The Sidley Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is a partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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. He is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 Executive Committee. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 recently served at the FDA as chief counsel — the general counsel role — under former commissioner Scott Gottlieb. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 as in a host of other corporate transaction structures. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 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 joined the firm after working for nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, including as senior counsel of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services during the financial crisis and the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act. Patricia is a member of the firm’s Government Strategies and Food, Drug, and Medical Device Compliance and Enforcement practices. Prior to joining Sidley, she served for more than 25 years as a leading health policy adviser to key members of Congress. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 contests — more than any defense lawyer in the country. Derek is a partner in the firm’s Palo Alto and New York offices and co-chairs the Shareholder Activism practice. Over the past two decades, he has been involved in dozens of activist campaigns and proxy contests. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 the development of enforcement of international trade rules, particularly at the World Trade Organization. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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’s most important and successful commercial and regulatory cases of the past several years. Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.

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 joined the firm after working for nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, including as senior counsel of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services during the financial crisis and the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act. Patricia is a member of the firm’s Government Strategies and Food, Drug, and Medical Device Compliance and Enforcement practices. Prior to joining Sidley, she served for more than 25 years as a leading health policy adviser to key members of Congress. This episode includes topics discussed on a recent webinar . Executive Producer: John Metaxas, WallStreetNorth Communications, Inc.