NYSE Governance Services And FTI Consulting Announce 16th Annual Corporate Law Firms Rankings

Given the volatility that can occur during an election year, coupled with the current concerns on global economies and an ever-evolving regulatory climate, trusted outside legal counsel is of utmost importance to today’s CEOs, boards and general counsel. From industry-shaking technology advancements to the continued presence of activist investors, the need for expert legal advice and consulting has never been greater.

Within this political, regulatory and economic environment, NYSE Governance Services and FTI Consulting Inc. (NYSE:FCN) today announced the rankings of their 16^th annual America’s Best Corporate Law Firms. The study, a comprehensive ranking by U.S. corporate directors and general counsel across the country, is conducted by NYSE Governance Services, a leading provider of corporate governance, risk, ethics, and compliance services for public and privately held companies, and FTI Consulting, the global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance their enterprise value.

New York’s Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and affiliates received the top ranking among corporate directors, a position it has held since the first survey in 2001. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz also maintained its top ranking among general counsel, a position it has held since 2013. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (general counsel ranking: 4; director ranking: 5) jumped considerably from prior years’ rankings and several previously unranked firms made new appearances on this year’s lists.

America’s Best Corporate Law Firms reflects the views of nearly 700 participating directors and general counsel of publicly traded companies. Conducted from December 2015 to April 2016, the survey was part of NYSE Governance Services’ annual Law in the Boardroom study, which asks directors and general counsel of U.S. publicly traded companies to weigh in on current governance and legal matters.

“We at FTI Consulting join the corporate directors and general counsel who selected this year’s honorees in applauding each and every one of the law firms recognized for the industry-leading service they provide,” said Neal Hochberg, Global Leader of the Forensic & Litigation Consulting segment of FTI Consulting. “These firms have set an example with their dedication, commitment and hard work in delivering the very best to their clients, and they deserve our congratulations.”

“The advisory role and expertise provided by a company’s trusted outside counsel is invaluable,” says Adam Sodowick, President of NYSE Governance Services. “Each year, public company directors and general counsel participate in our rankings because they feel strongly about which firms have the highest caliber of legal advice and consulting. We certainly offer our congratulations to all the firms who appear on this year’s ranking.”

2016 National Law Firm Directors’ Rankings (with 2015 rankings in parentheses)

Source: NYSE Governance Services/FTI Consulting, America’s Best Corporate Law Firms, 2016

2016 National Law Firms General Counsel Rankings (with 2015 rankings in parentheses)

Source: NYSE Governance Services/FTI Consulting, America’s Best Corporate Law Firms, 2016