Sodali, Olshan Dominate Proxy Advisory, Legal Rankings Amid Global Activism Surge
Event summary
- Diligent's 2025 Advisor Awards recognize proxy advisory and law firms involved in shareholder activism.
- Sodali & Co ranked #1 among proxy solicitation firms globally, while Olshan Frome Wolosky topped the law firm rankings.
- The rankings are based on data from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, considering factors like representation volume and market capitalization.
- Sodali reported that less than 50% of its campaigns occurred in the U.S. in 2025, indicating a significant increase in global shareholder activism.
- Olshan Frome Wolosky advised clients on over 100 campaigns during the review period.
The big picture
The Diligent Advisor Awards underscore the growing complexity and globalization of shareholder activism. As institutional investors become more assertive and companies face increasing pressure to enhance governance, the demand for specialized advisory services—both in proxy solicitation and legal representation—is likely to remain robust. The shift in Sodali's campaign focus demonstrates a broader geographic scope for activism, potentially driven by differing regulatory environments and investor priorities across markets.
What we're watching
- Geographic Shift
- The increasing globalization of shareholder activism, as highlighted by Sodali’s campaign data, suggests a broadening scope for proxy advisory and legal firms beyond traditional U.S. markets.
- Client Success
- Sodali's claim of client victories in U.S. campaigns warrants scrutiny; sustained success will be crucial for maintaining its top ranking and attracting future business.
- Regulatory Landscape
- Olshan’s reference to an ‘unpredictable policy environment’ signals potential regulatory changes that could significantly impact shareholder activism strategies and the demand for specialized legal counsel.
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