Shows
Mutual Fund MinuteSEC Staff Guidance: Can State-Chartered Trust Companies Custody Digital Assets?Are state-chartered trust companies "banks" that can custody digital assets for investment advisers and funds? In this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley Investment Funds partner Chuck Daly and host Jay Baris examine SEC staff guidance interpreting the definition of a "bank" in the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act. Tune in to find out what the guidance means for registered advisers and investment companies that hold digital assets, and why it matters.
2025-11-1815 minMutual Fund MinuteWhat You Need to Know About ETF Share ClassesIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley Investment Funds partner Matthew Kutner joins host Jay Baris to tell you what you need to know about regulatory developments that will allow mutual funds to issue ETF share classes. Matt and Jay explore what ETF share classes are, how they work, potential risks for investment advisers and fund directors, how ETF share classes could transform fund investing, and more.
2025-11-1214 min
Accelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionEnergy Policy in Motion: What DOE Section 403 Instruction to FERC Means for Data Center Power SupplyDOE Secretary Wright’s Federal Power Act Section 403 direction to FERC calls for a sea-change in the way large energy users — especially data centers — interconnect to the power grid. In the ninth episode of Accelerating Energy, host and Sidley partner Ken Irvin is joined by colleagues Terence Healey, a partner in Sidley’s Energy practice, and Peter Bruland, a senior managing associate in the firm’s Supreme Court, Appellate, and Litigation Strategies practice. Together, they examine how this rulemaking may affect the cooperative federalism balance and change the large load interconnection process, transmission planning, capacity markets, and the pace of...
2025-11-0550 min
The Sidley PodcastSCOTUS in Session: Tariffs, the “Shadow Docket,” and Executive PowerThe Supreme Court of the United States is back in session with a blockbuster docket that could shift the levers of power in America. Issues range from the scope of executive authority, and the role of the federal government, to the power of the lower courts in resolving executive power disputes. As cases on the so-called “shadow docket” pile up, some district judges are speaking out, raising concerns about risks to the high court’s legitimacy. Meanwhile, the business world is watching and waiting for a decision on the administration’s tariff-setting power that could shake the global economy.Hav...
2025-11-0458 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionDeal Disruption or Market Opportunity? The Impact of Texas Senate Bill 6 on Project FinanceDemand for electricity is surging in America, driven largely by AI data centers and other energy-intensive users powering the digital economy. This rapid growth has heightened concerns among businesses and consumers over rising costs and grid reliability. In response, Texas lawmakers passed Senate Bill 6 (SB6), a sweeping overhaul of how the state regulates large power users and behind-the-meter projects such as solar, battery storage, and data centers. These changes could significantly influence the state’s energy future. But what does SB6 mean for renewable energy project financing in Texas? How might it affect solar, storage, and other eme...
2025-10-0731 min
The Sidley PodcastTokenized Real-World Assets Have Gone Mainstream — Is Your Business Ready?A brave new world of investing is now open for business, and with it, a new way to conceive of property. Tokenized real-world assets have gone mainstream. Major financial institutions are racing to tokenize everything — from U.S. treasuries, to art, to real estate, converting these assets into digital form and storing them on blockchains so they can be traded easily on new marketplaces. But the breakneck pace has fueled concern over compliance with existing laws, as Congress, regulators, and investors struggle to harness both the potential and risk of the technology. What’s in store for the t...
2025-09-0938 minMutual Fund MinuteDiscussing Developments in the UK and EU’s Asset Management With Sidley’s Leonard NgIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Leonard Ng, head of the firm’s UK/EU Financial Services Regulatory group, joins host Jay Baris to discuss developments in asset management in the UK and EU. Jay and Leonard discuss how the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority hopes to make the UK more competitive with the EU in the post-Brexit environment.
2025-09-0225 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionSpeed to Power or Policy Paralysis? The OBBBA and America’s Clean Energy FutureThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is now law, marking a major shift in U.S. energy policy and the beginning of a broader effort to rewire America’s energy future. With its passage, the OBBBA rolls back many key clean energy tax incentives and reestablishes a focus on fossil fuel development. This seismic shift comes just as the stakes for U.S. leadership in climate and technology continue to rise. How can policymakers and businesses keep pace with an evolving energy landscape? As AI drives unprecedented demand for reliable power, could current policies send investment abr...
2025-08-1438 min
The Sidley PodcastWhat the Trump Administration’s Tariffs Mean for Your BusinessPresident Donald Trump’s tariffs have upended world trade. And they are spawning haggling over international commerce — even between the U.S. and its closest allies. With the global economy on notice, the business community is feeling the uncertainty, as the Trump administration calibrates just how much executive power it can wield on trade without congressional input. Meanwhile, litigation has hit U.S. dockets and the World Trade Organization.What’s in store for businesses in the days and weeks ahead? Are the tariffs enforceable? Will Congress or court cases ultimately prevail against them? And how are compan...
2025-07-2334 minMutual Fund MinuteBDC and Interval Fund Co-Investment Relief: A Conversation With Sidley’s Nathan GreeneIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Nathan Greene, Sidley partner and leading regulatory lawyer , joins host Jay Baris to discuss how the Securities and Exchange Commission eased restrictions on co-investments involving closed-end funds and business development companies (BDCs). Jay and Nathan discuss how the SEC’s action changes the regulatory landscape for these funds by providing more flexibility and less burdensome oversight by fund directors.
2025-06-1214 min
The Sidley PodcastHow Companies Can Navigate Uncertainty Amid Tariffs and Government CutsThe GOP majority in Congress is looking to build on the Trump administration’s political and policy agenda, prioritizing tax cuts, energy reform, and border security, but tariffs could provoke a trade war that has already roiled the market and international business. Meanwhile, the administration is implementing major cuts to federal agencies — including the FDA, HHS, and NIH — and calling into question the breadth of research and development for the life sciences industry in the United States.What’s in store for businesses in the days and weeks ahead? Will the impending budget reconciliation process go smoothly? And how...
2025-04-2234 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionInvesting in Tomorrow: How Innovative Investments Will Begin Fueling the Energy TransitionAll of a sudden there’s a new landscape for energy transition. The new administration is reducing the workforce of several federal agencies, including the EPA, where administrator Lee Zeldin is committed to eliminating 65 percent of what he calls the agency’s wasteful spending, and President Trump just signed four executive orders that direct different agencies of the federal government to revive American coal. State governments, businesses, and financial stakeholders will need to navigate all of this agency change to meet their existing energy mandates. Will there be a new way forward for battery, wind, and solar energy technologies? And...
2025-04-2125 minMutual Fund MinuteReimagining the Investment Company Act of 1940, Part IIIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Paul Cellupica, the General Counsel of the Investment Company Institute, and host Jay Baris continue to analyze the ICI’s proposals to revisit the Investment Company Act of 1940. They discuss the “retailization” phenomenon, revising the annual shareholder meeting requirement for closed-end funds, easing restrictions on co-investments among affiliated funds, and ways to address the growing popularity of interval funds.
2025-03-1711 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionSustainable Success: How Utility Companies Can Thrive in Turbulent TimesThe countdown has begun on statewide zero-emission mandates. Blue state governors have created strict timelines for implementing their renewable energy objectives. And these mandates will significantly impact operations for utility companies and the United States power grid. Will power-hungry data centers and extreme weather events impede success for these goals? And what will be the impact of the Trump administration, which has just declared an “energy emergency,” and is promising to increase drilling and end support for electric vehicles? How likely is the nation to meet its long-term energy requirements? In the fifth episode of Accelerating Energy, host...
2025-02-2127 minMutual Fund MinuteReimagining the Investment Company Act of 1940, Part IIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Paul Cellupica, the General Counsel of the Investment Company Institute, joins Sidley’s Jay Baris to discuss the ICI’s proposals to modernize the Investment Company Act of 1940. The ICI’s report, called “Reimagining the 1940 Act: Key Recommendations for Innovation and Investor Protection,” outlines specific proposals to modernize regulations governing mutual funds, ETFs and other registered funds. Paul and Jay discuss the proposals and what they would mean for investment companies, independent fund directors and investment advisers.
2025-02-1418 min
The Sidley PodcastHow a New U.S. Administration’s Policy Playbook May Impact BusinessesWith the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the Republicans now control the White House, House of Representatives, and the Senate. That balance of power comes with its caveats: a GOP majority in the Senate may secure most of Trump’s cabinet picks. But the tight margins in the House may mean having to use executive orders to push through some policy priorities. Across the aisle, Democrats are re-grouping, and pinning their hopes on clawing back the House and Senate in the 2026 midterms. What’s in store for America’s relationship with other countries like China, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and Ukrain...
2025-01-3130 minMutual Fund MinuteDiscussing AI, Data, and Cyber Regulation in Europe With Sidley’s William Long, Part IIThis week on Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley partner Jay Baris continues his conversation with William Long, the global co-chair of Sidley’s Privacy and Cybersecurity practice who also heads Sidley’s EU Data Protection group. Together, they discuss the application of AI and related risks involving investment managers arising out of the EU’s AI Act. This episode is part of an ongoing Mutual Fund Minute series focused on cybersecurity and AI.
2024-12-0509 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionTaking Charge: Can Battery Energy Storage Systems Unlock the Full Potential of Renewable Energy?Renewable energy can be intermittent, making it a challenging power source for power grid operators to manage. But the burgeoning technology of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is poised to help fill those critical gaps. BESS is expected to quintuple in capacity by the end of this decade. These systems play a crucial role in the renewable energy life cycle, ensuring a stable supply of electricity to customers, data centers, the national grid, and energy needs worldwide. But the installation costs for some large-scale systems are high, along with a number of maintenance and environmental issues to consider.
2024-11-1834 min
The Sidley PodcastHow SCOTUS is Shaping How We Do BusinessThe Supreme Court made monumental moves last term, discarding the Chevron doctrine, and scrambling how regulation of the environment, public health, and consumer protection has worked for 40 years. And it granted the president of the United States vast immunity from criminal prosecution, raising alarm over how that expanded power might take shape. As the United States emerges from election season, the Supreme Court faces potential challenges on many fronts. Will proposed reforms finally take shape to restore faith in the nation’s highest court? And how will SCOTUS rule on several new cases involving commercial law?J...
2024-11-1440 minMutual Fund MinuteDiscussing AI, Data, and Cyber Regulation in Europe With Sidley’s William Long, Part IThis week on Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley partner Jay Baris talks with William Long, the global co-chair of Sidley’s Privacy and Cybersecurity practice who also heads Sidley’s EU Data Protection group. William summarizes the world’s first artificial intelligence adopted by the European Union and its implications in Europe and the U.S. This episode is part of an ongoing Mutual Fund Minute series focused on cybersecurity and AI.
2024-11-0108 minMutual Fund MinuteMutual Fund Directors Forum’s Carolyn McPhillips Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Mutual Fund, Part IIThis week on Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley partner Jay Baris and Carolyn McPhillips, President at the Mutual Fund Directors Forum, continue celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American mutual fund. Carolyn shares her views on the oversight by fund directors, the SEC’s proposed mandatory swing pricing rule, issues relating to fund chief compliance officers, and the role that artificial intelligence plays in asset management.
