David A. Katz

David A. Katz is a partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz who focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, shareholder activism, and intricate securities matters. He advises boards and corporations in high-stakes transactions, strategic defenses, and crisis management, bringing extensive experience to significant domestic and international engagements.

David earned a B.A. magna cum laude from Brandeis University in 1985 and a J.D. cum laude from New York University School of Law in 1988. His academic training provided a strong foundation for his distinguished career, complemented by his ongoing work as an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law.

David’s practice includes advising clients on major mergers, buyouts, proxy contests, and corporate restructurings. He is frequently called upon for counsel on governance challenges, activist engagements, and complex capital markets issues. His insights serve boards and committees facing pivotal decisions with broad organizational impact.

A recognized leader in corporate governance, David is co-chair of the Tulane Corporate Law Institute and chairs the Board of Advisors of the NYU Law Institute for Corporate Governance and Finance. His contributions to governance thought leadership include extensive writing and speaking on activism, ESG matters, disclosure, and regulatory trends shaping the public-company landscape.

David has received numerous distinctions, including multiple Dealmaker of the Year awards and repeated recognition as one of the most influential figures in corporate governance. He is a Fellow of the American College of Governance Counsel and an active member of the American Law Institute, where he serves as an adviser on the Restatement of Corporate Governance Project.

David A. Katz also serves as a trustee of New York University, NYU Langone Health, and NYU School of Law, reflecting his long-standing commitment to legal education and institutional leadership. His scholarship, including a regular corporate governance column for the New York Law Journal, continues to shape national dialogue in boardrooms and among practitioners.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, New York City Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Business Law Section

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• New York University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Brandeis University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges