Events 2015

Tech & Startups Speaker Series
The Tech Counsels
A conversation with Andrew Kim, SVP, Corporate Development and General Counsel of Netgear, and Bryan Ko, General Counsel of Logitech
Monday, November 23, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 132; 12:45-1:45pm

Andrew Kim is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, General Counsel and Company Secretary of Netgear, one of the world’s largest networking and technology companies.  Bryan Ko is the General Counsel of Logitech, a leading provider of computer and table accessories.  Andrew and Bryan joined us to discuss the ins and outs of managing legal departments at innovative technology firms.  

This event was co-sponsored by Orrick, the Korea Law Center and BBLJ.


Shareholder Activism Speaker Series
Ignore the Crowd – Lessons from an Activist Investor
A conversation with Charles Penner, Partner and Chief Legal Officer at JANA Partners
Friday, November 20, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 100; 12:45-1:45pm

Charles Penner is a partner and chief legal officer at JANA Partners, one of the world’s top activist investment funds with over $11 billion in assets under management.  JANA Partners, covered regularly in the global financial press, has seen remarkable success and has taken key positions in companies like Qualcomm, Walgreens and Safeway.  JANA is led by a charismatic founder known for his devotion to yoga and Bruce Springsteen.  Charles Penner, the top attorney for the firm, joined us to discuss his career and the challenges of navigating complex legal and business issues in the activist investing space.

This event was co-sponsored by CamberView and the BBLJ.


Building Your Legal Career
A conversation with William Voge (’83), global Chair and Managing Partner at Latham & Watkins LLP
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

The legal practice is increasingly global and William Voge, global chair and managing partner at Latham & Watkins, is at the forefront of that movement.  As the leader of a top global law firm, with over 2,100 attorneys in 13 countries, William’s practice is truly unique.  William joined us from Latham’s London office to discuss the business of running a global firm and provided tips on how young attorneys can effectively manage their own careers in today’s evolving legal landscape.

This event was co-sponsored by the CDO, the Office of the Dean, and the BBLJ.


Practitioner Speaker Series
Buying and Selling Silicon Valley
A conversation with Martin Korman, Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 100; 12;45-1;45pm

Martin Korman is a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and the head of the firm’s M&A and private equity practice.  He’s recognized as one of the nation’s top M&A attorneys and has helped sell and buy a number of Silicon Valley’s top technology companies, including Sun Microsystems, Genentech, Pixar, and VMware.  Under Martin’s leadership over the past two years, Wilson Sonsini has advised on over 285 M&A transactions valued at more than $68 billion.  Martin has presented at top law schools throughout the country and joined us to provide a critical perspective on Silicon Valley and the M&A market.

This event was co-sponsored by WSGR and the BBLJ.


The Corporation – An Alternative View Speaker Series
Innovating Finance
A conversation with James Silk, Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, and Thomas Friedmann, Partner at Dechert LLP.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170: 12:45-1:45pm


James Silk is a partner in the Asset Management Group of Wilkie Garr & Gallagher LLP and has advised clients such as Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world.  Thomas Friedmann is a partner at Dechert LLP and the co-chair of the firm’s Global Corporate Finance and Capital Markets Practice.  He is one of the world’s leading experts on funds and exotic asset managers. James and Thomas joined us to provide a unique perspective on one of the finance sector’s most interested practice areas. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ.


Pathways to Consulting Careers with McKinsey & Co.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 12; 1-2pm

The Berkeley Center for Law and Business co-sponsored a conversation with consultants from McKinsey & Co. where they discuss their work and why consulting firms are interested in hiring law school graduates.

This event was co-sponsored by the CDO.


Protecting Whistleblowers
A Conversation with Christopher Ehrman, Chief of the CFTC Whistleblower Office, and Stephen Cohen, Associate Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement
Friday, November 13, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 140; 12:45-1:45pm

Christopher Ehrman is Chief of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Whistleblower Office which administers the agency’s whistleblower program which was created by the Dodd Frank Act. The CFTC Whistleblower Office receives submissions of confidential information concerning misconduct in the futures, swaps and other commodity markets.

Stephen L. Cohen is the Associate Director of the Securities & Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement. In that position he oversees a broad range of enforcement activities, including investigations involving accounting and disclosure fraud, insider trading, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, registered and unregistered securities offerings, market abuses, broker-dealers, investment advisers and other regulated entities.

For photos of the event, click here. This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ.


