[CWG-Stewardship] Sidley Austin LLP

[Jonathan Robinson]

Dear All, 

 

As of Friday 6 March, the CWG-Stewardship has engaged Sidley Austin LLP to
advise and consult on the CWG's development of a transition proposal. 

 

In the past two weeks, the Client Committee shortlisted three firms,
interviewed each of them, and retained one. We chose to retain Sidley
primarily because they envisaged the engagement as consultation rather than
pure advice. In addition, Sidley presented a strong governance focus as well
as specific experience with the U.S. political environment (including a
former Congressman and a former Department of Commerce appointee).  

 

Sidley is aware of the CWG's tight timeframe and accepts the requirement for
highly transparent work methods. Also, the client relationship has been
clearly defined and emphasized in the retention letter in that ICANN has
instructed Sidley to take direction exclusively from and provide advice and
consultation exclusively to the CWG, primarily through the CWG's Client
Committee.

 

Sidley has no previous client relationship with ICANN. No conflicts were
identified, however please note that Greg Shatan and Holly Gregory from
Sidley worked at the same firm over a decade ago.

 

The Client Committee will meet with Sidley Austin on Monday. This call will
be recorded and transcribed and we will then provide an update to the CWG on
Tuesday's call, where we also plan to introduce the Sidley team to the CWG. 

 

Best wishes,

 

 


Jonathan & Lise

 

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