2024-08-2115 min
The Sidley PodcastThe Legal Battles Taking Shape in the Clash Over Internet ContentA federal law known as Section 230 has provided a powerful legal shield for internet companies for nearly three decades. Designed to “promote the internet,” it protects platforms from civil liability for content posted to their sites by third parties. But the measure is inspiring lawsuits from plaintiffs who say it allows internet companies to escape accountability for harmful content. With the Supreme Court once again refusing to rule on the section’s validity this term, and Congress on a bipartisan quest to reform it, issues involving the First Amendment, child safety and technology innovation are very much in play...
2024-08-2139 minMutual Fund MinuteMutual Fund Directors Forum’s Carolyn McPhillips Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Mutual Fund, Part IThis week on Mutual Fund Minute, Carolyn McPhillips, President at the Mutual Fund Directors Forum, joins Sidley partner Jay Baris to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American mutual fund.
2024-07-2213 min
The Sidley PodcastHow the Regulatory State May Change in the Aftermath of the SCOTUS Chevron RulingThe Supreme Court has discarded the Chevron doctrine. In a decision overturning a four-decades-long precedent, the high court now says courts will no longer so easily defer to federal agency interpretations of the statutes they implement. The demise of so-called “Chevron deference” could upend the regulation of nearly all aspects of American commerce, opening the floodgates for litigation, with existing laws and future rulemaking up for grabs. And it will task agencies, corporations, environmental groups, and Congress with defining a new normal for administrative law. How will this affect regulated industries, and how should corporations respond? Join The S...
2024-07-1028 minMutual Fund MinuteAI for the IA and the BD – What Advisers, Broker-Dealers and Fund Directors Should Know About Artificial Intelligence, Part IIThis week on Mutual Fund Minute, Jay Baris continues his conversation about the growing interest in artificial intelligence for investment managers with Sidley’s Hardy Callcott and Nathan Greene. Hardy is a San Francisco-based partner in Sidley’s Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practice who focuses on securities and regulatory issues for broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds. Nathan, based in New York, heads Sidley’s Registered Funds practice.
2024-07-0112 minMutual Fund MinuteAI for the IA and the BD – What Advisers, Broker-Dealers and Fund Directors Should Know About Artificial Intelligence, Part IThis week on Mutual Fund Minute, Jay Baris talks about the growing interest in artificial intelligence with Sidley’s Hardy Callcott and Nathan Greene. Hardy is a San Francisco-based partner in Sidley’s Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practice who focuses on securities and regulatory issues for broker-dealers, investment advisers, and mutual funds. Nathan, based in New York, heads Sidley’s Registered Funds practice.
2024-06-1812 minMutual Fund MinuteEric Pan of Investment Company Institute – 100th Anniversary of the Mutual Fund, Part IIIn this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley partner Jay Baris and Eric Pan, President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute, celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first American mutual fund. Eric shares his views on topics, including the SEC’s regulatory agenda, the role of AI in asset management, and ideas to modernize the Investment Company Act of 1940. Part 2 of 2 episodes.
2024-05-1616 minMutual Fund MinuteEric Pan of Investment Company Institute – 100th Anniversary of the Mutual Fund, Part IIn this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley partner Jay Baris and Eric Pan, President and CEO of the Investment Company Institute, celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first American mutual fund. Eric shares his views on the challenges that funds, independent directors, and investors face in the current regulatory environment. Part 1 of 2 episodes.
2024-05-0209 minMutual Fund MinuteUK and EU Fund Regulation in a Post-Brexit WorldIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner, Jay Baris, and Leonard Ng, head of Sidley's UK/EU Financial Services Regulatory group, discuss fund regulation in the United Kingdom and the European Union in a post-Brexit world.
2024-04-1808 min
The Sidley PodcastBuyer Beware: What to Know About the DOJ’s Policy on Self-Reporting in M&AWhat happens when you buy somebody else’s problems? A new policy from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is encouraging companies to disclose the misconduct of the companies they buy. The DOJ says it won’t prosecute businesses that voluntarily report wrongdoing found during the mergers and acquisitions process. The government especially wants to detect misconduct that threatens national security or involves cybersecurity or foreign corruption. But detractors say the new rule could give a free pass to corporate crime. How do businesses know exactly what they should self-report both before and after a deal is do...
2024-04-1616 minMutual Fund MinuteChat With Commissioner Peirce, Part IISEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce sat down with Sidley partner Jay Baris to share her views on a wide range of topics concerning mutual funds and investment management. In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, Commissioner Peirce discusses the SEC’s proposed safeguarding rule, the Supreme Court’s Howey test, CCO liability and the future of crypto regulation, regulation of non-bank financial institutions, and the future of SEC regulation, among other issues. You can listen to the first part here: A Chat With Commissioner Peirce, Part I.
2024-04-0819 min
The Sidley PodcastIs Your Company Ready For the SEC’s New Climate Disclosure Rules? We Break Them Down.The SEC had planned to usher in a new era of corporate disclosure but now it may be on hold. Its new rules would require public companies to report extensive climate-related information. They are intended to improve the consistency, comparability, and reliability of climate-related data and to provide detailed, decision-useful information for investors seeking company information before they invest.But already some states and business groups are mounting legal challenges, arguing the rules exceed the SEC’s statutory authority and violate the First Amendment. Environmental advocates are also suing, claiming the rules don’t go far enough. And...
2024-04-0432 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionTackling EV Infrastructure. Why Truck Manufacturers Are in for the Long Haul.The future of commercial transportation is zero-emission. More than one million medium- and heavy-duty trucks are expected to hit the highways by 2031. But as the fleet of commercial zero-emission vehicles begins to grow, the infrastructure needed to power these trucks is struggling to keep up. In response to this reality, a coalition of major truck manufacturers have launched an initiative to help speed the deployment of charging stations nationwide. In the third episode of Accelerating Energy, host and Sidley partner, Ken Irvin, speaks with Dawn Fenton, Vice President of Government Relations and Public A...
