Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Logo
  • Practices
  • People
  • Careers
  • News & Insights
  • Practices
  • People
  • Careers
  • News & Insights
  • Our Story
  • The Cravath System
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Pro Bono
  • Alumni Journal
  • 200.Cravath

Cravath’s London Office Moves to 100 Cheapside

Read More

People

John W.
White

Partner, Corporate

jwhite@cravath.com
  • New York+1-212-474-1732
    • E-mail
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
  • PDF
  • Vcard
  • Overview
  • Credentials
  • Featured Work
  • News & Insights

John W. White is Chair of the Corporate Governance and Board Advisory Practice. From 2006 through 2008, he served as Director of the Division of Corporation Finance at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees disclosure and reporting by public companies in the United States.

During his over 30 years as a partner at Cravath, Mr. White has focused his practice on representing public companies in a wide variety of areas, including public reporting responsibilities, corporate governance matters, public financings and restatements and other financial crises.

While on the SEC staff, Mr. White led the Division through one of the most significant and prolific rulemaking periods in its history, including the Commission’s adoption of final rules addressing executive compensation disclosure, Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404’s internal control requirements, internet access to proxy materials, oil and gas disclosure, use of interactive data in financial reporting, shareholder proposals relating to the election of directors, private offerings, and capital raising and reporting by smaller public companies, as well as the Commission’s issuance of guidance regarding the use of corporate websites. International initiatives included acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by foreign private issuers, the proposed roadmap for use of IFRS by U.S. issuers and modernizing the Commission’s rules on cross‑border tender offers and deregistration and exemption from registration of foreign issuers, as well as revisions to the public reporting regime for foreign private issuers. He played an integral role in the SEC’s response to market turmoil throughout 2008, ensuring that the Division acted swiftly and appropriately to facilitate strategic transactions and access to capital for public companies.

Mr. White has served as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC), which advises the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group. Mr. White also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Financial Executives International (FEI) and chairs the Advisory Council of USC’s SEC and Financial Reporting Institute. He is a frequent speaker on corporate governance and the securities laws. Mr. White served three years on the New York Stock Exchange’s Legal Advisory Committee, four years as Chairman of the Securities Regulation Institute and five years as Co‑Chair of PLI’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation. Additionally, he serves as an inaugural member of The American College of Governance Counsel. Mr. White was twice selected by National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as one of the 100 most influential people in the boardroom and corporate governance community. He has been recognized by Chambers USA in both securities regulation and capital markets, as well as by The Legal 500 US, The Best Lawyers in America and Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter.” Lawdragon has named Mr. White a nationwide “Legend” and inducted him as a “Power Broker” into its “Hall of Fame.”

Mr. White received a B.S. with honors in accounting from the University of Virginia in 1970, and in May 1970 he received the Elijah Watts Sells award for the highest score in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination. He received a J.D. magna cum laude from New York University School of Law in 1973, where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review. Before joining Cravath, Mr. White served as a law clerk to Hon. John J. Gibbons of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Mr. White joined Cravath in 1975 and was elected a partner in 1980. At Cravath, he has served as Recruiting Partner, Corporate Managing Partner, Finance Partner and twice as Head of the Corporate Department.

While on the SEC staff, Mr. White led the Division through one of the most significant and prolific rulemaking periods in its history, including the Commission’s adoption of final rules addressing executive compensation disclosure, Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404’s internal control requirements, internet access to proxy materials, oil and gas disclosure, use of interactive data in financial reporting, shareholder proposals relating to the election of directors, private offerings, and capital raising and reporting by smaller public companies, as well as the Commission’s issuance of guidance regarding the use of corporate websites. International initiatives included acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by foreign private issuers, the proposed roadmap for use of IFRS by U.S. issuers and modernizing the Commission’s rules on cross‑border tender offers and deregistration and exemption from registration of foreign issuers, as well as revisions to the public reporting regime for foreign private issuers. He played an integral role in the SEC’s response to market turmoil throughout 2008, ensuring that the Division acted swiftly and appropriately to facilitate strategic transactions and access to capital for public companies.

Mr. White has served as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC), which advises the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group. Mr. White also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Financial Executives International (FEI) and chairs the Advisory Council of USC’s SEC and Financial Reporting Institute. He is a frequent speaker on corporate governance and the securities laws. Mr. White served three years on the New York Stock Exchange’s Legal Advisory Committee, four years as Chairman of the Securities Regulation Institute and five years as Co‑Chair of PLI’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation. Additionally, he serves as an inaugural member of The American College of Governance Counsel. Mr. White was twice selected by National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as one of the 100 most influential people in the boardroom and corporate governance community. He has been recognized by Chambers USA in both securities regulation and capital markets, as well as by The Legal 500 US, The Best Lawyers in America and Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter.” Lawdragon has named Mr. White a nationwide “Legend” and inducted him as a “Power Broker” into its “Hall of Fame.”

Mr. White received a B.S. with honors in accounting from the University of Virginia in 1970, and in May 1970 he received the Elijah Watts Sells award for the highest score in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination. He received a J.D. magna cum laude from New York University School of Law in 1973, where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review. Before joining Cravath, Mr. White served as a law clerk to Hon. John J. Gibbons of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Mr. White joined Cravath in 1975 and was elected a partner in 1980. At Cravath, he has served as Recruiting Partner, Corporate Managing Partner, Finance Partner and twice as Head of the Corporate Department.

Education

  • J.D., 1973, New York University School of Law
    Order of the Coif, cum laude
  • B.S., 1970, University of Virginia
    with Honors

Clerkships

  • Hon. John J. Gibbons, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Admitted In

  • New York

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

  • Corporate Governance Committee, Section of Business Law
  • Federal Regulation of Securities Committee, Section of Business Law

Federal Bar Association

  • Securities Law Section, Executive Council

International Bar Association

New York City Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Organizations

Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) Standing Advisory Group

  • Member, 2010-2018

Financial Executives International (FEI)

  • Board of Directors
  • Executive Committee

Securities Regulation Institute

  • Executive Committee
  • Chairman, 2008‑2010
  • Vice Chairman, 2005‑2007

Practising Law Institute

  • Chair, Audit Committee, Board of Trustees, 2023-2010, 2006-2002

PLI Securities Regulation in Europe

  • Advisory Committee

New York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory Committee

  • Member, 2004‑2006

SEC Historical Society

  • Board of Trustees
  • Audit Committee

The American College of Governance Counsel

  • Inaugural Member

Rankings

Chambers Global

  • Capital Markets: Debt & Equity - USA (2018‑2011, 2006)
  • Capital Markets (2005‑1998)

Chambers USA

  • Capital Markets Lawyer of the Year (2006)
  • Capital Markets: Debt & Equity - Nationwide (2017‑2010)
  • Securities Regulation: Advisory - Nationwide (2024‑2010)

The American Lawyer

  • Dealmaker of the Year (1999)

Best Lawyers in America

  • Corporate Compliance Law (2025‑2013)
  • Corporate Governance Law (2025‑2012, 2007)
  • Corporate Law (2025‑2013)
  • Securities/Capital Markets Law (2025‑2012, 2007)
  • Securities Regulation (2025‑2012)

Lawdragon

  • 50 Legends of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2015)
  • 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2024-2021, 2007)
  • 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2015‑2007)
  • Hall of Fame (2016)

The Legal 500 US

  • Capital Markets: Debt Offerings (2013‑2010)
  • Capital Markets: Equity Offerings (2010)

NACD Directorship

  • The Directorship 100 (2015, 2014)

Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter”

  • Top Gun (2015)
  • Specialist – Private Practice (2014)

Elijah Watts Sells Award (Highest score in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 1970

Law and Policy Award (Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2007

Deals & Cases

January 06, 2025

Disney’s Combination of its Hulu + Live TV Business with Fubo

On January 6, 2025, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and FuboTV Inc. (“Fubo) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD company of which Disney will become the majority owner.

Deals & Cases

December 02, 2016

BNY Mellon Wins Dismissal of Forex Derivative Suits Following Internal Investigation

On December 2, 2016, Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III of the Delaware Court of Chancery dismissed two shareholder derivative lawsuits alleging that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation improperly handled foreign exchange transactions. His decision was based in part on an independent internal investigation conducted by Cravath that concluded the claims had no sound legal basis.

Publications

March 12, 2025

Preparing for EDGAR Next – Upcoming New Enrollment Requirements If You Need to Remain an EDGAR Filer After September 12, 2025

On March 11, 2025, Cravath prepared a memo for its clients entitled “Preparing for EDGAR Next.” The memo examines the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s recently adopted final rules and form amendments concerning access to and management of accounts on its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”), as well as amendments to Form ID, introducing substantial technical and procedural changes collectively referred to as “EDGAR Next.” The memo outlines key changes and important next steps for filers, given these updates.

Publications

March 07, 2025

Three Key SEC Developments Affecting ESG: Acting Chairman Uyeda’s Climate Rule Statement, SLB 14M and Schedule 13D/G CDIs

On March 6, 2025, Cravath prepared a memo for its clients entitled “Three Key SEC Developments Affecting ESG: Acting Chairman Uyeda’s Climate Rule Statement, SLB 14M and Schedule 13D/G CDIs.” The memo examines these recent actions under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s new leadership and their potential impact in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) space.

Activities

February 25, 2025

John White, Michael Arnold, Helam Gebremariam and Ryan Patrone Speak at 41st Annual Federal Securities Institute

Cravath partners John W. White, Michael L. Arnold, Helam Gebremariam and Ryan J. Patrone participated in the 41st Annual Federal Securities Institute, which was hosted by the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar in Tampa, Florida from February 24‑25, 2025 and brought together corporate, M&A and securities practitioners, in‑house counsel, executives and advisors to discuss various topics in corporate law, including structuring acquisitions and capital‑raising transactions, navigating regulatory enforcement issues and corporate governance.

Activities

February 19, 2025

John White Moderates and Michael Arnold Speaks at the University of Delaware’s Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance 2025 ESG Program

On February 13, 2025, Cravath partner John W. White moderated and partner Michael L. Arnold spoke at a program hosted by the University of Delaware’s John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance entitled “From Boom to Backlash: Guiding Directors in a Shifting ESG Landscape.” The program explored how directors can fulfill their duties effectively amid a landscape of shifting expectations, including the importance of reliable data for ESG and other corporate disclosure, and also discussed how to ensure directors and investors receive useful information, how directors can reconcile ESG issues with their primary responsibilities of overseeing CEOs and shaping corporate strategy and where the line should be drawn between board oversight and managerial discretion on ESG topics.

Activities

January 30, 2025

John White Moderates and Ting Chen Speaks at Northwestern’s 2025 Securities Regulation Institute

Cravath partners John W. White and Ting S. Chen participated in Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s 52nd Annual Securities Regulation Institute, which was held from January 27‑29, 2025, in Coronado, California. John moderated a panel of former senior Corporation Finance staff members entitled “Developments in the Division of Corporation Finance,” which included a lively discussion of areas of focus for public companies and their advisors as the SEC comes under new leadership. Ting spoke on a panel entitled “Navigating an Activist Campaign Through a Simulated Attack,” during which panelists discussed steps companies can take to prepare for an activist campaign, applicable disclosure requirements and SEC rules and common settlement agreement terms.

John W. White is Chair of the Corporate Governance and Board Advisory Practice. From 2006 through 2008, he served as Director of the Division of Corporation Finance at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees disclosure and reporting by public companies in the United States.

During his over 30 years as a partner at Cravath, Mr. White has focused his practice on representing public companies in a wide variety of areas, including public reporting responsibilities, corporate governance matters, public financings and restatements and other financial crises.

While on the SEC staff, Mr. White led the Division through one of the most significant and prolific rulemaking periods in its history, including the Commission’s adoption of final rules addressing executive compensation disclosure, Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404’s internal control requirements, internet access to proxy materials, oil and gas disclosure, use of interactive data in financial reporting, shareholder proposals relating to the election of directors, private offerings, and capital raising and reporting by smaller public companies, as well as the Commission’s issuance of guidance regarding the use of corporate websites. International initiatives included acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by foreign private issuers, the proposed roadmap for use of IFRS by U.S. issuers and modernizing the Commission’s rules on cross‑border tender offers and deregistration and exemption from registration of foreign issuers, as well as revisions to the public reporting regime for foreign private issuers. He played an integral role in the SEC’s response to market turmoil throughout 2008, ensuring that the Division acted swiftly and appropriately to facilitate strategic transactions and access to capital for public companies.

Mr. White has served as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC), which advises the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group. Mr. White also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Financial Executives International (FEI) and chairs the Advisory Council of USC’s SEC and Financial Reporting Institute. He is a frequent speaker on corporate governance and the securities laws. Mr. White served three years on the New York Stock Exchange’s Legal Advisory Committee, four years as Chairman of the Securities Regulation Institute and five years as Co‑Chair of PLI’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation. Additionally, he serves as an inaugural member of The American College of Governance Counsel. Mr. White was twice selected by National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as one of the 100 most influential people in the boardroom and corporate governance community. He has been recognized by Chambers USA in both securities regulation and capital markets, as well as by The Legal 500 US, The Best Lawyers in America and Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter.” Lawdragon has named Mr. White a nationwide “Legend” and inducted him as a “Power Broker” into its “Hall of Fame.”

