Find a lawyerOur capabilitiesYour careerSearch
Locations
Our capabilities
News

Select language:

Locations
Our capabilities
News

Select language:

hamburger menu showcase image
  1. Our capabilities
  2. Corporate advisory and governance
  3. Shareholder engagement and activism
Shareholder engagement and activism
Our multidisciplinary shareholder engagement and activism team is experienced in guiding companies, boards and executives through the full spectrum of shareholder engagement and activism matters, including the most complex shareholder activism campaigns and boardroom challenges. We provide comprehensive support, from preparedness and planning, strategy development and shareholder engagement, to securities and corporate law issues, settlement agreements and litigation.
hero-image-0
Understanding activists’ varying styles of engagement is crucial when responding to an activist campaign. With deep knowledge of US and European activists and their playbooks, as well as strong local and regional expertise, we offer a unique perspective on the global activism landscape.

Our team has successfully represented clients in campaigns in the US, Europe and Asia, and on a cross-jurisdiction basis, involving all of the major activists in the market.

Even when not facing an imminent threat, companies can take proactive steps to ward off a potential campaign. Preparing for and defending against activist shareholders requires a holistic approach – our expert legal advice must be integrated into and work for the business. At Freshfields, we help companies navigate the activist landscape by striking the right balance between strategic risk management, including by assessing (and helping to address) any corporate governance or other vulnerabilities, developing preparedness manuals and running mock activist campaigns, as well as proactive defence, in the event that a campaign materialises.

Success in activism campaigns also hinges on building and maintaining strong relationships with shareholders and other stakeholders. Freshfields has a proven track record in helping companies achieve this, including by working alongside public relations firms and proxy advisers to prepare a tactical stakeholder engagement strategy, and where appropriate, compelling public responses to an activist’s public attacks.

ContactsMeet the team
New York
Elizabeth K. BieberPartner
New York
Oliver J. BoardPartner
Tokyo
Noah CarrPartner
London
Kate CooperPartner
Meet the team
Awards & recognition
2024
Band 1 for “Corporate Governance” Legal 500, United States
2024
Client quote: “The governance team at Freshfields are standouts in terms of depth of knowledge and good, client-focused practical advice.”Legal 500
Our thinking

Our thinking

Blog
Jan 17 2025
Clarifications to Recent Developments on Section 162(m)
Introduction On January 14, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the U.S. Treasury Department (the “Treasury Department”)...
Blog
Dec 19 2024
Navigating Legal Complexities in Cross-Border Supply Chain Investigations
Internal investigations serve as a fundamental tool for companies to detect, stop and remediate non-compliance incidents within their...
Blog
Dec 17 2024
Another Blow to ESG Mandates: Fifth Circuit Appeals Court Vacates Nasdaq Diversity Rules
On December 11, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (“Fifth Circuit”), in an en banc rehearing of Alliance for...
Blog
Dec 16 2024
Financial rewards for whistleblowers in the UK - the calls for reform grow louder
The drumbeat of calls for the UK to introduce a programme of whistleblower incentivisation continues to grow louder.  In our view, a...
Blog
Oct 18 2024
SEC Enforcement Action Provides Reminder to Public Companies: Be Careful What You Disclose on Social Media
A recent enforcement action brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) offers an important reminder for public companies,...
Blog
Oct 11 2024
"Guidelines not rules" - our take on the Investment Association updated Principles of Remuneration
On 8 October, the Investment Association (IA) published its updated Principles of Remuneration (the Principles) following the review...
Blog
Oct 10 2024
California’s Climate Rules Move Ahead, with Minor Amendments
On September 27, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed minor amendments (SB 219) to California’s landmark 2023 Climate Accountability...
Related capabilities
ESG and sustainabilityMass claimsRegulatory and compliance advisoryInvestigationsCorporate advisory and governanceSecurities and shareholder litigation
Related capabilities
FIND US IN
All locations
NAVIGATE TO
About usYour careerOur thinkingOur capabilitiesNews
CONNECT
Find a lawyerAlumniContact us
NEED HELP
Fraud and scamsComplaintsTerms and conditions
LEGAL
AccessibilityCookiesLegal noticesTransparency in supply chains statementResponsible procurementPrivacy

© 2025 Freshfields. Attorney Advertising: prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

Select language: