Skadden is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Gonzalez-Sussman to the firm as a partner in the M&A Group and head of its shareholder engagement and activism practice. Ms. Gonzalez-Sussman will join the New York office in September and will advise clients around the globe on how best to anticipate, prepare for, respond to and defend against activist campaigns. She will represent companies on the full range of shareholder engagement and activism matters, including in connection with shareholder proposals, proxy contests, withhold campaigns, consent solicitations, stock accumulations and unsolicited acquisition proposals.
Ms. Gonzalez-Sussman most recently served as vice chair of the shareholder activism practice at Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, where for nearly two decades she primarily advised hedge funds and large investors on the strategy and execution involved in all types of shareholder activism-related activities. She also has counseled boards and management teams of both public and private companies on the unique issues they face in the context of shareholder activism, board-related disputes, M&A and other corporate transactions, and corporate governance matters. At Skadden, she will focus exclusively on company-side representations.
“The past two and a half years have been the busiest on record for shareholder activism, and the pace of activity shows no signs of slowing down. Against this backdrop, Elizabeth’s leadership will best position us to provide strategic solutions to the broad array of clients who turn to us for guidance in response to shareholder activist demands,” said Skadden Executive Partner Jeremy London. “She is one of the most highly regarded lawyers in the shareholder activism arena, and we are thrilled she is joining us.”
“Elizabeth’s extensive experience advising activist investors will provide valuable insights for our clients in shareholder engagement and activist situations,” said Allison Schneirov, global head of Skadden’s transactions practices. “Bringing her on board to spearhead our shareholder activism defense efforts reflects our deep commitment to continuing to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge advice on the issues of greatest importance to our clients.”
“Elizabeth’s deep background advising shareholder activists will be a tremendous resource in planning for and responding to activist campaigns, not only in the U.S. but in Europe, Japan and Canada, where we have seen an uptick in the frequency and sophistication of activist activity over the past few years,” said M&A partner Richard Grossman. “We assemble multidisciplinary teams to address not only a client’s immediate activist situation but also related M&A, capital markets, corporate governance, SEC reporting and enforcement, and litigation matters. Her collaborative nature, tenacity and energy will fit seamlessly into our firm’s integrated approach to serving our clients.”
“Skadden advises on the largest and most consequential transactions and disputes for industry-leading clients who often face some of the most challenging and high-stakes shareholder activism situations. The opportunity to apply my skills and experience to the types of complex and transformational matters the firm is best known for handling is incredibly exciting,” said Ms. Gonzalez-Sussman. “I look forward to working alongside other attorneys across Skadden’s global platform and to expanding the firm’s shareholder activism practice in response to shifting client needs and the continually evolving activist playbook.”
Ms. Gonzalez-Sussman has been repeatedly named a leading lawyer in Corporate/M&A: Shareholder Activism by Chambers USA, achieved Tier 1 “Leading Lawyer” recognition for Shareholder Activism in The Legal 500 United States, been listed among the Notable Women in Law and Notable Diverse Leaders in Law by Crain’s New York Business, and been featured as one of The Deal’s Top Women in Dealmaking.
She received her J.D. from Columbia Law School and her B.A. cum laude from New York University’s College of Arts and Science.