Mr. White received a B.S. with honors in accounting from the University of Virginia in 1970, and in May 1970 he received the Elijah Watts Sells award for the highest score in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination. He received a J.D. magna cum laude from New York University School of Law in 1973, where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review. Before joining Cravath, Mr. White served as a law clerk to Hon. John J. Gibbons of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Mr. White joined Cravath in 1975 and was elected a partner in 1980. At Cravath, he has served as Recruiting Partner, Corporate Managing Partner, Finance Partner and twice as Head of the Corporate Department.

While on the SEC staff, Mr. White led the Division through one of the most significant and prolific rulemaking periods in its history, including the Commission’s adoption of final rules addressing executive compensation disclosure, Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404’s internal control requirements, internet access to proxy materials, oil and gas disclosure, use of interactive data in financial reporting, shareholder proposals relating to the election of directors, private offerings, and capital raising and reporting by smaller public companies, as well as the Commission’s issuance of guidance regarding the use of corporate websites. International initiatives included acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by foreign private issuers, the proposed roadmap for use of IFRS by U.S. issuers and modernizing the Commission’s rules on cross‑border tender offers and deregistration and exemption from registration of foreign issuers, as well as revisions to the public reporting regime for foreign private issuers. He played an integral role in the SEC’s response to market turmoil throughout 2008, ensuring that the Division acted swiftly and appropriately to facilitate strategic transactions and access to capital for public companies.

Mr. White has served as a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC), which advises the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group. Mr. White also serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Financial Executives International (FEI) and chairs the Advisory Council of USC’s SEC and Financial Reporting Institute. He is a frequent speaker on corporate governance and the securities laws. Mr. White served three years on the New York Stock Exchange’s Legal Advisory Committee, four years as Chairman of the Securities Regulation Institute and five years as Co‑Chair of PLI’s Annual Institute on Securities Regulation. Additionally, he serves as an inaugural member of The American College of Governance Counsel. Mr. White was twice selected by National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as one of the 100 most influential people in the boardroom and corporate governance community. He has been recognized by Chambers USA in both securities regulation and capital markets, as well as by The Legal 500 US, The Best Lawyers in America and Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter.” Lawdragon has named Mr. White a nationwide “Legend” and inducted him as a “Power Broker” into its “Hall of Fame.”

Mr. White received a B.S. with honors in accounting from the University of Virginia in 1970, and in May 1970 he received the Elijah Watts Sells award for the highest score in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination. He received a J.D. magna cum laude from New York University School of Law in 1973, where he was Managing Editor of the Law Review. Before joining Cravath, Mr. White served as a law clerk to Hon. John J. Gibbons of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Mr. White joined Cravath in 1975 and was elected a partner in 1980. At Cravath, he has served as Recruiting Partner, Corporate Managing Partner, Finance Partner and twice as Head of the Corporate Department.

Education

  • J.D., 1973, New York University School of Law
    Order of the Coif, cum laude
  • B.S., 1970, University of Virginia
    with Honors

Clerkships

  • Hon. John J. Gibbons, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Admitted In

  • New York

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

  • Corporate Governance Committee, Section of Business Law
  • Federal Regulation of Securities Committee, Section of Business Law

Federal Bar Association

  • Securities Law Section, Executive Council

International Bar Association

New York City Bar Association

New York State Bar Association

Organizations

Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s (PCAOB) Standing Advisory Group

  • Member, 2010-2018

Financial Executives International (FEI)

  • Board of Directors
  • Executive Committee

Securities Regulation Institute

  • Executive Committee
  • Chairman, 2008‑2010
  • Vice Chairman, 2005‑2007

Practising Law Institute

  • Chair, Audit Committee, Board of Trustees, 2023-2010, 2006-2002

PLI Securities Regulation in Europe

  • Advisory Committee

New York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory Committee

  • Member, 2004‑2006

SEC Historical Society

  • Board of Trustees
  • Audit Committee

The American College of Governance Counsel

  • Inaugural Member

Rankings

Chambers Global

  • Capital Markets: Debt & Equity - USA (2018‑2011, 2006)
  • Capital Markets (2005‑1998)

Chambers USA

  • Capital Markets Lawyer of the Year (2006)
  • Capital Markets: Debt & Equity - Nationwide (2017‑2010)
  • Securities Regulation: Advisory - Nationwide (2024‑2010)

The American Lawyer

  • Dealmaker of the Year (1999)

Best Lawyers in America

  • Corporate Compliance Law (2025‑2013)
  • Corporate Governance Law (2025‑2012, 2007)
  • Corporate Law (2025‑2013)
  • Securities/Capital Markets Law (2025‑2012, 2007)
  • Securities Regulation (2025‑2012)

Lawdragon

  • 50 Legends of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2015)
  • 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2024-2021, 2007)
  • 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2015‑2007)
  • Hall of Fame (2016)

