Stephen Bainbridge (UCLA): The State of Corporate Law and Governance in the U.S.

Stephen Bainbridge (UCLA): The State of Corporate Law and Governance in the U.S.

Author: Evan Epstein October 13, 2025 Duration: 56:47
Stephen Bainbridge is the William D. Warren Distinguished Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law. We discuss a range of timely and thought-provoking topics, beginning with his perspective on the evolving discourse around corporate law. We explore the “DExit” phenomenon and the implications of Delaware's SB21. We also discuss and compare the rise of Texas and Nevada as business-friendly incorporation alternatives. We then turn to broader questions about governance in a shifting regulatory and political environment, including the rise of government intervention, the role of PBCs in AI, and a reconsideration of ESG and stakeholder governance in the current climate.

Ever wonder what really happens behind the closed doors of a corporate board meeting? Boardroom Governance with Evan Epstein pulls up a chair to that table. Each episode is built around a substantive, long-form conversation with a leading voice from the world of corporate oversight-founders who have navigated IPOs, seasoned board directors, institutional investors, legal scholars, and top executives. Evan Epstein guides these discussions beyond the headlines and dry policy to uncover the human dynamics and strategic decisions that define modern governance. You’ll hear firsthand about the evolving pressures on boards, from activist investors and regulatory shifts to technology disruptions and crises of leadership. More than just analysis, this podcast delves into the personal journeys and hard-won insights of the individuals shaping these critical conversations. It’s for anyone curious about the architecture of power, responsibility, and strategy at the highest levels of business. Tune in for a rare, nuanced look at the principles and people steering today’s most influential companies.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Boardroom Governance with Evan Epstein
Podcast Episodes
Joe Grundfest (Stanford): 2026 Predictions and 2025 Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:03
In this annual year-end episode, Evan Epstein and Joe Grundfest reflect on the major governance and market developments of 2025, from IPOs and AI to Delaware law and executive compensation. They also offer clear-eyed pre…
Michelle Leder (Footnoted): Uncovering Hidden Risks in SEC Filings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:39
Michelle Leder is the founder and editor-in-chief of footnoted.com, a source for uncovering important information hidden deep in SEC filings, and a longtime voice for transparency and accountability in financial disclosu…
Brad Feld: Startup Boards and Lessons from Four Decades in VC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:23
Brad Feld is a veteran venture capital investor, co-founder of Foundry and Techstars, and the co-author of Startup Boards, among many other books. We discuss his personal journey, from his early life and entry into VC du…
State of the Markets and AI with Steven Wolfe Pereira [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:07
In this special episode, I talk with Steven Wolfe Pereira, the founder and CEO of Alpha. We cover a wide range of topics at the intersection of capital markets, AI, and governance. We discuss IPOs, valuations, and the he…