2024-04-0336 minMutual Fund MinuteChat With Commissioner Peirce, Part ISEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce met with Sidley partner Jay Baris in Washington, D.C. to share her views on a wide range of topics concerning mutual funds and investment management. In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, Commissioner Peirce discusses the SEC’s approval of 11 exchange-traded products that will trade in bitcoin, the SEC’s regulatory agenda, proposed rules regulating predictive data analytics, and the overall fast pace of rulemaking.
2024-03-1215 minMutual Fund MinuteHedge Funds Trading Treasuries as DealersAre you now a securities dealer? The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) blurred the distinction between who is an investor or mere trader and who is a “dealer” for purposes of the Federal Securities Laws when it adopted final rules on February 6, 2024, defining activities that require someone to register as a “dealer” or a “government securities dealer.” By a 3-to-2 vote, the SEC approved rules that would require anyone that engages in a “regular pattern of buying and selling securities” that has the effect of providing liquidity to other market participants to register as a dealer under the Securities and Exchange Act...
2024-03-0414 minMutual Fund MinuteA Milestone for the SEC and Bitcoin InvestorsA divided U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission cautiously heralded a new crypto era, on January 10, 2024, when it approved by a 3 to 2 vote multiple exchange-traded products that invest directly in bitcoin for listing and trading. To get to this point, the Commission followed a long and rocky road. While the Commission’s approval was a cause for celebration in crypto world, and, of course, with bitcoin funds in waiting, it also left many people wondering why this took so long, while others said that the SEC’s approval could sacrifice investor protection. In this episode of the Mutua...
2024-02-0509 min
The Sidley PodcastEnforcement is on the Rise Against Non-Compete Agreements. Is Your Business Ready?A whopping one in five workers in the U.S. has signed a non-compete agreement. Companies use these contracts to protect trade secrets, reduce employee turnover, and improve their business leverage. Detractors say non-competes decrease wages and are burdensome to workers. Private litigation is on the rise against non-competes and some states are now passing limits on their use. At the federal level, non-competes and other employment restrictions have drawn the attention of antitrust enforcers, as well as the Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board. The Federal Trade Commission is also weighing a new rule t...
2024-01-3129 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionAre Tax Incentives Enough to Spur the U.S. Energy Transition Forward?The United States government is authorizing millions of dollars in grants to electric cooperatives in the hopes of promoting grid resiliency and alternative energy adoption. Will grants and other incentives entice businesses to adopt clean energy? Or will political uncertainty in this election year tamp down these efforts? In the second episode of Accelerating Energy, host and Sidley partner, Ken Irvin, speaks with Robin Lunt, Chief Commercial Officer at Guzman Energy, a wholesale power provider dedicated to helping communities seeking affordable and reliable energy. Together, they discuss what businesses need to know about ad...
2024-01-2527 minMutual Fund MinuteDOL Fiduciary ProposalOn Halloween 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor spooked the investment adviser world when it proposed rules that would redefine who is a fiduciary when someone provides investment advice for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974 (ERISA). If adopted as proposed, these rules would greatly expand the categories of investment advice that would be subject to ERISA’s fiduciary standards.In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner Jay Baris, and Beth Dickstein, a Chicago-based partner in Sidley’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice, look at how these new rules...
2024-01-1915 min
The Sidley PodcastIs Your M&A Contract Vulnerable to Post-Closing Litigation? We Break it Down.When an M&A deal closes, is it done? Not always. More and more disputes are arising after closing, which results in lost time and expense for both buyers and sellers as they realize they don’t actually have a done deal. Not all disputes after closing can be avoided, but their effects can be minimized with the right due diligence, transparency in the process, and knowing the mechanisms for resolving them efficiently. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on these...
2024-01-0828 minMutual Fund MinuteFSB Risks of Nonbank Financial InstitutionsThe Financial Stability Board, or FSB, is laser-focused on money market funds, mutual funds, and private funds. Specifically, the FSB is concerned that leverage in these funds and other so-called nonbank financial institutions could lead to market volatility, and, worse, could destabilize the global financial system. In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner Jay Baris is joined by Joel Feinberg, co-leader of Sidley’s Banking and Financial Services practice, head of the firm’s Financial Institutions group in Washington D.C., and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Together, they discuss...
2024-01-0312 minMutual Fund MinuteWhy Me? How the SEC Decides Which Investment Adviser to ExamineWhy me? And why now? That is usually the first thing an investment adviser asks when the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Examinations comes knocking on the door. Understanding why the SEC chooses advisers for examinations at any given time could help the adviser better prepare for the inevitable.In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner Jay Baris speaks with Ranah Esmaili, Sidley partner and a member of the firm’s global Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practice. Together they discuss how the Division of Examinations determines which advisers to examine and...
2023-12-0608 minAccelerating Energy: Powering Business Through the Energy TransitionHow Energy Transmission Can Save the Grid – and Electrify the U.S. Economy U.S. energy regulators warn that elevated threats of outages from storms and prolonged cold snaps will continue to impact our electric grid and the economy. The Biden administration recently announced $3.5 billion in grants to fund clean energy projects that combat climate change and promote renewable energy; but mounting costs, development snags, and regulatory roadblocks threaten to impede progress. In this introductory episode of Accelerating Energy, host and Sidley partner, Ken Irvin, speaks with Larry Gasteiger, Executive Director of WIRES, a nonprofit trade association that promotes investment in the North American electric transmission system. Together, they discuss th...