Berkeley Sustainable Business and Investment Forum
November 10-11, 2015
University Club, Berkeley

BCLB held an innovative two-day forum addressing the evolving concepts of risk management, capital allocation and sustainable business practices with an emphasis on long-term value creation. The event featured keynote speeches from PepsiCo Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Mehmood Khan and Intel’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich, bringing together academic and professional minds alike in an enriching discussion on the ever-changing nature of sustainable business. To view the agenda from the event, click here; attendance to this event was by invitation only. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by  the Haas School of Business and PepsiCo.


Scott Carey Speaker Series
The Antitrust MVP
A conversation with Joel Sanders (’82), Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Monday, November 9, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Companies are buying each other as fast as they can, creating global behemoths.  In this world of ever bigger companies, antitrust issues loom larger and larger.  Joel Sanders is a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and an advisory board member of the Berkeley Center for Law and Business.  Knee deep in the antitrust field, Mr. Sanders has advised leading companies in the technology, retail, and defense sectors.  His stature was cemented when he was named an Antitrust MVP by Law 360.  He joined us to discuss his career, the evolution of the antitrust practice, and provided advice for law students and young lawyers about to embark on their own legal careers. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ.


M&A Speaker Series
The Dealmaker
A conversation with Alison Ressler, Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12;45-1:45pm

From Valeant’s hostile offer for Allergan to the management buy-outs of Dole Foods and Dell, Alison Ressler has seen it all.  Alison is a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell and a leading authority on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and capital markets.  She has been named American Lawyer’s “Dealmaker of the Week” multiple times and was named “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2014.  Alison joined us to discuss the art of the deal and current trends in the M&A market.  She also reflected on her remarkable career advising top corporate clients across the globe.

This event was co-sponsored by Weil and the BBLJ.


Shareholder Activism Speaker Series
Creating Value Through Activism
A conversation with Allison Bennington, General Counsel and Partner at ValueAct Capital
Monday, November 2, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Allison Bennington is the general counsel and a partner at ValueAct Capital, a major activist investment fund with over $19 billion in assets under management, and was previously general counsel of Atriax, managing director at Roberson Stephens, and a partner in the London office of Brobeck Hale and Dorr International.  ValueAct is a key player in the financial industry and is consistently in the news for its significant positions in some of the world’s top companies.  Allison joined us to discuss her dynamic career and the challenges of being at the forefront of the financial sector. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by CamberView and the BBLJ.


Game On! Tailgate at Cal with BCLB
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Boalt Hall Warren Room; 10-12pm

The Boalt Hall Alumni Center and the Berkeley Center for Law and Business (BCLB) had a great time full of food, drink and fun at our Cal vs. USC football game on October 31st.  An enjoyable gathering that lasted from 10-12pm, this event was attended by alumni and guests alike.

For photos of the event, click here.


Scott Carey Speaker Series
The Future of Banking
Panel discussion with professionals and academics
Friday, October 30, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170: 12:45-1:45pm

This event was a conversation with Paul Clark (’80), partner at Seward & Kissel LLP, Peter Morgan, SVP and General Counsel at Charles Schwab Bank, and William Haraf, managing director at Promontory Financial and formerly California’s commissioner of financial institutions and a member of the Financial Stability Oversight Committee. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ, the CDO, and the ADP.


The Future of Antitrust
Panel discussion with professionals and academics
Friday, October 30, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 132: 12:45-1:45pm

This event was a conversation with Jason Yurasek, the JY Firm and outside general counsel for Craigslist, Aaron Sheanin, of counsel at Pearson, Simon & Warsaw, Ausra Deluard (’08), attorney at Jones Day and Sam Weinstein (’02), Research Fellow at Berkeley Law and formerly with the US Department of Justice – Antitrust Division. The panel was moderated by Professor Aaron Edlin, Law and Economics professor at Berkeley Law.

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ, the CDO, the ADP, and the ABA Antitrust Division.


Scott Carey Speaker Series
The Real Estate Lawyer
A conversation with Leo Pircher (’57), Founding Partner at Pircher, Nichols & Meeks.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Leo Pircher is the founding partner of Pircher, Nichols & Meeks, one of the real estate industry’s leading law firms, and an advisory board member of the Berkeley Center for Law and Business. Leo founded the firm in 1983 and has established himself, and the firm, as among the most innovative in the country. He joined us to discuss his career, the evolution of the real estate industry, and provided advice for law students and young lawyers about to embark on their own legal careers. Leo is one of Berkeley Law’s most influential graduates and we’re very excited to have him back!

