Lisa Silverman – Senior Managing Director
Lisa advises law firms, corporations, hedge funds, private equity firms, and government and regulatory agencies on a range of sensitive matters, including multijurisdictional investigations, corporate activism, asset searches and other litigation support, strategic intelligence, and due diligence. Based in Chicago, she co-leads the firm’s shareholder activism practice, advising on both sides of complicated matters.
Lisa's findings — whether working to help or thwart an activist investor, findings facts to support a legal theory, developing information to be used in regulatory filings, or locating undisclosed assets — serve clients in myriad ways, but the common thread is enabling her clients to make smarter, more informed decisions.
Over more than three decades, Lisa has conducted high-stakes cross-border investigations across a range of industries, jurisdictions, and regulatory environments. She has extensive experience in matters where business, reputation, politics, and regulatory scrutiny intersect and has conducted investigative work for clients that operate in highly regulated spaces, including major utilities, energy and infrastructure, and gaming, often working with their outside counsel to navigate contentious disputes and reputational risk.
Lisa has been nationally recognized by Chambers USA in Business Intelligence & Investigations.
She received her M.B.A. in Finance and International Business from the New York University Stern School of Business, her M.A. in European History from Columbia University, and her B.A. in History and Women’s Studies from Haverford College. Prior to beginning her career in investigations, Lisa worked for Sesame Street in New York City.
Representative Matters
Led investigative work supporting a publicly traded company that prevailed in responding simultaneously to an attack from a high-profile activist investor and an unsolicited takeover bid.
Oversaw a multi-national asset search for an institution seeking to determine if it had been misled about the assets held by a high-net-worth client, finding that many of the assets had been transferred without proper notice.
Conducted an investigation of an offshore company attempting to go public in the United States that found, despite claims to the contrary, the company was controlled by individuals and entities with strong ties to the government of China.
Conducted an investigation on behalf of an activist investor that found a senior executive had engaged in a series of improper relationships with his subordinates, allowing the activist to successfully argue for the executive’s removal.
Advised energy and infrastructure clients on politically sensitive projects, including investigations into opposition groups, funding sources, and stakeholder influence campaigns.
Conducted due diligence investigations of potential lobbyists, business partners, and strategic advisors, uncovering allegations of unethical business practices, undisclosed issues, and reputational risks helping to prevent clients from becoming entangled.
Led investigative and compliance-related reviews connected to gaming and lottery licensing matters involving highly regulated multinational operators, and provided actionable information to regulators.
Education
New York University Stern School of Business
M.B.A. in Finance and International Business
European History from Columbia University
M.A.
Haverford College
B.A. in History and Women’s Studies