2023-11-2032 minMutual Fund MinuteWhat’s in a Name, Part IINaming a registered investment company will become more challenging now that the Securities and Exchange Commission has significantly broadened the scope of the rule governing fund names. Moreover, the SEC estimates that when the Names Rule goes into effect, three out of four registered funds will be subject to the new requirements.In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner Jay Baris follows up on his first segment, '"What's in a Name." Jay and Louisa Kiu, Investment Funds counsel in Sidley’s Boston office, discuss the new and expanded Names Rule, and wh...
2023-11-1311 min
The Sidley PodcastHow the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling May Impact Your BusinessThe U.S. Supreme Court has declared that university admissions policies must be “color blind” under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, breaking with decades of legal precedent and resulting in challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at universities and elsewhere. Many employers worry their own DEI policies and programs may be at risk, with businesses experiencing some high-profile lawsuits and challenges to corporate diversity initiatives. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on these issues — Jeff Green, Kat...
2023-11-1340 min
The Sidley PodcastHow the Cases Before the Supreme Court Could Impact You and Your BusinessThe Supreme Court of the United States is in session. After its seismic decisions last term, SCOTUS has set its sights on another slate of high-stakes cases that could again transform elections, policy, and public life. On the docket are the First Amendment, gun rights, racial gerrymandering, and the power of the executive branch over regulation. Companies are bracing for decisions that could impact the way they do business, while the court faces controversy over its ethics and indeed its legitimacy.Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with...
2023-10-3142 minMutual Fund MinuteAbout Nonbank Financial CompaniesFederal regulators propose to make it easier to designate a nonbank financial company as a systemically important financial institution that could threaten the financial stability of the economy if it were to fail.In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner Jay Baris speaks with Joel Feinberg – co-leader of Sidley’s Banking and Financial Services practice, head of the firm’s Financial Institutions group in Washington, D.C., and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Together, they look at how and why nonbank financial companies, including potentially mutual funds, ETFs and private...
2023-10-2007 minMutual Fund MinuteManaging Counterparty Risk: Five Steps Funds and Advisers Can Take NowThe recent collapse of several high-profile banks has amplified concerns among money managers and fund directors about counterparty risk. What should advisers and fund directors know about counterparty risk? How can they identify and manage the potential pitfalls, while simultaneously satisfying their oversight responsibilities?In this episode of the Mutual Fund Minute, host and Sidley partner Jay Baris speaks with Liz Schubert — global co-chair of Sidley’s Derivatives industry group and the founding member of Sidley’s Buy Side Derivatives practice — about the five best steps advisers and funds can take to mitigate counterparty risk, and what fund dir...
2023-10-0316 min
The Sidley PodcastSEC’s Cybersecurity Disclosure Rules Are Here. Is Your Company Ready to Comply?Companies are facing more attacks on their information systems. And, as their cyber risk skyrockets, the SEC has stepped in with new regulations, telling businesses what to disclose about these incidents — and requiring detailed disclosures on cyber risk management more broadly. With the deadline for compliance fast approaching, businesses are scrambling to mitigate their legal risk and comply with regulations that some say may be an overreach.Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these issues — Sonia Barros and
2023-09-2628 minMutual Fund MinuteMoney Market Fund Reform – Without Swing PricingMoney market funds dodged a bullet when the SEC declined to impose swing pricing when it adopted final reform rules on July 12, 2023. Listen here as Sidley’s Jay Baris and Doug McCormack discuss the new money market reform rules, including the mandatory liquidity fee and how they affect funds, investors, and fund directors.
2023-09-2009 minMutual Fund MinuteConflicts of Interest Involving Covered TechnologyIn this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley partners Jay Baris and Benson Cohen discuss the SEC’s proposed rules to address conflicts of interest when broker-dealers and investment advisers use predictive data analytics.
2023-08-2810 minMutual Fund MinuteService Providers as Investment AdvisersTune into Mutual Fund Minute, as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, looks at the growing interest in index-based investing by mutual funds and ETFs that has prompted the SEC to ask whether they should regulate index providers and other service providers as investment advisers. This episode looks at the implications for funds and investment advisers if they were go down this regulatory route.
2023-08-2306 minMutual Fund MinuteInvestment Companies as Commodity Pools – What Are the Compliance Pitfalls?Listen here as Jay Baris and Nathan Howell, partners in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, unravel the regulatory mysteries of how mutual funds, ETFs, and registered closed-end funds can invest in commodity futures contracts, subject to the jurisdiction by both the SEC and the CFTC.
2023-08-2308 minMutual Fund MinuteArtificial Intelligence for Funds and AdvisersCan a chatbot write a fund prospectus? Listen here as Jay Baris and Nathan Greene, partners in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, discuss how funds and investment advisers will use artificial intelligence, and how fund directors and investment managers can evaluate and understand the potential benefits – and challenges – that AI presents.
2023-08-2312 minMutual Fund MinuteSEC Proposes ESG Disclosures for Investment Advisers and Investment CompaniesListen here as Investment Funds partner Jay Baris and Ranah Esmaili, a partner in Sidley's Securities Enforcement and Regulatory practice, discuss the sweeping rules proposed by the SEC that would require funds and investment advisers to disclose more specific information about investment companies, private funds, and SMAs pursuing ESG investment strategies.
2023-08-2306 minMutual Fund MinuteRegulation Best ExecutionThe SEC proposed rules for best execution of securities trades by broker dealers. In this Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley's Jay Baris talks with fellow partner Hardy Callcott about how the rule would apply to best execution of fixed income securities, and what it would mean for funds and advisers.
2023-08-2308 minMutual Fund MinuteSEC Regulatory Agenda Spring 2023The SEC continues its breathtaking pace of rulemaking that touches funds, their independent directors, investment advisers, and other service providers. Listen here as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds practice, looks at the SEC’s regulatory agenda for the coming months.
