For decades, Delaware has been the jurisdiction of choice for most U.S. public companies, offering a well-developed body of corporate law and a respected judicial system that has shaped modern governance standards. Yet recent legal developments, high-profile cases, and evolving market dynamics have sparked renewed attention to Delaware’s role in corporate oversight and incorporation decisions.
In this special SVDX program, Delaware Court of Chancery Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick, Delaware Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, and others will offer insights into the current landscape of Delaware corporate law and what it means for companies and their boards. The conversation will explore emerging governance considerations, trends in incorporation and reincorporation, and how Delaware continues to adapt to the changing needs of modern corporations. Designed for public company directors, this discussion will provide a timely perspective on the legal and governance issues shaping the Delaware framework—and why they continue to matter in today’s boardroom.
4:30pm - 5:30pm Arrival and Networking
5:30pm - 6:30pm Panel Program
SPEAKERS
Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick
The Honorable Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick was sworn in as Chancellor of the Court of Chancery on May 6, 2021. Chancellor McCormick first joined the court as Vice Chancellor on November 1, 2018. Prior to joining the Court, Chancellor McCormick was a partner in the Delaware law firm Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, where she focused her practice onlitigating internal governance and corporate disputes, primarily in the Court of Chancery. Before entering private practice, Chancellor McCormick was a staff attorney with the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. Chancellor McCormick received her undergraduate degree from Harvard and her law degree from Notre Dame Law School. She is a Delaware native and a graduate of Smyrna High.
Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez
Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez was nominated by Governor Matt Meyer and sworn in as Delaware’s Secretary of State by the Delaware State Senate on January 28, 2025. Charuni is the third woman and the first person of color to hold the position. As Secretary of State, Charuni leads the most diverse department with responsibilities in virtually every aspect of Delaware state government. The Secretary serves on the Board of Pardons, the Cash Management Policy Board, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC), and the Port of Wilmington. Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Charuni was General Manager of the New Castle County Department of Land Use.
Stephen Blake
Steve Blake is a Litigation Partner in the Simpson Thacher Palo Alto office. Steve has extensive experience resolving high-stakes shareholder litigation and securities regulatory matters. Steve regularly advises corporations, financial institutions, funds and their advisors in connection with mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, legal compliance and commercial disputes. Steve also regularly represents entities and individuals before the SEC, FINRA and stock exchanges.
Alex Mackler
Alexander (Alex) Mackler is Counsel in the Litigation Department of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. His practice focuses on complex litigation, crisis management, and high-stakes government and internal investigations. Mr. Mackler has extensive experience at the highest levels of federal and state government, as well as a deep trial background in both federal and state courts. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Mackler was Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware, In the Obama-Biden White House, Mr. Mackler was Deputy Counsel to the Vice President where he advised senior officials on a range of legal matters. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Delaware, Mr. Mackler prosecuted and tried federal criminal cases.
Elena Norman
Elena C. Norman, Partner in Young Conaway's Corporate Counseling and Litigation Section and member of the Firm’s Management Committee, has extensive experience litigating corporate and complex business disputes, primarily in the Delaware Court of Chancery. She has litigated numerous high-profile actions involving derivative claims, contests for corporate control, M&A, governance, and statutory appraisal/valuation disputes. Ms. Norman also regularly counsels boards of directors and senior management on Delaware corporate law. Clients and co-counsel value Ms. Norman’s abilities as a creative and strategic thinker and a clear communicator. Ms. Norman is a member of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Corporation Law Council and is a frequent speaker on Delaware corporate law issues. Ms. Norman has been named one of Chambers USA’s – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Delaware Chancery (Band One), as well as a Best Lawyer in America®, Corporate Governance Law. She is a Fellow of the American College of Governance Counsel.
F. Daniel Siciliano, moderator
Dan Siciliano is a successful technology CEO-founder and entrepreneur, as well as Vice Chair of the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and a recognized expert in corporate strategy and governance, capital financial markets, executive compensation, and technological disruption (including fintech, AI and cybersecurity). He is currently Chairman of SVDX, board member of the Latino Corporate Directors Education Foundation, chair-elect of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, and a fellow at Stanford University.