SEC is Weighing 50+ New Rules which Affect SPACs, ESG Matters, Private Companies and Private Funds … Some Could Arrive by this Spring

The financial news since the start of 2022 has contained numerous articles concerning the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) more than 50 proposed rules that Chairman Gary Gensler is considering, representing one of the largest regulatory initiatives by the SEC in decades.  Particularly of note, Gensler emphasized his desire for greater competition and efficiency in…

Petition to Confirm Successful Arbitration over Rights to “To Kill A Mockingbird”

On February 9, 2022, Petitioners Atticus Corporation (“Atticus”), Hannah C. Pakula and Boardwalk Productions (“Boardwalk”) (collectively, “Petitioners” or “Producers”) submitted their Petition to Confirm Arbitration Award against Respondents Tonja C. Carter, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Nelle Harper Lee, and Harper Lee, LLC to The United States District Court For the Southern District…

Be Aware: Works Council Elections in Germany

Crucial points from an Employer’s Perspective Every four years, regular works council elections are held in Germany. This spring 2022, elections will be held from March 1st until May 31st. The Works Council Modernization Act The Betriebsrätemodernisierungsgesetz was enacted last June 2021.  What’s new? While 18 remains the age required to be elected, age 16…

SEC Exam Risk Alert on Private Fund Advisers

On January 27, 2021 the Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission published their second risk alert focused on Private Fund Advisor deficiencies commonly noted in connection with their examinations. These include: Conduct Inconsistent with Disclosures Failure to obtain informed consent from Limited Partner Advisory Committees, Advisory Boards or Advisory Committees (collectively “LPACs”)…

Women in Law: an Interview with Debra Vernon

You spend a lot of your practice working with early-stage technology companies. What do you like about this sector?  It’s exciting being a corporate and securities lawyer in Silicon Valley, advising entrepreneurs, tech companies and investors when companies are just getting started and the founding team is creating innovative technology. I advise clients on a…