From the Edge - In the Boardroom: Session 1 - Board Basics

By Thomas R. Burton, III, Melanie Ruthrauff Levy, Stephen M. Osborn

Welcome to our new podcast series In the Boardroom: Practical Advice and Guidance, featuring insights from Mintz Members Steve Osborn, Melanie Levy, and Tom Burton on a wide variety of topics specific to boards. They’ll answer all of your questions related to the “who, what, when, where, and how” of boards. 

For decades, Steve, Melanie, and Tom have guided companies from inception to exit and encountered, navigated, and mitigated innumerable board-related issues. From their experiences, you can learn a great deal. Let’s take a listen! 

Session 1: Board Basics 

Our first session covers the following topics:

  • What is a board of directors, when is it formed, and what’s the ‘best’ composition? (Hint: odd numbers are key!)
  • Who sits on a board of directors (i.e., founders, investors, and independents), how are they selected, and how does the composition of a board change over time?
  • What is NOT a board (e.g., scientific advisors and observers)?
  • What are the duties of the board?
  • How should boards handle confidential information?
  • Client question - How often should boards meet, and what should occur in these meetings? (Second hint: surprises should never occur!)

We hope you enjoy listening. And stay tuned for our next session, which will cover running an effective board meeting!

Have a board-related question for our team? Send a note to Steve Osborn, and you may have your question discussed on air!

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Authors

Thomas R. Burton, III

Member / Chair, Energy & Sustainability Practice

Tom Burton has helped to shape the clean energy industry by drawing on his passion for innovation. As a Mintz attorney, Tom counsels investors, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 100 companies. He also guides start-up organizations and accelerators to foster the next generation of energy leaders.

Melanie Ruthrauff Levy

Member

Melanie Ruthrauff Levy is a Mintz attorney who counsels venture and private equity funds and public and private companies in corporate governance, public company reporting, and transactional matters. She represents issuers and financing sources in the life sciences, health care, and tech fields.

Stephen M. Osborn

Member / Managing Member, San Francisco Office

Stephen M. Osborn is a Mintz attorney who draws on his in-house legal and business management experience to advise clients on transactional, corporate finance, and general corporate matters.