The Legal 500 US

  • Capital Markets: Debt Offerings (2013‑2010)
  • Capital Markets: Equity Offerings (2010)

NACD Directorship

  • The Directorship 100 (2015, 2014)

Ethisphere Institute’s “Attorneys Who Matter”

  • Top Gun (2015)
  • Specialist – Private Practice (2014)

Elijah Watts Sells Award (Highest score in the nation on the Uniform CPA Examination), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 1970

Law and Policy Award (Sarbanes‑Oxley Section 404), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2007

Deals & Cases

January 06, 2025

Disney’s Combination of its Hulu + Live TV Business with Fubo

On January 6, 2025, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and FuboTV Inc. (“Fubo) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD company of which Disney will become the majority owner.

Deals & Cases

December 02, 2016

BNY Mellon Wins Dismissal of Forex Derivative Suits Following Internal Investigation

On December 2, 2016, Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III of the Delaware Court of Chancery dismissed two shareholder derivative lawsuits alleging that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation improperly handled foreign exchange transactions. His decision was based in part on an independent internal investigation conducted by Cravath that concluded the claims had no sound legal basis.

Publications

March 12, 2025

Preparing for EDGAR Next – Upcoming New Enrollment Requirements If You Need to Remain an EDGAR Filer After September 12, 2025

On March 11, 2025, Cravath prepared a memo for its clients entitled “Preparing for EDGAR Next.” The memo examines the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s recently adopted final rules and form amendments concerning access to and management of accounts on its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”), as well as amendments to Form ID, introducing substantial technical and procedural changes collectively referred to as “EDGAR Next.” The memo outlines key changes and important next steps for filers, given these updates.

Publications

March 07, 2025

Three Key SEC Developments Affecting ESG: Acting Chairman Uyeda’s Climate Rule Statement, SLB 14M and Schedule 13D/G CDIs

On March 6, 2025, Cravath prepared a memo for its clients entitled “Three Key SEC Developments Affecting ESG: Acting Chairman Uyeda’s Climate Rule Statement, SLB 14M and Schedule 13D/G CDIs.” The memo examines these recent actions under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s new leadership and their potential impact in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) space.

Activities

February 25, 2025

John White, Michael Arnold, Helam Gebremariam and Ryan Patrone Speak at 41st Annual Federal Securities Institute

Cravath partners John W. White, Michael L. Arnold, Helam Gebremariam and Ryan J. Patrone participated in the 41st Annual Federal Securities Institute, which was hosted by the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar in Tampa, Florida from February 24‑25, 2025 and brought together corporate, M&A and securities practitioners, in‑house counsel, executives and advisors to discuss various topics in corporate law, including structuring acquisitions and capital‑raising transactions, navigating regulatory enforcement issues and corporate governance.

Activities

February 19, 2025

John White Moderates and Michael Arnold Speaks at the University of Delaware’s Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance 2025 ESG Program

On February 13, 2025, Cravath partner John W. White moderated and partner Michael L. Arnold spoke at a program hosted by the University of Delaware’s John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance entitled “From Boom to Backlash: Guiding Directors in a Shifting ESG Landscape.” The program explored how directors can fulfill their duties effectively amid a landscape of shifting expectations, including the importance of reliable data for ESG and other corporate disclosure, and also discussed how to ensure directors and investors receive useful information, how directors can reconcile ESG issues with their primary responsibilities of overseeing CEOs and shaping corporate strategy and where the line should be drawn between board oversight and managerial discretion on ESG topics.

Activities

January 30, 2025

John White Moderates and Ting Chen Speaks at Northwestern’s 2025 Securities Regulation Institute

Cravath partners John W. White and Ting S. Chen participated in Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s 52nd Annual Securities Regulation Institute, which was held from January 27‑29, 2025, in Coronado, California. John moderated a panel of former senior Corporation Finance staff members entitled “Developments in the Division of Corporation Finance,” which included a lively discussion of areas of focus for public companies and their advisors as the SEC comes under new leadership. Ting spoke on a panel entitled “Navigating an Activist Campaign Through a Simulated Attack,” during which panelists discussed steps companies can take to prepare for an activist campaign, applicable disclosure requirements and SEC rules and common settlement agreement terms.

Cravath Bicentennial

Celebrating 200 years of partnership. In 2019, we celebrated our bicentennial. Our history mirrors that of our nation. Integral to our story is our culture.

Explore

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Logo
  • CONTACT US
  • OUR STORY
  • ALUMNI PORTAL
  • DISCLAIMERS & NOTICES

Attorney Advertising. ©2025 Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.