2023-08-2307 minMutual Fund MinuteSEC Safeguarding RuleThe Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed sweeping new rules to address how investment advisers safeguard client assets. In this episode of Mutual Fund Minute, Sidley’s Jay Baris looks at how the revisions to the SEC’s so-called custody rules would affect advisers, funds, and investors.
2023-08-2308 minMutual Fund MinuteThe Role of Mutual Fund DirectorsTune into Mutual Fund Minute here, as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, takes a nostalgic look at the long and winding regulatory road of fund board culture, with a reminder that history is always an important guide to understanding the present.
2023-08-2310 minMutual Fund MinuteSEC 2023 Examination PrioritiesListen here as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, discusses the SEC’s Division of Examinations examination priorities for 2023, and what funds and advisers can expect.
2023-08-2305 minMutual Fund MinuteThe SEC’s Proposed Swing Pricing and Hard Close RulesListen here as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, discusses the proposed “swing pricing” and “hard close” requirements and how they would ripple through the world of investment companies and financial intermediaries.
2023-08-2307 minMutual Fund MinuteThe SEC’s Regulatory Agenda – What’s in Store for Funds and AdvisersListen here as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, discusses the SEC’s latest Rulemaking Agenda in 2022 which promises to be a rollercoaster ride for funds, their independent directors, investment advisers, and other service providers.
2023-08-2304 minMutual Fund MinuteSEC Revises Fund Shareholder Reports – What That Means for Funds and InvestorsListen here as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, discusses the SEC’s new mandate for mutual funds and ETFs and looks at the implications for Funds and their investors.
2023-08-2304 minMutual Fund MinuteWhat’s in a Name?Listen here as Jay Baris, a partner in Sidley’s Investment Funds group, discusses the SEC proposal to expand the “names rule” to cover investment companies that suggest that they invest in assets that have specific characteristics, such as growth or value or ESG factors.
2023-08-2304 min
The Sidley PodcastIs the Airline Industry Flying High or in for a Tough Landing?Airlines have hit their share of turbulence, from supply chain issues and staffing shortages to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and elevated fuel prices. As interest rates rise and some airlines file for bankruptcy, the industry’s carbon emissions efforts are getting off the ground. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on the airline industry — Bart Biggers, Michael Burke, and Kevin Lewis. Bart and Kevin are co-leaders of Sidley’s Aviation and Airlines practice, and Michael i...
2023-06-0643 min
The Sidley PodcastRegulatory Considerations For Businesses Following Recent Bank FailuresBank failures have roiled the financial sector, leading consumers and businesses to brace for economic fallout. How did we get here, and how will policymakers respond? What are the tools businesses can use to mitigate risk, and could a crisis like 2008 be repeated?Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the financial industry — Michael D. Lewis and Teresa Wilton Harmon. Together, they discuss just how steady the banking system is and whether regulators can make it any...
2023-04-1246 min
The Sidley PodcastHow Businesses Should Navigate a Tightly Divided New CongressAfter a contentious State of the Union Address, President Joe Biden faces off against a divided United States Congress over the debt ceiling. The business world is paying very close attention. Will Speaker Kevin McCarthy be able to corral his slim House majority? Are any compromises possible, and can any legislation actually pass? Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on Congress — Michael Borden, Pattie DeLoatche, and Brittany Bolen. Together, they discuss congressional priorities for 2023 and the potential impact on b...
2023-02-2341 min
The Sidley PodcastWhat it Takes to Score in High-Stakes Sports AcquisitionsIt’s time to play ball, both on the field and off. As this year’s pro football season culminates with the big game, the business of sports is booming. More teams are for sale, buyers are lining up, and valuations are through the roof. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the sports industry — Charles Baker and Irwin Raij. They discuss the acquisition of sports teams and their media assets, the lure for investors, and emerging trends in the i...
2023-02-0845 min
The Sidley PodcastHow SCOTUS May Rule on Potentially Seismic Cases for Business and SocietyThis could be the most controversial United States Supreme Court term ever. After overturning Roe v. Wade, the court now considers more profound change in election law, affirmative action, and other regulations affecting businesses. As SCOTUS welcomes a new justice, it faces questions over its own legitimacy and how far the conservative majority will go. Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s experienced Supreme Court lawyers on these subjects — Carter Phillips and Kwaku Akowuah.Carter is a partner in Sidl...
2022-11-2155 min
The Sidley PodcastHow Cryptocurrency’s Key Players Navigate Market Challenges and New RegulationsIt’s a wake-up call for the cryptocurrency industry. Falling prices have created dangers — but also opportunities for market participants. How will investors, lenders, and the courts respond? What new laws could be imposed, and who will end up on top? Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — Teresa Wilton Harmon, Stephen Hessler, and Dennis Twomey.Teresa is the managing partner of Sidley’s Chicago office, a member of the firm’s Executive Com...
2022-10-0535 min
The Sidley PodcastHow the Supreme Court’s EPA Ruling Complicates Climate Action and What Companies Can DoThe Supreme Court’s recent decision in West Virginia v. EPA clips the EPA’s ability to address climate change and may fundamentally alter the administrative authority of other federal agencies to tackle big problems. As state and local governments find ways to fill the void, shareholders are demanding a response from Corporate America. How seismic is the ruling? Will it doom our efforts to address climate change? And what impact will the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act have on the ruling? Join The Sidley Podcast host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he spea...
2022-08-2524 min
The Sidley PodcastWhat Fund Managers and Investors Should Know About the SEC’s Bold New Regulatory AgendaPrivate fund managers and investors are on high alert as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposes an aggressive new regulatory agenda. Its new draft rules have been described as a “sea change” and are intended to enhance regulation and protect investors in private funds. But do those investors need or want this protection? What are the broader policy issues? And what should fund managers and investors plan for? Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — Elizabeth Shea Fries and S...
