Seward & Kissel Partners Outline 2026 Shareholder Activism Trends at NYSE
Partners Randall Adams and Mark Garibyan discuss the robust landscape of shareholder activism and the legal frameworks shaping corporate governance in New York.
CorpGov hosted a fireside chat on 2 June at the New York Stock Exchange, bringing together Randall Adams and Mark Garibyan, partners at Seward & Kissel LLP, to examine the current state of shareholder activism. Moderated by Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks, the in-person discussion centred on the continued strength of activist campaigns in 2026 and the evolving priorities driving investor engagement.
The partners identified artificial intelligence governance, mergers and acquisitions, capital allocation, and proxy strategy as the primary focus areas for activists this year. The dialogue underscored how these corporate governance issues are becoming central to high-stakes commercial litigation and strategic decision-making within the financial services sector.
Randall Adams, Head of Shareholder Activism Disputes and Co-Head of Investment Fund Litigation at Seward & Kissel, highlighted the firm’s extensive experience in representing activist investors. He noted that his practice involves navigating disputes under Sections 13 and 14 of the Securities Exchange Act, particularly in contested election litigation and complex fund management matters. Adams has received Rising Star recognitions from New York Super Lawyers and the New York Legal Awards for his work in this field.
Mark Garibyan, a partner in the firm’s Litigation & Investigations Group, added depth to the discussion with his background in representing hedge funds, private equity firms, and public companies. Recognised in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Garibyan brings substantial experience in proxy contest litigations and investigations involving compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and anti-money laundering requirements.
Seward & Kissel, founded in 1890, maintains offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., and is widely recognised for its representation of major commercial banks, investment advisers, and institutional investors. The firm’s focus on corporate and litigation work in capital markets positions it at the forefront of the legal disputes shaping modern shareholder activism.
