Because of stringent Sarbanes-Oxley requirements and changes in the application of federal securities laws and stock exchange requirements, public companies must be as vigilant as ever in complying with their corporate governance obligations.
Although compliance can be challenging, establishing good corporate governance policies and practices can have the benefit of enhancing corporate management and performance. At Epstein Becker Green, we have deep experience in corporate governance law. We routinely counsel boards of directors, as well as their committees and executives, from various industries with respect to corporate governance matters, including:
- general structure, composition, and requirements of boards of directors and key committees;
- board of director and committee responsibilities and training;
- corporate governance and compliance programs;
- committee charters and codes of ethics;
- director and auditor independence requirements;
- litigation avoidance;
- regulatory and internal investigations;
- self-assessment by key committees and management; and
- whistleblower and document retention policies.
In addition, at Epstein Becker Green, we recognize that the health care and life sciences industry is facing increased scrutiny of board activity by state and federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. Accordingly, we advise the corporate governing bodies of health care organizations on how to increase efficiency and value while complying with their responsibilities for transparency and accountability. Our corporate governance lawyers review the structure and operations of a client’s board, recommend changes to meet new regulatory schemes, and create a practical strategy for the client’s continued compliance.