- Sidley Austin LLP, a legal firm with 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the world, announced it named Derek Zaba as a partner at the firm
Sidley Austin LLP — a legal firm with 2,000 lawyers in 20 offices around the world — announced it has named Derek Zaba as a partner at the firm. Zaba will be a parter in Sidley’s global M&A and Private Equity group and co-leader of the shareholder activism practice.
As a highly regarded shareholder activism defense adviser, Zaba is joining Sidley in Northern California from PJT Camberview Partners. Zaba will focus his practice on counseling boards and C-suite executives of public companies in shareholder activism matters and contested M&A transactions as well as on corporate governance concerns.
“Derek will augment our impressive shareholder activism practice,” Sidley partner Kai Haakon E. Liekefett in a statement. “With shareholder activism at record levels, Derek’s extraordinary skill set and deep knowledge will enhance our ability to serve clients facing these issues.”
The hiring of Zaba’s solidifies Sidley’s reputation as a leader in the shareholder activism arena. Sidley is considered one of only a few law firms with a dedicated shareholder activism defense team. And following Zaba’s arrival, the team now includes two partners who devote 100% of their time to this practice. Over the last five years, Liekefett and Zaba have been involved in more than 70 proxy contests, according to FactSet SharkRepellent.
Zaba had joined Camberview in 2015 and served as the head of its activism and contested M&A practice. While at Camberview, he advised clients of all sizes and industries on activism-related matters. And previously, Zaba was an investment professional at two hedge funds. His legal career as a corporate attorney at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
“Derek’s close relationships with board members and C-suite executives will be an asset to the firm,” explained Sharon Flanagan, the managing partner of Sidley’s San Francisco office. “Part of our strategic vision includes attracting a talent like Derek to our winning Sidley team. He has excellent command of the legal issues in the space and will fortify the practice’s strong track record of success.”