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ and the Department of City & Regional Planning.


Pathways to In-House Careers
A conversation with Matt K. Fawcett, General Counsel, NetApp, Inc.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 105; 1-2pm

Matt K. Fawcett joined us for an engaging lunch presentation on in-house legal departments. The General Counsel of NetApp, Inc., Mr. Fawcett discussed his own career path and, more generally, the role of attorneys who work within the companies they represent and how the in-house market might evolve over the next few years. Mr. Fawcett is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UCLA Law School.

This event was co-sponsored by the CDO.


Targets and Hit Men: An Inside Look at M&A
A conversation with Prof. Steven Davidoff Solomon, the New York Times Deal Professor
Monday, October 26, 2015
O’Melveny & Meyers LA office; 5:30-7:30PM

Berkeley Law certifies that this activity was approved for 1 hour MCLE credit by the State Bar of California.

BCLB and O’Melveny & Myers LLP  held a conversation with Steven Davidoff Solomon, the New York Times “Deal Professor” and Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Berkeley Center for Law and Business. Professor Davidoff Solomon is a leading authority on corporate law and has thrice been named to the National Association of Corporate Directors’ “Directorship 100,” honoring the most influential people in the boardroom.  He is the author of Gods at War: Shot-gun Takeovers, Government by Deal and the Private Equity Implosion and many other leading articles, books and columns. For photos of the event, click here.

Special thanks to Matthew Close ’96 and his firm, O’Melveny & Myers LLP, for hosting this event.


Practitioner Speaker Series
Life of a Corporate Finance Attorney
A conversation with Philip Jonathan Tendler, Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45

 
 
Philip Tendler is a partner in Pillsbury‘s Finance section and is located in the firm’s San Francisco Office. He joined us to discuss the active lawyering and critical thinking skills necessary to being a successful corporate finance attorney, with a particular focus on debt financing. Philip  also discussed market trends and other exciting developments in the debt financing space. For photos of the event, click here.
 

This event was co-sponsored by WSGR and the BBLJ.


Private Equity Speaker Series
The Wild World of Private Equity
A conversation with Ronald Cami, General Counsel at TPG Capital.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45

Ronald Cami is the general counsel at TPG Capital, a leading global private equity investment firm, and was previously a partner at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York. Ron joined TPG Capital in the aftermath of the financial crisis and has overseen a push toward key investments in high-profile emerging growth companies. He joined us to discuss the challenges of leading one of the world’s top private equity firms and the unique legal issues presented by the private equity world. For photos of the event, click here.


This event was co-sponsored by Kirkland & Ellis LLP and the BBLJ.


Tech & Startups Speaker Series
Startup Law 101
A conversation with Timothy Harris, Partner and Head of Corporate Department (Palo Alto) at Morrison Foerster.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

 
Timothy Harris is the Palo Alto Office Head of the Corporate Department at Morrison Foerster and a leading member of the firm’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital group. Timothy joined BCLB to discuss the legal infrastructure of Silicon Valley and touched on critical legal lessons for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the world of venture capital. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by Orrick and the BBLJ.


International Speaker Series
Incentive Fees and Competition in Pension Funds: Evidence from a Regulatory Experiment
A conversation with Assaf Hamdani Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz Chair in Corporate Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Visiting Professor at Harvard Law School.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Private retirement savings funds play an increasingly important role around the world, with policymakers normally prohibiting incentive pay arrangements in private pension schemes and other retail-oriented funds. Prof. Hamdani discussed his paper, “Incentive Fees and Competition in Pension Funds: Evidence from a Regulatory Experiment”, and the effects of incentive fees and competition on the performance of retirement savings schemes.


Scott Carey Speaker Series
The Global Lawyer
A conversation with Kenton King ’87, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Ken King is the partner in charge of Skadden’s Palo Alto office and serves on the advisory board of BCLB. Ken represents clients in a broad range of corporate and securities law matters and has supported cross-border transactions throughout Europe and Asia. He discussed his career and the evolving landscape of his practice and corporate governance in the technology industry. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ.


Smart Course Planning
What to Take in Business Law and Why
Monday, October 12, 2015
Boalt Hall  Room 110; 1-2pm


BCLB Faculty held an information session on the Spring 2016 business law curriculum; our team reviewed the Business Law Certificate, highlighted new course offerings and discussed how the business law curriculum will help prepare students for a professional practice, whether in a firm, government or NGO position. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by the BBLJ.


