structure, representing operating companies, SPACs, and investors in complex, multibillion dollar de-SPACs and IPO transactions, as well…
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Mar 8, 2021
Congress Divided: An Insider’s View on Priorities for Corporate America
Impeachment is behind us, and President Joe Biden is working to bring to fruition an ambitious agenda. Georgia’s voters gave Democrats a 50/50 Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker. Now comes the hard part — getting things done. From COVID-19 relief to infrastructure to immigration, how much of the Biden agenda can make it through a still-divided Congress? What does it all mean for business? And what are relationships really like behind the scenes?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders at the intersection of government, policy, and the law — *Peter Roskam*, *Michael Borden*, and *Patricia DeLoatche*.
Peter is a member of Sidley’s Government Strategies practice and a former six-term U.S. Representative from Illinois. He held some of the most significant positions in the U.S. House of Representatives during…
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Feb 22, 2021
Shareholder Activism, Hostile M&A, and Related Issues for the 2021 Proxy Season
It’s proxy season, and for most companies, the time for annual meetings is just around the bend. Publicly traded companies are coming off a tumultuous year. The link between corporation and community has never been more at the forefront — from COVID-19 to racial justice to worker treatment. And businesses are facing activist pressure. How should they navigate this complex environment?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with that question and many others. Join host and Sidley partner,* Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on proxy season — *Beth Berg, Kai Liekefett, *and *Derek Zaba.
*Beth has more than 18 years of experience in advising companies on shareholder activism, proxy contests, and takeover defense. She is a partner in the firm’s Chicago office.
Kai is a partner in Sidley’s New York office and co-chairs the firm’s Shareholder Activism practice. In the last five years, he has been involved in more than 50 proxy conte…
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Feb 9, 2021
How the New Brexit Deal Will Reshape Business in the EU and UK
Brexit is finally here. It’s been four and a half years since citizens of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. A deal has been struck, and the UK is out. Companies worldwide are still asking questions. What laws now apply in the UK? Are investment and trade easier — or does bureaucracy reign? And what opportunities exist amid the uncertainty? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner,* Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on Brexit — *Nick Brittain *and *Nicolas Lockhart*.
Nick Brittain is a senior counsel in Sidley’s London office and a member of the firm’s Global Finance, Investment Funds, and Real Estate practices. He has a broad range of experience in the area of structured finance and securitization.
Nicolas Lockhart is a partner in Sidley’s Geneva office and a member of the firm’s Global Arbitration, Trade, and Advocacy practice. He focuses on…
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Dec 17, 2020
What the Supreme Court’s Transformation Means for Business
The Supreme Court of the United States has been transformed with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. These events shift the high court further to the right. What will this mean for President-elect Joe Biden’s agenda? How will the new court rule on business cases? What are the cases to watch in 2021? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the Supreme Court — *Carter Phillips* and *Peter Keisler*.
Carter is one of the most experienced Supreme Court and appellate lawyers in the country. Since joining Sidley, he has argued 79 cases before the high court, more than any other lawyer in private practice.
Peter is a former acting attorney general. His practice before the Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals and federal district courts has included the leading role in the nation…
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Nov 18, 2020
What Will a Biden Administration Mean for Business?
The voters have spoken. A Biden administration waits in the wings and could soon pursue an agenda that could change the way companies are regulated and the way they do business. How will the new administration respond to COVID-19, and which companies should now worry about being investigated? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders at the intersection of government, policy, and the law — *Peter Roskam*, *Michael Borden*, and *Patricia DeLoatche*.
Peter is a member of Sidley’s Government Strategies practice and a former six-term U.S. Representative from Illinois. He held some of the most significant positions in the U.S. House of Representatives during his tenure from 2007 to 2019. Michael leads the firm’s Government Strategies practice and is also a member of the White Collar: Government Litigation and Investigations practice. He jo…
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Oct 26, 2020
Is a New Era of Trustbusting Upon Us?
