Sidley Austin LLP

Chair of Executive Committee: Michael J. Schmidtberger

Chair of Management Committee: Yvette Ostolaza

Number of partners worldwide: Over 650

Number of lawyers worldwide: Over 2,000

Firm Overview:

More than 150 years after the founding of Sidley Austin, the firm today comprises a diverse group of over 2,000 legal professionals from many cultures around the world who are dedicated to teamwork, collaboration, and superior client service. Sidley’s lawyers are proud to serve this varied and high-caliber group of market leaders, many of whom are pioneers in their respective industries and professions.

The strategic establishment of Sidley’s offices in key business centers around the world enables the firm to represent a broad range of clients across many industries including banking and financial services, insurance, life sciences, healthcare, energy, technology, and transportation.

Main Areas of Practice:

Crisis & Risk Management:

Regularly recognised as a global leader in crisis and risk management, Sidley provides instant and continuous support to organisations navigating complex and challenging crises throughout the world. Industry leaders trust Sidley to quickly assemble highly experienced teams to address volatile and ever-shifting crises attacking corporations on multiple fronts and unfolding at a rapid pace. The team has deep experience guiding clients through crises by establishing and managing both the initial and long-term legal strategies and assisting with remediation efforts. The firm is also frequently engaged to help organisations proactively identify and mitigate risks before they materialise into crisis scenarios.

Sidley’s team includes several former senior US and international enforcement and regulatory officials. With first-hand knowledge of how government agencies conduct investigations and prosecutions, Sidley helps clients navigate these processes efficiently and effectively.

While Sidley has the capacity to serve clients facing crises in all industries, the firm has dedicated industry-focused Crisis Management teams “at the ready” with extensive experience in particular with crises involving banks and financial institutions, healthcare providers, education providers, the media and entertainment industry, the automotive industry, non-profits, and toxic torts, among many areas.

Environmental, Social & Governance:

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are now top of mind for boards and management of companies across a wide range of industries. Companies are grappling with new and evolving needs and expectations regarding ESG, as communicated by shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and the community, as well as rating agencies and standard setters. Sidley helps clients make sense of this rapidly changing area and the opportunities and challenges that can arise, including advising public companies on SEC disclosures and compliance related to ESG. The team counsels boards, management teams and investors about the ESG environment and related risks. Sidley facilitates strategic decision-making focused on sustainable long-term value creation for shareholders and other stakeholders, and helps craft communications and engagement strategies that resonate when reviewed through an ESG lens.

Clients also benefit from the firm's extensive involvement in developing ESG-related policy in the United States and globally and the firm's related thought leadership efforts. For example, members of the team played key roles in drafting the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance and legal commentary addressing John Ruggie’s 2008 report for the UN Human Rights Council on a Framework for Business and Human Rights.