2022-05-1632 min
Airlines Confidential Podcast131 - Bart Biggers & Kevin Lewis, Partners, Sidley Austin LLPThis week: Bart Biggers & Kevin Lewis, Partners, Sidley Austin LLP; Plus: Planes are starting to fill up; A JetBlue offer for Spirit; Start-Up Canada Jetlines focuses on Toronto; A DHL 757-200 breaks in half on emergency landing; Listener Q's on international air service rights & DCA signage; Shout-outs.
2022-04-1352 min
The Sidley PodcastWhy Are Green Bonds All the Rage, and What’s in it for Business?Finance is finally catching up with the environmental movement. Green bonds, which are debt raised by companies whose proceeds are used for environmentally beneficial purposes, are all the rage. More of them are being sold than ever before. But not all green products are equal, and the politics and regulation are complex. Why are investors buying in? What are the compliance challenges, and what are the incentives for businesses? Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — Benedetta Pacifico and Matt Feeh...
2022-03-1133 min
The Sidley PodcastLitigation Trends in Delaware and How Businesses and Boards Can Mitigate RiskNew structures, new rules? Delaware’s Chancery Court provides guidance on disclosure, conflicts, and risk allocation. We take a look at the latest Delaware rulings and what they say about SPAC directors' fiduciary duty, as well as COVID’s effect on M&A deals, and how corporations and boards can mitigate their liability. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on these subjects — Jim Ducayet and Charlotte Newell.Jim is a partner in Sidley’s office in Chicago and a co-he...
2022-02-1544 min
The Sidley PodcastCould Proposed Laws in the U.S. and EU Help Save the Planet?Momentum on climate action is unstoppable. Investors, businesses, and the public are demanding policymakers get serious about reducing emissions. Legislation from the U.S. and EU offers challenges and incentives for businesses worldwide. How will these proposed laws impact companies, and importantly, can they deliver on the promise of making tangible progress in the fight against climate change? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — Nicolas Lockha...
2022-01-1251 min
The Sidley PodcastWhat We’ve Learned About Preempting Crises at UniversitiesIt’s not just “varsity blues.” Universities are facing different kinds of crises than they ever imagined before, from COVID and Title IX to sports scandals and cyber breaches. As these institutions find themselves in legal and political crosshairs, their legal counsel are called on to mitigate and even preempt potential disaster. How do they plan and execute these strategies, and what makes universities unique compared to other institutions? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s...
2021-11-1527 min
The Sidley PodcastIncreased Scrutiny Has Boards of Directors in the Hot SeatLife is getting harder for boards of directors of public companies. Increased scrutiny of companies — particularly in heavily regulated industries — has led to greater risk of criminal and civil liability. And recent Delaware cases have ratcheted up the pressure, allowing lawsuits to proceed against boards for failure of oversight. What should directors know about their oversight responsibilities? And what can boards do to mitigate their risk? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders...
2021-11-0136 min
Personal JurisdictionLet's Get Personal with Leslie Kuhn-Thayer, Pro Bono Counsel at Sidley Austin LLPLeslie Kuhn-Thayer is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Law School. During law school, Leslie worked with the Wisconsin Innocence Project. Learn more about the Wisconsin Innocence Project here: https://law.wisc.edu/fjr/clinicals/ip/ Leslie served as a judicial law clerk directly out of law school and again several years later when she became a career clerk. Learn more about clerking here: https://media.law.wisc.edu/m/nmjkn/judicialclerkshiphandbook_000.pdfAnd here: https://abaforlawstudents.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FederalLawClerks.pdfLeslie currently serves as Pro B...
2021-10-271h 20
The Sidley PodcastHow to Mitigate Corporate Risk and Respond to CrisesRecent events have given the term “corporate crisis” a whole new meaning. From cyberattacks and pandemic disruptions to political divisions and tweets that go viral, companies are being challenged in ways they never have before. How should they respond in a fast-moving crisis? How can they identify risks and mitigate them? And who should execute their strategy? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on crisis management and corporate risk — Yvette Ostolaza...
2021-10-1145 min
The Sidley PodcastCan Private Businesses Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations?Three COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for use in the U.S., and more than half of all U.S. adults have received at least one shot. The push for vaccinations is raising ethical and legal questions. Can private employers mandate vaccinations for their workers? What are the ramifications if they do? How should businesses navigate federal and state requirements? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the subject — Wendy Laze...
2021-05-1331 min
The Sidley PodcastFinding New Opportunities in the SPAC LandscapeSpecial purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) have raised more money in the first quarter of this year than they did in all of last year. And 2020 was already being labeled “The Year of the SPAC,” with hundreds launched. Now, more and more sponsors are stepping up. Why are SPACs so hot, and how have they evolved from their origins in the ‘90s? What are their risks, and where can we find new opportunities in the SPAC landscape? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi
2021-05-0537 min
The Sidley PodcastCongress Divided: An Insider’s View on Priorities for Corporate AmericaImpeachment is behind us, and President Joe Biden is working to bring to fruition an ambitious agenda. Georgia’s voters gave Democrats a 50/50 Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaker. Now comes the hard part — getting things done. From COVID-19 relief to infrastructure to immigration, how much of the Biden agenda can make it through a still-divided Congress? What does it all mean for business? And what are relationships really like behind the scenes?Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gand...
2021-03-0831 min
The Sidley PodcastShareholder Activism, Hostile M&A, and Related Issues for the 2021 Proxy SeasonIt’s proxy season, and for most companies, the time for annual meetings is just around the bend. Publicly traded companies are coming off a tumultuous year. The link between corporation and community has never been more at the forefront — from COVID-19 to racial justice to worker treatment. And businesses are facing activist pressure. How should they navigate this complex environment? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with that question and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders on proxy season...
