LAWYER PROFILE
Derek Zaba

Derek Zaba

USA 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

Contributions and articles

1 Global Practice Guides

About

Provided by Sidley Austin LLP

Practice Areas

DEREK ZABA co-chairs Sidley’s Shareholder Activism & Corporate Defense practice. He spends 100% of his time on shareholder activism, contested and complex M&A, and corporate governance matters. With more than two decades of experience, Derek has been involved in hundreds of activist campaigns and contested M&A situations. Prior to Sidley, Derek was the head of the activism and corporate defense practice at a leading shareholder engagement and corporate governance advisory firm. He also served as a partner and investment professional at activist and event-driven hedge funds. Derek is a highly sought after speaker on the topics of investor activism, contested M&A, and ESG/corporate governance at panels and universities and teaches a class on shareholder activism, contested M&A, and corporate governance at Stanford University Law School.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Corporate/M&A: Takeover Defense - New York

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Derek Zaba splits his time between the firm's Palo Alto and New York offices and cochairs its shareholder activism practice. He regularly advises on shareholder activism, contested M&A and corporate governance matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Derek is a very seasoned, practical problem-solver. He doesn't get mired in minutia and really thinks about the forest for the trees.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover DefenseChambers Guide to the USA
  • He has exceptional expertise in the area.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover DefenseChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek is a brilliant lawyer who you need in your corner if there is a contentious issue at hand.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover DefenseChambers Guide to the USA
  • Derek is an excellent lawyer and strategist who is good at giving practical advice.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover DefenseChambers Guide to the USA
  • He is a brilliant strategic adviser and tactician across a range of issues.

    Corporate/M&A: Takeover DefenseChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Sidley Austin LLP (377)

California

All Contributions (1)

Provided by Sidley Austin LLP

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