For United States public companies, the drafting of the proxy statement and its filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are integral parts of preparing for the annual meeting of shareholders.

In 2026, public companies will prepare their proxy statements amid a variety of SEC policy changes regarding the shareholder proposal process, scrutiny of the practices of proxy advisory firms, and evolving disclosure expectations.

See our article which discusses these and other key developments and challenges for public companies when drafting proxy statements and preparing for annual shareholder meetings.

About DLA Capital Markets and Public Company Advisory Group

DLA Piper enables issuers and underwriters to execute complex securities transactions wherever in the world they do business. We offer nuanced, tactical approaches to financings across equity and debt capital markets, alternative public offerings (de-SPACs, reverse mergers and direct listings) and other transformative corporate transactions. Attorneys in our Chambers-ranked corporate governance practice act as outside corporate and securities counsel to a wide range of reporting companies, guiding clients through securities offerings and helping them navigate nuanced disclosure, governance and compliance matters under SEC, Nasdaq and NYSE rules and regulations. Boards of directors also turn to us in connection with complex transactions, special investigations and challenging risk oversight matters. Please visit our Capital Markets and Public Company Advisory page and Market Edge blog for more information.