2021-02-2228 min
The Sidley PodcastHow the New Brexit Deal Will Reshape Business in the EU and UK Brexit is finally here. It’s been four and a half years since citizens of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. A deal has been struck, and the UK is out. Companies worldwide are still asking questions. What laws now apply in the UK? Are investment and trade easier — or does bureaucracy reign? And what opportunities exist amid the uncertainty? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on Brexit — Nick Br...
2021-02-0956 min
The Sidley PodcastWhat the Supreme Court’s Transformation Means for BusinessThe Supreme Court of the United States has been transformed with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. These events shift the high court further to the right. What will this mean for President-elect Joe Biden’s agenda? How will the new court rule on business cases? What are the cases to watch in 2021? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of the firm’s thought leaders on the Supreme Cour...
2020-12-1752 min
The Sidley PodcastWhat Will a Biden Administration Mean for Business?The voters have spoken. A Biden administration waits in the wings and could soon pursue an agenda that could change the way companies are regulated and the way they do business. How will the new administration respond to COVID-19, and which companies should now worry about being investigated? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with three of the firm’s thought leaders at the intersection of government, policy, and the law — Peter Roskam, Michael Borden, and...
2020-11-181h 00
The Sidley PodcastIs a New Era of Trustbusting Upon Us?As the presidential election looms, a new report by the House Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee is taking aim at giant technology companies. It charges that these once-underdog startups have been transformed into monopolies, and proposes changes to antitrust law that could lead to the breakup of these companies. How has antitrust evolved, and where is it going? Is this the dawn of a new era of trustbusting? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with one of th...
2020-10-2620 min
The Sidley PodcastInsider Trading and the COVID-19 ImpactVolatile stock markets are creating more opportunities for insider trading. As U.S. businesses try to return to normal amid COVID-19, the SEC is ramping up its response to potential securities violations. In the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority is warning companies to further protect inside information. How has enforcement of insider trading changed, and how can companies mitigate their risks?Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on insider trading — Na...
2020-09-2127 min
The Sidley PodcastCan the Yellow School Bus Go Green?The classic yellow school bus is turning green. Electric buses may continue to grow in popularity, and the so-called “vehicle-to-grid” technology enables the new buses both to store and draw power. Yet, there is a state-versus-federal regulatory battle that could stifle this innovation. Who can benefit from this technology, and how can companies, utilities, and school districts navigate the opportunities and challenges? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on the subject — Ken Irvin, co...
2020-07-2926 min
The Sidley PodcastShareholder Activism in the COVID-19 EraThe COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for businesses and their boards of directors. One of the critical matters boards always contend with is the threat of shareholder activism. Now, there is increased scrutiny of how well boards are managing the COVID-19 crisis. How are activists responding, and how can companies plan and react effectively? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner, Sam Gandhi, as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on shareholder activism — Beth Berg, who has over 18 years of expe...
2020-07-0832 min
The Sidley PodcastCOVID-19 Places Corporate Social Responsibility in Sharp ReliefTwo distinct and important trends have emerged in the COVID-19 era for businesses and their boards. Corporate social responsibility and expanding concerns about social justice have become amplified amid the pandemic. Added to this is that investors and Delaware courts are focusing on the role of boards of directors in oversight. The courts are now allowing claims for failures in oversight to be litigated. How has the virus affected these trends and how can boards prepare? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandh...
2020-06-0931 min
The Sidley PodcastCOVID-19: Walking the Line Between Worker Safety and PrivacyThe COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for employers. Businesses must walk the line between keeping workers safe and respecting their privacy. How do employers ensure a safe and healthy workplace? And how do they manage layoffs, furloughs and benefits in this rapidly deteriorating economic environment? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on the critical issues that employers face—Wendy Lazerson, co-chair of Sidley’s Labor and Employment practice, and Kate H...
2020-04-1929 min
The Sidley PodcastHigh Times for the Cannabis BusinessThe cannabis business is booming. Social acceptance of marijuana has led jurisdictions to legalize its sale and use for both medicinal and recreational reasons. Companies see enormous business opportunities in it. But marijuana is still illegal under federal law. And the political landscape about its regulation is complicated. What should companies know about the opportunities and risks to participating in the market? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with that question and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on cannabis — James Cole...
2020-04-1619 min
The Sidley PodcastLife Science Innovators Tackle COVID-19: Developing Pathways to Diagnose, Prevent and Treat the VirusLife sciences companies are rushing to find ways to diagnose, prevent and treat the COVID-19 virus. They face legal challenges, from regulatory oversight to supply chain disruption and product liability. What are the opportunities in trying to solve the COVID-19 virus puzzle? And how do these global innovators handle the risks? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on the critical issues that life sciences companies face—Becky Wood, who...
2020-04-0935 min
The Sidley PodcastManaging Through Crisis: How Boards Can Navigate COVID-19The COVID-19 virus is spreading around the world and is officially a pandemic. With global markets falling to their lowest since the financial crisis, fears of a recession have increased. As companies scramble to deal with this rapidly evolving and dangerous reality, how do boards of directors react? How do they navigate an M&A transaction or avoid litigation? Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with two of Sidley’s thought leaders on the critical issues that boards face—Yvette Ostolaza, co-g...
2020-03-1829 min
The Sidley PodcastThe Perfect Storm: The Impact of COVID-19 and Oil Price War on the Energy IndustryJust as the coronavirus (COVID-19) has the whole world in crisis, an oil price war is now further roiling global markets and the business world. These seismic events raise substantial legal issues for the energy industry. What is the impact on energy market participants? How can businesses navigate the storm?Our latest episode of The Sidley Podcast grapples with those questions and many others. Join host and Sidley partner Sam Gandhi as he speaks with one of Sidley’s thought leaders on the energy industry, Cliff Vrielink, co-managing partner of Sidley’s Houston office and global leader of th...
2020-03-1217 min