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 and NewYork‑Presbyterian, 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.
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.
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 Firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center and NewYork‑Presbyterian, 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.
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.
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 Firm’s 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
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
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
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
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.
Deals & Cases
March 02, 2022
On March 1, 2022, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (“Southwest Gas”) announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously decided to separate its wholly‑owned subsidiary, Centuri Group, Inc. (“Centuri”), from Southwest Gas. The separation is expected to occur within the next 9 to 12 months. As a standalone, independent company, Centuri, an unregulated utility services platform diversified across the U.S. and Canada, will be an industry leader at the forefront of infrastructure modernization. The separation will transform Southwest Gas into a fully regulated natural gas business. Cravath is representing Southwest Gas in connection with the decision to separate Centuri.
Deals & Cases
October 20, 2021
On October 20, 2021, SPANX, Inc. (“SPANX”), the mission‑driven womenswear brand founded by Sara Blakely in 2000, announced a definitive agreement for a majority investment from funds managed by Blackstone, a leading global investment business. Blackstone has agreed to buy a majority stake in the company at a valuation of $1.2 billion, with Blakely maintaining a significant equity stake in the business. Blakely, along with SPANX’s existing senior management team, will continue to oversee daily operations, and at closing, Blakely will become the Executive Chairwoman. Cravath is representing SPANX in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
April 15, 2021
On April 15, 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”), a leader in serving science, and PPD, Inc. (“PPD”), a leading provider of clinical research services to the pharma and biotech industry, announced that their boards of directors have approved a definitive agreement under which Thermo Fisher will acquire PPD for $47.50 per share for a total cash purchase price of $17.4 billion plus the assumption of approximately $3.5 billion of net debt. Cravath is representing Thermo Fisher in connection with the transaction.
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.
Activities & Publications
January 27, 2022
On December 15, 2021, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in the Yale CEO Summit, which was hosted virtually by the Chief Executive Leadership Institute at the Yale School of Management, focusing on the theme of “2022’s Promise for Business: Achieving Social Harmony with Health and Prosperity.” The event brought together more than 100 CEOs and executive leaders from leading industries, including technology, transportation, finance, pharma, manufacturing, retail and professional services, as well as former public officials.
Activities & Publications
November 10, 2021
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2021 International Council Summit, which was held virtually from November 9‑10, 2021. In a session entitled “Entertainment and Platforms in a Digital Age,” Faiza spoke with Kevin Mayer, media investor and chairman of DAZN, about transformational shifts in how entertainment is produced and consumed, the role data plays in traditional and digital media platforms and the future of entertainment as the industry continues to evolve.
Activities & Publications
October 13, 2021
On September 30, 2021, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in TheGrill 2021, which was virtually hosted by TheWrap from September 29 to September 30, 2021 and included founders, creatives, CEOs, entrepreneurs and executive leaders across industries for discussions on defining the future of disruptive trends and technology in media and entertainment. Entitled “Acquire or Die: Navigating the Era of Mega‑Mergers and SPACS,” Faiza’s panel assessed the current climate around mergers and acquisitions in the entertainment business, the components of successful deals, the potential impact of streaming on entertainment companies, and the rise of special purpose acquisition companies.
Accolades
August 19, 2021
On August 19, 2021, Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Katherine B. Forrest and David M. Stuart were each named a 2022 New York City “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas by The Best Lawyers in America. Faiza was recognized for International Mergers and Acquisitions, Katherine was recognized for Antitrust Law and Dave was recognized for Securities Regulation. The awards honor individuals with the highest overall peer feedback for a practice area and geographic market.
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 and NewYork‑Presbyterian, 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.
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.
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 Firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice. In July 2016, Ms. Saeed was elected Presiding Partner.
Ms. Saeed serves as a Trustee of The Paley Center and NewYork‑Presbyterian, 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.
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.
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 Firm’s 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
World Economic Forum
The American Lawyer
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers Global: The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
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
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
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.
Deals & Cases
March 02, 2022
On March 1, 2022, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (“Southwest Gas”) announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously decided to separate its wholly‑owned subsidiary, Centuri Group, Inc. (“Centuri”), from Southwest Gas. The separation is expected to occur within the next 9 to 12 months. As a standalone, independent company, Centuri, an unregulated utility services platform diversified across the U.S. and Canada, will be an industry leader at the forefront of infrastructure modernization. The separation will transform Southwest Gas into a fully regulated natural gas business. Cravath is representing Southwest Gas in connection with the decision to separate Centuri.
Deals & Cases
October 20, 2021
On October 20, 2021, SPANX, Inc. (“SPANX”), the mission‑driven womenswear brand founded by Sara Blakely in 2000, announced a definitive agreement for a majority investment from funds managed by Blackstone, a leading global investment business. Blackstone has agreed to buy a majority stake in the company at a valuation of $1.2 billion, with Blakely maintaining a significant equity stake in the business. Blakely, along with SPANX’s existing senior management team, will continue to oversee daily operations, and at closing, Blakely will become the Executive Chairwoman. Cravath is representing SPANX in connection with the transaction.
Deals & Cases
April 15, 2021
On April 15, 2021, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (“Thermo Fisher”), a leader in serving science, and PPD, Inc. (“PPD”), a leading provider of clinical research services to the pharma and biotech industry, announced that their boards of directors have approved a definitive agreement under which Thermo Fisher will acquire PPD for $47.50 per share for a total cash purchase price of $17.4 billion plus the assumption of approximately $3.5 billion of net debt. Cravath is representing Thermo Fisher in connection with the transaction.
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.
Activities & Publications
January 27, 2022
On December 15, 2021, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in the Yale CEO Summit, which was hosted virtually by the Chief Executive Leadership Institute at the Yale School of Management, focusing on the theme of “2022’s Promise for Business: Achieving Social Harmony with Health and Prosperity.” The event brought together more than 100 CEOs and executive leaders from leading industries, including technology, transportation, finance, pharma, manufacturing, retail and professional services, as well as former public officials.
Activities & Publications
November 10, 2021
Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in The Paley Center for Media’s 2021 International Council Summit, which was held virtually from November 9‑10, 2021. In a session entitled “Entertainment and Platforms in a Digital Age,” Faiza spoke with Kevin Mayer, media investor and chairman of DAZN, about transformational shifts in how entertainment is produced and consumed, the role data plays in traditional and digital media platforms and the future of entertainment as the industry continues to evolve.
Activities & Publications
October 13, 2021
On September 30, 2021, Cravath partner Faiza J. Saeed participated in TheGrill 2021, which was virtually hosted by TheWrap from September 29 to September 30, 2021 and included founders, creatives, CEOs, entrepreneurs and executive leaders across industries for discussions on defining the future of disruptive trends and technology in media and entertainment. Entitled “Acquire or Die: Navigating the Era of Mega‑Mergers and SPACS,” Faiza’s panel assessed the current climate around mergers and acquisitions in the entertainment business, the components of successful deals, the potential impact of streaming on entertainment companies, and the rise of special purpose acquisition companies.
Accolades
August 19, 2021
On August 19, 2021, Cravath partners Faiza J. Saeed, Katherine B. Forrest and David M. Stuart were each named a 2022 New York City “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas by The Best Lawyers in America. Faiza was recognized for International Mergers and Acquisitions, Katherine was recognized for Antitrust Law and Dave was recognized for Securities Regulation. The awards honor individuals with the highest overall peer feedback for a practice area and geographic market.
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