Department profile
Akin

Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Akin

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Akin’s activist-side practice is able to advise on London-listed targets. It frequently advises Elliott on ex-US investments, including those in the billions. It has experience of working on the lifecycle of a investor's project and is able to advise on ancillary areas such as corporate governance, competition and tax.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Akin advised Elliott on its investment in BP to become its third largest shareholder.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • We appreciate the depth of the relationship we have, their understanding of our business and their commitment to understanding and delivering upon our objectives.

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
  • Akin have the ability to provide seamless cross-border support with clear ownership and accountability. They provide highly valuable commercial support next to legal support in negotiations.

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
  • The perfect mix of commercial nous and technical ability. They combine litigation thought processes with deal-making nous. Clients are way ahead of the power curve the moment they engage Akin.

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
  • The partners that we work with in this domain at Akin are best in class, both in the factual detail and in their knowledge of the relevant rules and procedures, but also in their strategic guidance.

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
  • They have a deep understanding of what an activist is trying to do and this, coupled with their cross-jurisdictional capabilities, as well as their solutions-driven approach, make them invaluable.

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Daniel Cohen
    Band 1Daniel Cohen

    Daniel Cohen

    Daniel Cohen is a litigator who is able to advise on a range of corporate and securities litigation. His experience includes advising activists on campaigns that involves investing in some of the world's largest companies and helping them with strategy that includes management engagement, value creation and regulatory advice. He has particular expertise of the Asian market.

    • Daniel is the best litigator and commercial lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with. He has a brilliant mind and is an absolute gem to work with.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Dan is very approachable and makes great effort to grasp the different legal principles, practices and regulatory environment applicable in certain jurisdictions.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Daniel is very thoughtful, strategic and has a good grasp of all the different options available. He is extremely responsive and very experienced in this space.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Daniel shares insight into what investment fund clients want, what they can do, and how. He is also a good adviser for our team.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Dan brings strategic excellence to any campaign. His technical abilities allow him to see the battlefield across jurisdictions, while his commercial nous delivers results for client all day.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
  • Band 1Steven Franklin
    Band 1Steven Franklin

    Steven Franklin

    Steven Franklin is a corporate-focused partner with significant experience of shareholder activism in both Europe and Asia. He has extensive experience of helping activists invest in companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. He regularly advises clients on engagement strategy, navigating corporate restructurings and share buybacks.

    • Steven stands atop everything related to global funds activism in connection with Asian companies, from regulatory, practical, to commercial aspects, which enables him to provide integrated advice.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Steven is a consistent and excellent performer with deep understanding of what we do. He always exceeds expectations in terms of quality of work, depth, and speed of execution.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Steven exhibits a combination of technical legal skills, commercial acumen and the ability to manage large-scale matters across multiple jurisdictions.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Steven's mastery of corporate law across jurisdictions melds with clear-cut analysis to deliver nothing short of commercial gold to clients.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK
    • Steven is the best in class; a strategic thinker and valued partner. He is one of the most trusted legal advisers. I would highly recommend Steven for any campaigns in Asia.

      Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Akin (2)

UK-wide

  • Profile image of Daniel Cohen

    Daniel Cohen

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation

    View profile
  • Profile image of Steven Franklin

    Steven Franklin

    Shareholder Activism: Activist Representation

    View profile

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