Four Decades for Justice
Faiza J. Saeed is Cravath’s Presiding Partner. She advises public companies, boards of directors and special committees in connection with M&A, corporate governance and crisis management, including takeover defense and proxy contests.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
American Bar Association
California State Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
International Bar Association
New York City Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
American Bar Foundation
Council on Foreign Relations
Economic Club of New York
Harvard Law School
The M&A Lawyer
March of Dimes (NY Chapter)
NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital
New York Women’s Foundation
Paley Center
Paley Foundation
Partnership for New York City
William Nelson Cromwell Foundation
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Crain’s New York Business
The Deal
The Hollywood Reporter
IFLR1000
Lawdragon
The Legal 500 US
The National Law Journal
The New York Times
Who’s Who Legal
A-List Award, Ascend Foundation, 2023
Game Changer Award, The Asia Society, 2019
Judge Learned Hand Award, American Jewish Committee, 2019
Judge Simon Rifkind Award, Jewish Theological Seminary, 2021
Deals & Cases
February 14, 2023
On February 9, 2023, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) issued a statement in response to Nelson Peltz’s announcement that Trian Fund is no longer pursuing a proxy contest at Disney. Cravath represented Disney in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
September 30, 2022
On September 30, 2022, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that it has entered into a support agreement with Third Point LLC (“Third Point”). Cravath is representing Disney in connection with the support agreement.
Deals & Cases
August 08, 2022
On August 8, 2022, Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (“GBT”), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of life‑changing treatments that provide hope to underserved patient communities, starting with sickle cell disease, and Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”) announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Pfizer will acquire GBT. Under the terms of the transaction, Pfizer will acquire all the outstanding shares of GBT for $68.50 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $5.4 billion, including debt and net of cash acquired. Cravath is representing GBT in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
June 08, 2022
On June 8, 2022, Hasbro, Inc., a global play and entertainment company, announced the preliminary results at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which indicate that Hasbro shareholders have voted, with a substantial margin, to re-elect all 13 of Hasbro’s directors to the Hasbro Board. Similarly, the Company’s say-on-pay proposal and auditor ratification were approved by the shareholders. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
May 07, 2022
On May 6, 2022, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (“Southwest Gas”) announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Carl Icahn and his affiliated entities. Pursuant to the agreement, at least three, and up to four, new directors will join the Southwest Gas Board of Directors. Following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board will continue the previously announced review of a full range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Icahn will withdraw his slate of director nominees with respect to the Annual Meeting and vote in favor of the Company’s nominees. Cravath is representing Southwest Gas in connection with the agreement.
Accolades
April 27, 2023
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Power Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top 100 lawyers in the media and entertainment industries and was published in the April 12, 2023 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. The feature, which described Faiza as “a master of high‑stakes M&A and corporate governance battles,” highlighted her representation of Disney in its successful proxy contest with Trian Fund and Hasbro in its successful proxy contest with Alta Fox Capital Management. This is Faiza’s sixth year being recognized as a “Power Lawyer.”
Accolades
April 04, 2023
On April 3, 2023, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named an A‑List honoree as part of the 2023 Ascend A‑List Awards Gala, which was held in New York. The Ascend A‑List recognizes Pan‑Asian leaders “for their professional accomplishments and advancement of others in their industries or communities” and “for being catalysts for change in their workplace and society.” The Ascend Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to educate, advocate, and enable Pan‑Asian business leaders to reach their full potential and make greater positive societal impacts. Ascend Inc. is the largest non‑profit Pan‑Asian membership organization for business professionals in North America with a mission to drive workplace and societal impact by developing and elevating Pan‑Asian business leaders and empowering them to become catalysts for change.
Activities & Publications
November 10, 2022
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2022 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 8‑9, 2022. In a session on November 9 entitled “The Walt Disney Company: The Next 100 Years,” Faiza spoke with Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), about the upcoming celebration of Disney’s 100‑year history, the future of the company and how it plans to maintain its standing in the next century.
Accolades
October 31, 2022
In October 2022, Cravath was recognized by The Deal as part of its 2022 Awards series, which “recognizes the elite advisers and service providers who power the deal economy.”
Accolades
April 04, 2022
On March 31, 2022, IFLR1000, published by the International Financial Law Review as a “guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate law firms,” recognized Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Tatiana Lapushchik, Alyssa K. Caples and Ting S. Chen in their fifth annual “Women Leaders” guide. The publication recognizes the “most prominent” female lawyers working in financial and corporate transactions and contract, licensing and regulatory project work. The guide notes the honorees’ expertise, work on complex deals and leadership roles.
Faiza J. Saeed is Cravath’s Presiding Partner. She advises public companies, boards of directors and special committees in connection with M&A, corporate governance and crisis management, including takeover defense and proxy contests.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center, NewYork‑Presbyterian and the William Nelson Cromwell Foundation, and on the Boards of Directors of the Partnership for New York City and The Paley Foundation. She is a member of The Council on Foreign Relations and The Economic Club of New York.
Ms. Saeed has extensive deal experience across many industry sectors, including significant depth in media/tech and biotech. Notable matters include advising:
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award, and she was named one of the Asia Society’s Game Changers of 2019. In 2021, the Jewish Theological Seminary honored her with the Judge Simon Rifkind Award. The Ascend Foundation recognized Ms. Saeed as an honoree in their Ascend A‑List Awards in 2023.
Ms. Saeed was designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in 2006. In 2007, The New York Times named her one of “Wall Street’s 100 Masters of the New Universe.” The American Lawyer recognized her as its 2020 Corporate Lawyer of the Year, a “Dealmaker of the Year” in 2000, 2005, 2011 and 2019, and in its list of “45 Under 45” in 2003. The Hollywood Reporter named her one of “Hollywood’s Top Dealmakers” of 2016, 2018 and 2020 and one of the “Top 100 Power Lawyers” from 2017 through 2021 and 2023.
