Contacts: John Beavers, Kevin Kinross or Jeffrey Smith

Since the beginning of 2002, the tides have turned on corporate America. First came the collapse of Enron. Then Adelphia, Dynegy, ImClone, Qwest, Tyco, and WorldCom captured the headlines. Distrust of corporate boards and executives is reported at an all-time high. Congress, regulators like the SEC, and self-regulating organizations like the NYSE and Nasdaq are increasing the responsibility of independent directors for oversight of the integrity of financial statements, the reasonableness of executive compensation, the independence and competence of directors, and the legal and ethical conduct of business. At the same time, lawmakers and investors are requiring that executives be held more accountable.

At Bricker & Eckler, we understand the current corporate climate and the challenges publicly traded companies now face. Our unique practice group, Counsel for BOARDS AND EXECUTIVES, was formed specifically to help boards and executives meet those challenges. The group focuses solely on issues of interest to boards and executives, particularly governing boards and their committees and executives of public reporting companies.

Counsel for BOARDS AND EXECUTIVES stands ready to guide you through a maze of new laws and regulations. With over 160 years of collective experience, our attorneys are seasoned in both legal and management practices can provide a full range of services to publicly held companies and their executives and boards.