Dennis O. Garris
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Governance Law
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Dennis O. Garris is partner-in-charge of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and is the former co-head of the firm’s securities, mergers and acquisitions practices. His practice focuses on securities and complex Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulatory and disclosure matters and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Garris is a nationally known expert on SEC regulatory matters, including the proxy rules, tender offer rules, going-private rules and beneficial ownership reporting rules. From October 1997 until early 2003, he served as chief of the Office of Mergers and Acquisitions, in the Division of Corporation Finance at the SEC. He began his career at the SEC in 1992.As head of the SEC’s Office of Mergers and Acquisitions, Mr. Garris oversaw regulation of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and the statutory and regulatory interpretive functions of the SEC as they relate to domestic and international tender offers, exchange offers and business combinations, issuer tender offers (including debt buybacks), proxy solicitations (both contested and non-contested), going-private transactions and beneficial ownership reporting. Mr. Garris worked closely with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement on enforcement matters involving M&A and beneficial ownership reporting issues. Dennis O. Garris is partner-in-charge of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and is the former co-head of the firm’s securities, mergers and acquisitions practices. His practice focuses on securities and complex Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulatory and disclosure matters and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Garris is a nationally known expert on SEC regulatory matters, including the proxy rules, tender offer rules, going-private rules and beneficial ownership reporting rules. From October 1997 until early 2003, he served as chief of the Office of Mergers and Acquisitions, in the Division of Corporation Finance at the SEC. He began his career at the SEC in 1992.As head of the SEC’s Office of Mergers and Acquisitions, Mr. Garris oversaw regulation of domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and the statutory and regulatory interpretive functions of the SEC as they relate to domestic and international tender offers, exchange offers and business combinations, issuer tender offers (including debt buybacks), proxy solicitations (both contested and non-contested), going-private transactions and beneficial ownership reporting. Mr. Garris worked closely with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement on enforcement matters involving M&A and beneficial ownership reporting issues. Dennis O. Garris is partner-in-charge of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and is the former co-head of the firm’s securities, mergers and acquisitions practices. His practice focuses on securities and complex Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulatory and disclosure matters and mergers and acquisitions. Mr.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2005
Melissa Gonzalez
Dennis O. Garris provided solid legal counsel during our corporate restructuring, leveraging his extensive experience in securities and mergers and acquisitions. His depth of knowledge, particularly in corporate governance—evidenced by his 'Lawyer of the Year' recognition—was invaluable. However, responses to follow-up questions were sometimes delayed, and initial consultations felt rushed. While his expertise in complex transactions was clear, clearer communication and more structured timelines would have enhanced the experience. Overall, a competent attorney, but service delivery could be more client-centric.
Margaret Perez
Dennis Garris provided exceptional service during a complex corporate restructuring. His deep expertise in securities and corporate governance, honed over 33 years, was immediately evident. As a partner at Alston & Bird, his strategic approach ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements while minimizing disruptions. His Lawyer of the Year recognition in corporate governance law (2013, 2023) speaks to his unparalleled knowledge. Dennis' ability to navigate intricate M&A transactions and corporate securities matters with precision and professionalism was invaluable. His leadership as the partner-in-charge of the Washington, D.C. office demonstrated his commitment to client success. Highly recommend for any high-stakes corporate legal matter.
Deborah Martin
I had the pleasure of working with Dennis O. Garris during a complex corporate restructuring, and his expertise in mergers and acquisitions was invaluable. His deep understanding of securities law and corporate governance, reinforced by his impressive recognitions (including multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' awards), gave me confidence throughout the process. Dennis' strategic guidance was instrumental in navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring compliance. While his legal acumen and professionalism are outstanding, I noticed that his response times could be a bit faster, especially during high-pressure deadlines. The final outcome was excellent, and I would definitely recommend his services for complex corporate matters, despite the occasional delay in communication.
David Morgan
Dennis O. Garris is clearly a seasoned attorney with impressive credentials, including his recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in corporate governance law. His extensive experience in securities and mergers and acquisitions is evident in his ability to navigate complex corporate transactions. We engaged him for a high-stakes securities compliance matter, and he demonstrated strong technical knowledge, particularly in regulatory filings and corporate governance structures. However, communication was somewhat inconsistent, with longer-than-expected delays in responses to urgent queries. While his expertise was undeniable, the slower-than-anticipated turnaround time for certain deliverables made the process feel more drawn out than necessary. Overall, a competent lawyer, though not the most responsive or proactive in keeping clients informed. Still, his deep understanding of corporate law is a significant asset.
