The litigation recently launched in England by the NGO, ClientEarth, against the members of the board of directors of Shell plc has generated a significant level of interest from organisations who wish to understand the implications for directors more generally.  The claim raises novel issues regarding directors’ responsibilities for a company’s environmental impact, and questions about how environmental obligations should be implemented and enforced.Continue Reading ESG Litigation: Derivative Claims Against Directors: Q&A

Earlier this month, the Treasury Department published its explanation of President Biden’s proposed fiscal 2024 budget. We have summarized the tax rate increases, as well as the executive compensation and employee benefits proposals below. These proposals, which are similar to the ones contained in President Biden’s last few budgets, are unlikely to be passed in their current form, especially now given that the House of Representatives is controlled by the GOP. However, we expect that there will be lots of negotiating over the fiscal 2024 budget, so one or more of these proposals may find their way into the final budget. We will publish updates as these proposals evolve.Continue Reading President Biden’s Fiscal 2024 Proposed Budget Includes Tax Rate Increases, and Several Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Changes

In a recent opinion addressing breaches of fiduciary duties and disclosure violations in connection with a take-private of Mindbody, Inc. by Vista Equity Partners, the Delaware Court of Chancery reinforced the significance (to both buyers and sellers) of avoiding conflicts in a sell-side process and ensuring all material facts are disclosed to the target’s board