As the presidential election looms, a new report by the House Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee is taking aim at giant technology companies. It charges that these once-underdog startups have been transformed into monopolies, and proposes changes to antitrust law that could lead to the breakup of these companies. How has antitrust evolved, and where is it going? Is this the dawn of a new era of trustbusting?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner *Sam Gandhi* as he speaks with one of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — Senior Counsel* Tim Muris*, a member of Sidley’s Antitrust/Competition practice and the only person ever to be the director of both of the Federal Trade Commission’s enforcement bureaus, Competition and Consumer Protection, prior to serving as its chairman from 2001 to 2004.
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Sep 21, 2020
Insider Trading and the COVID-19 Impact
Volatile stock markets are creating more opportunities for insider trading. As U.S. businesses try to return to normal amid COVID-19, the SEC is ramping up its response to potential securities violations. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority is warning companies to further protect inside information. How has enforcement of insider trading changed, and how can companies mitigate their risks?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on insider trading — *Nader Salehi*, co-head of Sidley’s global Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practice, who works with virtually every major bank on Wall Street, and *Sara George*, a former prosecutor of insider trading for the UK Financial Services Authority and a partner in the firm’s White Collar: Government Investigations and Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practices.
Executive Producer:…
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Jul 29, 2020
Can the Yellow School Bus Go Green?
The classic yellow school bus is turning green. Electric buses may continue to grow in popularity, and the so-called “vehicle-to-grid” technology enables the new buses both to store and draw power. Yet, there is a state-versus-federal regulatory battle that could stifle this innovation. Who can benefit from this technology, and how can companies, utilities, and school districts navigate the opportunities and challenges?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on the subject — Ken Irvin, coleader of Sidley’s global Energy practice, who represents clients on matters involving the wholesale electricity and gas markets. He has extensive experience representing businesses in investigations and regulatory proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Jul 8, 2020
Shareholder Activism in the COVID-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for businesses and their boards of directors. One of the critical matters boards always contend with is the threat of shareholder activism. Now, there is increased scrutiny of how well boards are managing the COVID-19 crisis. How are activists responding, and how can companies plan and react effectively? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, *Sam Gandhi*, as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on shareholder activism — *Beth Berg*, who has over 18 years of experience in advising companies on shareholder activism, proxy contests, and takeover defense, and *Kai Liekefett*, co-chair of the firm’s Shareholder Activism practice, who focuses his practice solely on activism campaigns and proxy fights.
Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.
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Jun 9, 2020
COVID-19 Places Corporate Social Responsibility in Sharp Relief
Two distinct and important trends have emerged in the COVID-19 era for businesses and their boards. Corporate social responsibility and expanding concerns about social justice have become amplified amid the pandemic. Added to this is that investors and Delaware courts are focusing on the role of boards of directors in oversight. The courts are now allowing claims for failures in oversight to be litigated. How has the virus affected these trends and how can boards prepare? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner *Sam Gandh*i as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on governance and the risks for boards — *Holly Gregory,* co-chair of Sidley’s global Corporate Governance and Executive Compensation practice and president of the American College of Governance Counsel. Holly and Sam address what businesses and their boards can do in anticipation of the challenges and opportunities posed by the curren…
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Apr 19, 2020
COVID-19: Walking the Line Between Worker Safety and Privacy
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for employers. Businesses must walk the line between keeping workers safe and respecting their privacy. How do employers ensure a safe and healthy workplace? And how do they manage layoffs, furloughs and benefits in this rapidly deteriorating economic environment? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner *Sam Gandhi* as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on the critical issues that employers face—*Wendy Lazerson*, co-chair of Sidley’s Labor and Employment practice, and *Kate Heinzelman*, who advises clients on privacy and cybersecurity issues.
