Virginia’s Go To Lawyers – Business Law: Virginia K. Fogg

Virginia Fogg
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Senior Advisor
Norfolk

Education / Certifications:

BS, Georgetown University
MBA, William & Mary Mason School of Business
JD, William & Mary School of Law

What is the field or practice area for which you are best known?

Corporate governance and securities law

Please describe a signature case, deal or transaction.

I developed and maintained a robust shareholder engagement program for many years to establish strong relationships and lines of communication with our shareholders. In 2016, I led the company’s successful defense of a proxy contest and unsolicited takeover offer.

Please briefly mention up to three additional important cases, deals or transactions.

I advised the corporation on best practices in corporate governance for many years, assisting in the adoption of the company’s corporate governance guidelines and advising on subsequent governance enhancements. I also advised in the development and maintenance of the company’s compliance programs to implement Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd Frank legislative and regulatory rulemakings and oversaw numerous complex financial transactions, including a synthetic lease transaction for the construction of the company’s new headquarters building. To increase workflow efficiency, I initiated implementation of an enterprise-wide contract management system to manage the contract lifecycle.

Describe your approach to working with clients.

I work collaboratively with my clients to identify issues, develop facts and proactively seek solutions to problems. My team focuses on training and educational programs for clients to better partner with them and identify opportunities to provide legal support, adding value as team members when a project is initiated, and following through on any changes needed or process improvements that can be implemented after completion of a project.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

Be open to any opportunity that presents itself, and do your best work on every project.

What developments in business law do you expect to see in 2021?

An increased focus on environmental and social issues, with continued shareholder interest in company disclosure of its sustainability impact, diversity efforts and supply chain impact.