PLC Features Q&A with Kerry Berchem

July 17, 2013

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Jacinta O'Shea-Ramdeholl

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Sarah Richmond

Senior Communications Manager

PLC Corporate & Securities has published an interview with Akin Gump corporate practice co-head and PLC Corporate Advisory Board member Kerry Berchem.

Berchem described some of her recent representations, including Alterra Capital Holdings—whose acting general counsel she was from August 2012 to May 2013—in its $3.1 billion sale to Markel Corporation, and Anchor Glass Container Corporation in its $880 million sale to Ardagh Group.

She also answered questions posed by PLC on topics such as:

  • Recent impactful developments on her practice: “I have seen increased attention being given to proxy solicitors and major shareholders, both of which have a prominent voice in shareholder votes…Proxy solicitors and the media will often support activist shareholders over management, regardless of their understanding of the matters presented or the collateral damage that may ensue.”
  • Upcoming changes affecting corporate practice: “Clients want efficiency…[Corporate] attorneys need to be fast on their feet, which means staying ahead of the curve by keeping up with the changing regulatory and legal landscape.”
  • One piece of advice for a junior corporate attorney: “Ask questions of those for whom you are working and try to get a sense of the big(ger) picture.”

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