Managing Shareholder Activism And More

CHICAGO --- Trends in mergers and acquisitions, managing shareholder activism, accounting and auditing developments and Delaware law are among the topics to be covered during the 34th Annual Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate and Securities Law Institute, held Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, at Northwestern University School of Law, 375 E. Chicago Ave., Thorne Auditorium.

Led by top corporate law practitioners, this year’s institute includes perspectives from board members, in-house and firm attorneys, and regulators about the ever-changing developments in the current legal and regulatory environment. 

Through the use of a hypothetical situation, “The Lifecycle of Managing Shareholder Activism: The Corporate Process Examined” will provide a two-session examination of the legal, financial and investor communication challenges presented by shareholder activism. 

Diane Swonk, chief economist, Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc., Chicago, will share her outlook for the economy in her keynote address. Other highlights include a conversation with Keith F. Higgins, director, Division of Corporation Finance, Securities and Exchange Commission, and remarks on the developments in the relationships between audit committees and auditors by James R. Doty, chairman, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. 

A total of 10 sessions will be held both days, including “A Roundtable Discussion on the Pitfalls of Emerging Technology and Other Ethical Issues” and “Updates in Securities Litigation and Enforcement.” The Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate and Securities Law Institute is recognized for mandatory continuing legal education credit in most states.

“This Institute is among the premier corporate and securities law conferences nationwide,” said Joseph P. Gromacki, 2014 Institute Chair and partner at Jenner & Block LLP. “The expertise, experience and accessibility of the faculty, which includes regulators, judges and practitioners who are at the top of the industry, make this a truly unique and high-quality educational experience.”

For more information, including a complete schedule, registration instructions and continuing legal education (CLE) information, visit Northwestern University Law School.