Managing Tax Audits and Appeals
October 8-9, 2015
San Francisco, CA

In collaboration with Crowell & Moring LLP, this two day seminar discussed current issues that impact the tax audit and administrative appeals processes. Designed for those with an interest in tax controversies, this seminar enabled corporate and tax executives to expand their knowledge of key features of the audit process and to focus on opportunities to improve an audit’s outcome through proper management at the early stages and during the administrative appeals process. Speakers included Berkeley Law School professors, government representatives, and attorneys from Crowell & Moring and other firms, who addressed emerging issues relating to OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Proposal (BEPS), transfer pricing audits, large case audits, and recent legislative changes relating to tax procedure and administration.

The event was chaired by Harold J. Heltzer and David Blair. Mr. Heltzer was formerly with the Treasury Department and the Department of Justice. Mr. Blair was also formerly with the Department of Justice and teaches transfer pricing as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center.


Annual Executive and Legal Education Program
Fundamentals of Banking Law
October 7-9, 2015
Bancroft Hotel, Berkeley

Berkeley Law certifies that this activity was approved for 20.5 hours MCLE credit by the State Bar of California.

In collaboration with the Boston University School of Law, BCLB was pleased to sponsor Fundamentals of Banking Law (formerly Banking Law Basics) an intensive 2½ day program designed to familiarize participants with the basics of banking law, including the critical policies, concepts an regulations that have shaped 150 years of banking from the passage of the 1863 National Bank Act to the present. Learn more here.

For photos of the event, click here.


 

A Changing Law for a Revolutionary Time: A Discussion of Delaware’s Corporate Law
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
New York, NY

Alumni discussed changes in Delaware’s corporate law with Professor Steven Davidoff Solomon and William Chandler III, former Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery.


Tech and Startup Speaker Series
Diversifying Silicon Valley
A conversation with Joelle Emerson, co-founder and CEO of Paradigm.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Boalt Hall Room 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Joelle Emerson is the co-founder and CEO of Paradigm, a strategy firm that helps tech companies build more diverse and inclusive organizations.  Paradigm has worked with a number of Silicon Valley’s top firms, including Pinterest, to develop and implement innovative diversity initiatives. Prior to founding Paradigm, Joelle was an attorney with Equal Rights Advocates.  Joelle joined us to discuss her career and how her company uses qualitative and quantitative analysis to help diversify Silicon Valley. For photos of the event, click here.

This event was co-sponsored by Orrick and BBLJ.


Venture Capital Speaker Series 
Financing Silicon Valley 
A conversation with Stephanie Brecher (’93), General Counsel, New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
Tuesday, September 29, 2015 
Boalt Hall 105; 12:45-1:45pm

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is one of Silicon Valley’s top venture capital firms, with a focus on the technology and healthcare sectors and an investment strategy that spans all stages of a company’s growth. As the general counsel of NEA, Stephanie leads efforts in deal execution, portfolio management and risk management. Stephanie discussed her career and the highlights of negotiating complex and exciting venture deals. For photos of the event, click here.
 

This event was co-sponsored by Gunderson Dettmer and BCLT


General Counsel Speaker Series
Building Today’s Silicon Valley 
A conversation with Alexa King (’94), Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, FireEye
Monday, September 21, 2015 
Boalt Hall 110; 1:00-2:00pm

 
FireEye was named the top cybersecurity firm to watch in 2015 by Cybersecurity Ventures and described as the “Navy SEALs of Cybersecurity.”Alexa serves as FireEye’s top attorney and discussed her role in leading one of Silicon Valley’s hottest companies in one of its hottest industries. She also touched on her career as an in-house attorney and general counsel and the challenges she’s faced in helping to build today’s Silicon Valley. For photos of the event, click here.
 

This event was co-sponsored by BCLT. The General Counsel Speaker Series is co-sponsored by Skadden.


Practitioner Speaker Series
Life of a Startup Attorney
A conversation with Morgan Sawchuk (’11), Fenwick & West, and Jay Purcell (’11), Goodwin Procter.
Monday, September 14, 2015 
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm 

 
“Always tell me that. And tell yourself that. Because if you believe it, a jury will too.”
           -Ron LaFlamme, HBO’s Silicon Valley
 
Morgan and Jay discussed their careers as venture capital attorneys in Silicon Valley; these bright Berkeley Alums talked about the formation, financing, sale and purchase of startups and other factors relevant to the field of startup law. For photos of the event, click here.
 