Ms. Saeed is a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession Award from Chambers & Partners (2010). She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the country’s leading practitioners in M&A and media and entertainment by Chambers USA, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal: M&A and Governance, The Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500 US, IFLR1000 and Lawdragon magazine. Ms. Saeed has been profiled in Crain’s New York Business (“Notable Women in Law” (2020), “50 Most Powerful Women in New York” (2017 and 2019) and “100 Most Influential Women in NYC Business” (2007)), The National Law Journal (“40 Under 40” (2005)), New York Magazine (2001), Corporate Board Member magazine (2002) and Dealmaker magazine (2008). She is a member of the New York Women’s Foundation, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a member of the Editorial Board of The M&A Lawyer. Ms. Saeed served on the Visiting Committee for Harvard Law School from 2006 to 2011.
Ms. Saeed was born in Walnut Creek, California. She received a B.A. in Economics and Molecular Biology with Highest Distinction from the University of California at Berkeley in 1987, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1991.
Ms. Saeed joined Cravath in 1991 and was elected a partner in 1998. From January 2013 to July 2016, she served as Co‑Head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
American Bar Association
California State Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
International Bar Association
New York City Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
American Bar Foundation
Council on Foreign Relations
Economic Club of New York
Harvard Law School
The M&A Lawyer
March of Dimes (NY Chapter)
NewYork‑Presbyterian Hospital
New York Women’s Foundation
Paley Center
Paley Foundation
Partnership for New York City
William Nelson Cromwell Foundation
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global
Chambers USA
Crain’s New York Business
The Deal
The Hollywood Reporter
IFLR1000
Lawdragon
The Legal 500 US
The National Law Journal
The New York Times
Who’s Who Legal
A-List Award, Ascend Foundation, 2023
Game Changer Award, The Asia Society, 2019
Judge Learned Hand Award, American Jewish Committee, 2019
Judge Simon Rifkind Award, Jewish Theological Seminary, 2021
Deals & Cases
February 14, 2023
On February 9, 2023, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) issued a statement in response to Nelson Peltz’s announcement that Trian Fund is no longer pursuing a proxy contest at Disney. Cravath represented Disney in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
September 30, 2022
On September 30, 2022, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that it has entered into a support agreement with Third Point LLC (“Third Point”). Cravath is representing Disney in connection with the support agreement.
Deals & Cases
August 08, 2022
On August 8, 2022, Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (“GBT”), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of life‑changing treatments that provide hope to underserved patient communities, starting with sickle cell disease, and Pfizer Inc. (“Pfizer”) announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Pfizer will acquire GBT. Under the terms of the transaction, Pfizer will acquire all the outstanding shares of GBT for $68.50 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $5.4 billion, including debt and net of cash acquired. Cravath is representing GBT in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
June 08, 2022
On June 8, 2022, Hasbro, Inc., a global play and entertainment company, announced the preliminary results at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which indicate that Hasbro shareholders have voted, with a substantial margin, to re-elect all 13 of Hasbro’s directors to the Hasbro Board. Similarly, the Company’s say-on-pay proposal and auditor ratification were approved by the shareholders. Cravath is representing Hasbro in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
May 07, 2022
On May 6, 2022, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (“Southwest Gas”) announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with Carl Icahn and his affiliated entities. Pursuant to the agreement, at least three, and up to four, new directors will join the Southwest Gas Board of Directors. Following the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Board will continue the previously announced review of a full range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Icahn will withdraw his slate of director nominees with respect to the Annual Meeting and vote in favor of the Company’s nominees. Cravath is representing Southwest Gas in connection with the agreement.
Accolades
April 27, 2023
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Power Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top 100 lawyers in the media and entertainment industries and was published in the April 12, 2023 issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. The feature, which described Faiza as “a master of high‑stakes M&A and corporate governance battles,” highlighted her representation of Disney in its successful proxy contest with Trian Fund and Hasbro in its successful proxy contest with Alta Fox Capital Management. This is Faiza’s sixth year being recognized as a “Power Lawyer.”
Accolades
April 04, 2023
On April 3, 2023, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed was named an A‑List honoree as part of the 2023 Ascend A‑List Awards Gala, which was held in New York. The Ascend A‑List recognizes Pan‑Asian leaders “for their professional accomplishments and advancement of others in their industries or communities” and “for being catalysts for change in their workplace and society.” The Ascend Foundation is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to educate, advocate, and enable Pan‑Asian business leaders to reach their full potential and make greater positive societal impacts. Ascend Inc. is the largest non‑profit Pan‑Asian membership organization for business professionals in North America with a mission to drive workplace and societal impact by developing and elevating Pan‑Asian business leaders and empowering them to become catalysts for change.
Activities & Publications
November 10, 2022
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2022 International Council Summit, which was held in New York from November 8‑9, 2022. In a session on November 9 entitled “The Walt Disney Company: The Next 100 Years,” Faiza spoke with Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”), about the upcoming celebration of Disney’s 100‑year history, the future of the company and how it plans to maintain its standing in the next century.
Accolades
October 31, 2022
In October 2022, Cravath was recognized by The Deal as part of its 2022 Awards series, which “recognizes the elite advisers and service providers who power the deal economy.”
Accolades
April 04, 2022
On March 31, 2022, IFLR1000, published by the International Financial Law Review as a “guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate law firms,” recognized Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Tatiana Lapushchik, Alyssa K. Caples and Ting S. Chen in their fifth annual “Women Leaders” guide. The publication recognizes the “most prominent” female lawyers working in financial and corporate transactions and contract, licensing and regulatory project work. The guide notes the honorees’ expertise, work on complex deals and leadership roles.
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