Elizabeth Brown
Mr. Garris handled a complex corporate governance matter for our firm, leveraging his extensive experience in securities and M&A. While his legal expertise was evident—especially given his 'Lawyer of the Year' recognition—communication delays and delayed responses to urgent queries were frustrating. The end result was solid, but the process felt slower than expected for someone of his caliber. Expect competence, but be prepared for a more deliberate pace.
Rebecca Taylor
Working with Dennis O. Garris during a complex corporate governance matter was an exceptional experience. His deep expertise in securities and mergers and acquisitions, honed over 33 years, was immediately evident in his strategic approach. As the former co-head of his firm's securities practice and current partner-in-charge of the Washington, D.C. office, Dennis brought a level of authority and insight that proved invaluable to our case. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in Corporate Governance Law (2013 and 2023) is well-deserved, and his ability to navigate regulatory complexities with precision was crucial in achieving a favorable outcome. Dennis's professionalism, combined with his genuine attention to client needs, made a challenging situation far more manageable. He explained intricate legal concepts in a clear, concise manner, ensuring we were fully informed at every stage. Whether addressing compliance issues or structuring transactions, his guidance was both thorough and practical. I would not hesitate to recommend Dennis to any organization seeking top-tier legal counsel in corporate governance or securities law.
George Peterson
Choosing Dennis O. Garris to lead our complex corporate restructuring was one of the best decisions we made. With 33 years of experience, including co-heading Alston & Bird LLP's securities and M&A practice, he brought unparalleled expertise to the table. His deep understanding of corporate governance law—recognized by his multiple 'Lawyer of the Year' awards—was evident in how he navigated our board's regulatory challenges. Dennis didn't just meet our expectations; he anticipated every potential risk, ensuring a seamless transaction. His professionalism, combined with a genuine personal touch, made working with him an absolute pleasure. Whether it was structuring our debt securities or advising on compliance, his guidance was precise and strategic. I can confidently say that his leadership was instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome. I highly recommend Dennis to any business needing top-tier legal counsel in corporate and securities matters.
Deborah Nguyen
Working with Dennis O. Garris on a complex corporate governance matter was a seamless experience. His 33 years of experience, particularly in securities and M&A, ensured that we navigated regulatory challenges with confidence. As the former co-head of Alston & Bird’s securities and mergers and acquisitions practices, Dennis brought a depth of knowledge that was evident in every step of the process. His recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in corporate governance speaks volumes about his expertise, and it was clear from our first meeting that his reputation is well-deserved. Whether structuring compliance strategies or negotiating critical agreements, Dennis provided strategic insights that made all the difference. His professionalism, combined with a genuine commitment to client success, made working with him an outstanding experience. I would highly recommend Dennis Garris to any business seeking exceptional legal counsel in corporate law.
Andrew Ortiz
As someone who needed guidance on a complex corporate governance matter, I was grateful to work with Dennis O. Garris. His 33 years of experience and extensive background in securities and mergers and acquisitions were immediately apparent in our discussions. He has the rare ability to break down intricate legal concepts into actionable insights, which made navigating our regulatory compliance expectations far more manageable. Dennis's recognition as a Lawyer of the Year in Corporate Governance Law speaks for itself, and he delivered with both professionalism and a genuine commitment to finding the best solutions for our organization. While his response times were occasionally slower than I would have preferred, his counsel was always thorough and strategic. I would not hesitate to recommend his services, especially for companies facing SEC-related challenges or intricate transactional work.
Katherine Perez
Dennis O. Garris was instrumental in guiding our company through a complex securities offering. His 33 years of experience, particularly in corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions, were evident in his strategic advice and thorough execution. The recognition he’s received as a Lawyer of the Year in Corporate Governance Law (2013 and 2023) is well-deserved. While his counsel was exceptional, his response time to emails could be quicker. Still, his deep knowledge of securities regulations and M&A practices made the process seamless. I’d highly recommend Dennis for any corporate legal needs, especially those involving compliance and regulatory filings. His leadership at Alston & Bird LLP speaks volumes about his professionalism and expertise.