This event was co-sponsored by WSGR.


General Counsel Speaker Series
The University Lawyer
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm

A conversation was held with Charles Robinson, General Counsel and Vice President for the University of California. Charles Robinson serves as the Chief Legal Officer for the University of California, counseling the Board of Regents, President and other senior UC officials. Charles will discuss his career as the UC’s top lawyer and touch on legal issues facing the university today.

The General Counsel Speaker Series is co-sponsored by Skadden.


BCLB San Francisco Happy Hour
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
San Francisco

The Berkeley Center for Law and Business (BCLB) invited all first year students interested in corporate law to the BCLB San Francisco Happy Hour on Wednesday, September 9th from 6pm to 8pm at 111 Minna Gallery.

Students had the opportunity to meet young corporate associates from BCLB’s sponsoring firms and learn more about a number of exciting corporate law practices, including startup and venture capital, mergers & acquisitions and capital markets. For photos of the event, click here.


Visiting Scholar Speaker Series
Judgment Contingent Clauses and Asymmetric Information
Avraham Tabbach, Tel Aviv University
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Boalt Hall 215B; 12:45-1:45pm

Asymmetric information offers great challenges to settlements, creating an uneven balance of information that can negatively effect the outcome of a case in a number of ways. Despite this, there may be way to bypass the hurdles caused by asymmetric information: judgement contingent clauses. Visiting scholar Avraham Tabbach presented his work on these such clauses, a method of equalizing the outcome of the settlement regardless of the information imbalance, and how judgement contingent clauses can help overcome any other obstacles asymmetric information can create. Click here to view the flyer. For photos of the event, click here.


Cybersecurity Conference
Securing the Network: How Boards and Executives Should Address Cybersecurity
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Rosewood Sand Hill: 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California

Cyberattacks directly impact companies’ operations and reputations, often resulting in significant financial and legal repercussions.  As such, Boards should take an active role in understanding the associated risks that come with cybersecurity. This event was a two-panel session on cybersecurity today and what directors should do to be more preemptive in evaluating cybersecurity risk exposure. Our panel participants included: Jesse Goldhammer (UC Berkeley School of Information); Micheal Rubin and David Berger (Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati); Priya Huskins (Woodruff-Sawyer & Co.); and Steven Davidoff Solomon (UC Berkeley School of Law). Each panel was moderated by partners from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

This event was co-sponsored by the Center for Long-term Cybersecurity and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.


The 2015 M&A Roundtable
May 18-19,2015
Kirkland & Ellis New York Office

Renowned thought leaders from industry, law firms, investment banks, private equity firms, and more held a frank and spirited discussion about leading M&A issues of the day. A two-panel event, this discussion addressed the present state of play in mergers, corporate governance, and shareholder activism. Noted speakers included: Delaware Chief Justice Leo E. Strine, Jr., District Judge Jed Rakoff of southern New York, and Delaware Vice Chancellor Donald Parsons.

This event was co-sponsored by Kirkland & Ellis LLP.


Business Law Certificate Ceremony
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Boalt Hall, Warren Room; 12:30-2:00pm

 BLCBE celebrated this year’s J.D. and LL.M. graduates who received the Business Law Certificate in recognition of their completion of a rigorous course of study in preparation for professional practice as legal advisors to businesses, business-related NGOs, and government entities. For photos of the event, click here.


Shareholder Activism Speaker Series
A Conversation with Jeffrey W. Ubben
ValueAct Capital
Monday, April 27, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1;45pm
 
 

ValueAct Founder and Chief Investment Officer Jeffrey W. Ubben hosted a conversation on the evolution of governance based investing and the growing importance of shareholder engagement in the boardroom. Founded in 2000, ValueAct Capital was an early pioneer of ‘shareholder activism’ and now manages more than $18 billion dollars. Since inception, VAC partners have served on more than 30 boars including representation at Microsoft, Adobe Systems, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

Jeffrey W. Ubben is a Founder, Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer of ValueAct Capital. Mr. Ubben is a director of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and Willis Group Holdings plc, and a former chairman and director of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., a former director of Acxiom Corp., Catalina Marketing Corp., Gartner Group, Inc., Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., Mentor Corporation, Omincare, Inc., Misys, plc, Per-Se Technologies, inc. Sara Lee Corp and several other public and private companies. In addition, Mr. Ubben serves as chairman of the national board of the Posse Foundation, is on the board of trustees of Northwestern University, and is also on the board of the American Conservatory Theater. For photos from the event, click here.

The Shareholder Activism Speaker Series is co-sponsored by CamberView Partners.


 

Curriculum Speaker Series
Smart Course Planning: What to Take in Business Law and Why
Monday, April 13, 2015
Boalt Hall 105; 12:45-1:45pm

  BCLB held an information session about the business law courses and the J.D. Business Law Certificate at Berkeley Law presented by the business law faculty. The session reviewed the Fall 2015 classes and highlighted new course offerings. This session was an opportunity for students to learn how business law courses meet their interests and prepare them for professional practice, whether in a firm, government or NGO position. The program also reviewed the Business Law Certificate requirements.

Co-sponsored by the Berkeley Business Law Journal.


Lunch Time Talk with Howard Lincoln ’65
Hard Work and Good Luck: My Years Since Boalt
Friday, April 10, 2015
Faculty Club, Howard Room; 12:50-1:50pm

 
BCLB, BCLT, and Dean Sujit Choudhry proudly gathered with fellow students to meet Howard Lincoln ’65 for a Q&A luncheon. Howard shared his thoughts about how hard work, mentors, luck, and the willingness to rake risks can play a part in one’s career. Howard was a key player in the formation of the ownership group that saved the Seattle Mariners in 1992, Howard Lincoln was named chairman and chief executive officer  on September 27, 1999. Mr. Lincoln retired from his position as chairman of Nintendo of America, Inc., to devote his full efforts to the Mariners on February 14, 2000. he joined Nintendo as it’s senior vice president and general counsel in January of 1983. In February 1994, he was elected to the board of Nintendo of America, Inc., and appointed chairman of the company. Lincoln remains a member of the Nintendo of America Board of Directors. 


Movie Night: Wall Street (1987)
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Boalt Hall 110; 5:30-7:30pm

 BCLB showcased Oliver Stone’s award-winning film Wall Street, starring Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas. Credited with embodying the frenzied fast-paced nature of Wall Street in the 1980’s and inspiring a variety of trends, this film chronicles a young stockbroker’s speedy rise to prominence and the drastic consequences it has for him. Wall Street presents a timeless and easy-to-understand examination of the complex relationship between insider trading and government oversight in business, as well as calls the audience to question whether or not greed can be a force for good. Watch the trailer here.


Women in Business Law Symposium
Linda Brewer, Quinn Emanuel
Sonal Mehta, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Laura Oswell, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Sally Wagner, Sidley Austin
Shannon Yavorski, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Rachel Proffitt, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati 
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Boalt Hall 132; 5:30-7:30pm
 

The Berkeley Business Law Journal (BBLJ) and the Berkeley Center For Law Business and the Economy (BCLB) held the annual Women in Business Law Symposium. This panel included top women attorneys who shared their perspectives on the challenges confronting women in business law today and offered their advice and expertise on a variety of topics impacting women in the workplace, including how to succeed in this still largely male-dominated field. 


Peterson Speaker Series
Responsible Investment: Strategies That Evolve Human Rights and Labor Rights

Bennett Freeman, Calvert Investments

Laura Tyson, Institute for Business & Social Impact

Robert Strand, Center for Responsible Business

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Wells Fargo Room (C420), Haas School of Business; 12:30-1:30pm

 
As greater connections between the power of the investment community and human rights, emerge, conversations and questions regarding the impacts  of business on human rights grow more central to investment issues. How can shareholder advocacy strategies improve labor rights risks? How hopeful should we be that the investment community can positively effect human rights outcomes? This panel addressed these questions and more in a discussion on the changing nature of the relationship between human rights and investment strategies.

Bennett Freeman heads Calvert Investment’s team of sustainability research analysts and leads Calvert’s environmental, social and governance analysis, shareholder advocacy and public policy initiatives. Besides being a noted economist and policy-maker, Laura Tyson is also a professor of business administration and economics at (and former dean of) the Haas School of Business and London Business School. Robert Strand is the executive director of the Center for Responsible Business at the Haas School of Business and a published scholar on the subject of business ethics.

This panel was co-sponsored by The Center for Responsible Business.


General Speaker Series 
Unconventional Responses to Unique Catastrophes: Tailoring the Law to Meet the Challenges
Kenneth Feinberg, Feinberg Rozen LLP
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 6:45-8:45pm

 

Kenneth Feinberg focuses on unique compensation alternatives to the conventional tort system, such as: the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund; the BP Oil Spill Fund; and his current assignment, the GM Ignition Switch Compensation Fund. He discussed how these unique compensation alternatives differ from other compensation programs, such as One Fund Boston (after the Boston Marathon Bombings), the Virginia Tech Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, etc.


General Speaker Series
Norway’s Socio-Legal Journey: A Qualitative Study of Boardroom Diversity Quotas
Aaron Dhir, Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Boalt Hall 215B (Dean’s Seminar Room)
5:00-6:00pm
 

The lack of gender parity in the governance of business corporations has ignited a heated global debate, leading policymakers to wrestle with difficult questions that lie at the intersection of market activity and social identity politics. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with corporate board directors in Norway and documentary content analysis of corporate securities filings in the United States, Aaron Dhir empirically investigated two distinct regulatory models designed to address diversity in the boardroom: quotas and disclosure. Selections from Professor Dhir’s forthcoming book, which formed the basis of his talk, can be downloaded here.

Co-sponsored by Center for the Study of Law & Society


General Speaker Series
The Art and Science of Financial Regulation: An Insider’s View
Troy Paredes, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm

 

Troy Paredes served the nation as a Commissioner of SEC from 2008 until 2013 – during the financial crisis and its aftermath. In the wake of the crisis, the SEC found itself at the center of a swirling debate over the role of government regulation in the economy. In addition to expanding its enforcement activity, the SEC has pursued extensive efforts to implement new rules called for by over 90 provisions of the Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation, on issues ranging from securities markets to investment funds, corporate governance to financial transparency. Witnessing firsthand the transformation of the nation’s financial regulatory structure, Paredes held a front-row seat in some of the most significant economic and political debates of the time. Paredes will offer a distinctive and insightful account of what it takes to develop sound financial regulation – as well as what can go wrong in the tumble of crisis-driven policymaking in Washington, D.C.  Having left office, Paredes is now a Senior Strategy & Policy Advisor at PwC and serves as Distinguished Policy Fellow and Lecturer of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Before joining the SEC, Paredes was a professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis.


BBLJ Symposium 2015
Bits Bites Plastic: The New World of Electronic Payments and e-Currency 
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Boalt Hall 132; 12:45-1:45pm

Whether you use Apple Pay and Bitcoin or Snapcash and Titcoin, the growing industry of electronic payment systems continues to attract investors. This symposium enabled attorneys, investors, and academics to weigh in on the dynamic field of electronic payment systems and e-currency. Panelists included: Michael Borrus, XSeed Capital; Robert Claassen, Camp One Ventures, Kaye Scholer; Avin Arumgam, JPMorgan Chase; Thomas Brown, Paul Hastings; UC Berkeley, School of Law; Michael Katz, UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business.


Private Equity Speaker Series
A Whopper of a Deal: Burger King’s $11B Merger and Move to Canada
William SorabellaKirkland & Ellis LLP

David FeirsteinKirkland & Ellis LLP

Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Boalt Hall 132; 12:45-1:45pm
M&A experts William Sorabella and David Feirstein discussed how they structured and negotiated several high-stakes transactions over the past year, most notably the $11B union between Burger King and Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons to create the world’s third largest fast-food company. The deal required novel structuring and negotiating under tight time deadlines in the context of Presidential and Congressional scrutiny of tax motivated mergers. Sorabella is a partner in Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s Corporate Practice Group. His practice focuses on the representation of principals in merger and acquisition transactions involving public companies. He has twice been named as one of the “Dealmakers of the Year” by The American Lawyer. Feirstein’s practice concentrates on mergers and acquisitions, corporate and securities law matters and corporate governance. He was recognized as a 2014 “Rising Star” by Law360 for Mergers & Acquisitions and by Super Lawyers for his corporate practice. 

The Private Equity Speaker Series is co-sponsored by 
Kirkland & Ellis LLP 


Women in Business and Law Speaker Series

A conversation with 

Doreen E. LilienfeldShearman & Sterling LLP 
Amy S. Park, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Monday, February 23, 2015
Boalt Hall 132; 12:45-1:45pm
While women have equal or greater representation than men in law school, their ranks thin at the level of large law firms, especially among partners and management. Skadden and Shearman are among the leading firms developing programs to recruit, train, retain and promote women attorneys. Two of their partners will discussed their firms’ efforts in this arena as well as highlighted their own experiences moving up the ladder. Doreen Lilienfeld practices in compensation and benefits issues areas relating to private equity and other M&A transactions. Amy Park’s practice focuses on high-stakes commercial disputes in federal and state courts, including complex contract disputes, M&A litigation, and securities and other class action suits.


Executive and Legal Education Program Offering

Effective Advocacy in International Arbitration: From Commencement to Enforcement 
Friday, February 20, 2015
Boalt Hall; 8:00-5:30pm
The program focused on the critical elements of effective advocacy in international arbitra­tion, offering practical guidance and strategies for each step of the proceedings from commencement to enforcement and was aimed at both practitioners with experience in international arbitration and those new to the field. The program was co-sponsored with The Miller Institute for Global Challenges and Law and the California State Bar’s International Law Section. 

M&A Speaker Series

A conversation with 
Michael de la Merced, New York Times
Kevin RooseFusion
Evelyn RusliWall Street Journal 
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm
Three of the country’s top business journalists – from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Fusion – talked about the increasing importance of media in M&A transactions; the role of the media in corporate America and their personal experiences reporting on the largest companies in the world, including Facebook, Google and Twitter.

The M&A speaker Series is co-sponsored by Weil.


Shareholder Activism Speaker Series

A conversation with Tariq Mundiya
Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm
Tariq Mundiya discussed his representation of Dan Loeb and his hedge fund, Third Point LLC, as they seek to replace corporate boards of directors, as well as Facebook in its IPO litigation and other cases that he has handled as one of the nation’s go-to litigators for shareholder activism and takeovers. 
 
The Shareholder Activism Speaker Series is co-sponsored by CamberView Partners.


The Corporation – An Alternative View Speaker Series

A conversation with Bruce Lymburn
Clif Bar & Company
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm
Bruce Lymburn serves as general counsel, secretary and director for Clif Bar & Company, where he is extensively involved in the legal and business affairs of the company. With our own Prof. Richard Buxbaum, he developed a corporate governance structure and articles of incorporation that allowed Clif Bar & Company to pursue multiple aspirational “bottom lines” (business, community, environment, etc.). Lymburn drew from his personal experiences to provide an in-house perspective on the operating and legal challenges faced by a successful and fast-growing business with multiple goals.


Venture Capital Speaker Series

An Emerging Company’s Lawyer Career and Tips for Becoming One
Ted Wang, Fenwick & West LLP
Monday, January 26, 2015
Boalt Hall 170; 12:45-1:45pm

Ted Wang represents emerging companies, venture capitalists, venture backed company CEOs and investment banks involved in a wide range of technologies with a focus on consumer Internet, e-commerce and software sectors. His practice ranges from the formation of new start-up companies through venture capital financings to public offerings, with a particular emphasis on mergers and acquisitions. Ted is a leader in efforts to standardize financing documents and is the curator of the Series Seed Documents.
 


M&A and Antitrust Annual Conference
Antitrust, Governance, M&A in 2015 – Challenges and Conundrums for the West Coast
Friday, January 23, 2015
California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley; 8:00-12:30pm

By invitation onlyThis conference was divided into three panel discussions: M&A and Antitrust; Private M&A Deal Structure; and M&A Governance and Activism. Panelists discussed current issues and developments in these fields in a format designed to have broad interaction with leading practitioners and other special guests. Key speakers included: Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster, Delaware Chancery Court; David Gelfand, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Antitrust Division in charge of Litigation, U.S. Department of Justice; Marie Oh Huber, SVP, GC and Secretary of Agilent technologies; and Ann Mao, SVP, M&A at McKesson Corporation. 

Click here for the agenda.

Co-sponsored by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.

Check out the photo gallery for this event.


M&A Speaker Series
The View from New York
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Boalt Hall, Goldberg Room; 4:30-5:30pm

Expert M&A attorneys of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, gave a perspective on M&A practice and reviewed some of the newest developments in the field. Topics of discussion included M&A in the context of Antitrust Uncertainties, Shareholder Activism, and Unsolicited Topping (Aaron Meyers & Ethan Klingsberg), as well as Tech M&A (Glenn McGrory) and Antitrust from inside the Beltway (Kathy Bradish, Jeremy Calsyn, & George Cary). Topics of discussion further included the evolving role of shareholders within corporations (Suneela Jain), and Kindred Healthcare’s hostile-turned-friendly takeover of Gentiva Health Systems (Manoj Nair & Benet O’Reilly). 

The M&A Speaker Series is co-sponsored by Weil.