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Apr 16, 2020
High Times for the Cannabis Business
The cannabis business is booming. Social acceptance of marijuana has led jurisdictions to legalize its sale and use for both medicinal and recreational reasons. Companies see enormous business opportunities in it. But marijuana is still illegal under federal law. And the political landscape about its regulation is complicated. What should companies know about the opportunities and risks to participating in the market? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with that question and many others. Join host and Sidley partner *Sam Gandhi* as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on cannabis — *James Cole*, the former deputy attorney general of the United States, where he was the primary author of the “Cole Memo,” a Justice Department memorandum regarding the enforcement of the federal laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of marijuana. Jim is also the global co-leader of Sidley’s White Collar: Government Litigation and Investigations practice. Jim and Sam a…
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Apr 9, 2020
Life Science Innovators Tackle COVID-19: Developing Pathways to Diagnose, Prevent and Treat the Virus
Life sciences companies are rushing to find ways to diagnose, prevent and treat the COVID-19 virus. They face legal challenges, from regulatory oversight to supply chain disruption and product liability. What are the opportunities in trying to solve the COVID-19 virus puzzle? And how do these global innovators handle the risks? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner *Sam Gandhi* as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on the critical issues that life sciences companies face—*Becky* *Wood*, who leads Sidley’s FDA regulatory practice, and* Doro Schramm*, an international arbitration partner in the firm’s Geneva, Switzerland office. Together, they address what businesses can do in anticipation of the challenges ahead.
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Mar 17, 2020
Managing Through Crisis: How Boards Can Navigate COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus is spreading around the world and is officially a pandemic. With global markets falling to their lowest since the financial crisis, fears of a recession have increased. As companies scramble to deal with this rapidly evolving and dangerous reality, how do boards of directors react? How do they navigate an M&A transaction or avoid litigation? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on the critical issues that boards face—Yvette Ostolaza, co-global practice leader of Sidley’s Litigation practice, and Brian Fahrney, global practice leader of Sidley’s M&A and Private Equity practices. Together, they address what businesses can do in anticipation of the challenges ahead.
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Mar 12, 2020
The Perfect Storm: The Impact of COVID-19 and Oil Price War on the Energy Industry
Just as the coronavirus (COVID-19) has the whole world in crisis, an oil price war is now further roiling global markets and the business world. These seismic events raise substantial legal issues for the energy industry. What is the impact on energy market participants? How can businesses navigate the storm?
Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on the energy industry, Cliff Vrielink, co-managing partner of Sidley’s Houston office and global leader of the firm’s Energy and Infrastructure practice. Together, they address what businesses can do in anticipation of the challenges ahead.
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Feb 24, 2020
Blockchain: Poised to Transform Business
Blockchain technology has the ability to transform how business and everyday commercial transactions are being done across industries. This emerging technology represents more than just an incremental improvement in business practices — it could actually disrupt how we do business. What is blockchain, how will it affect the way we communicate and transact with each other and why are cryptocurrencies being used in conjunction with this technology?
We get answers to these questions and many others on the latest episode of The Sidley Podcast. Podcast host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi speaks with Lilya Tessler, a partner in the firm’s New York office, who focuses her practice on the corporate and regulatory aspects of blockchain technology.
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Jan 24, 2020
Brexit: What Happens Next?
With a new prime minister and a mandate from the voters, the United Kingdom’s Brexit from the European Union is finally upon us. The day after the referendum in 2016, the most searched for question on the internet in the U.K. was “What is Brexit?” As the departure works itself out, what actually will happen and how businesses should prepare still seems uncertain. As we’ll find out in this episode of The Sidley Podcast, despite the uncertainty, there are things businesses can do in anticipation of the challenges ahead. Podcast host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi speaks with Nick Brittain, senior counsel in Sidley’s London office, and Nicolas Lockhart, a partner in Sidley’s Geneva office on this pressing topic.
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Jan 8, 2020
The New Era in Corporate Governance
For whose benefit should a corporation be governed? That question would get a very different answer 20 years ago. What’s changed since then? Well a lot, as we found out in the inaugural episode of "The Sidley Podcast" in which we spoke with Thomas Cole, senior counsel and chair emeritus of the Executive Committee of Sidley Austin. Tom shares insights in current issues related to corporate governance and discusses his new book, “CEO Leadership: Navigating the New Era in Corporate Governance.”
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