Securities Exchange Act 1934: Federal law governing securities trading and establishing SEC oversight, requiring specific disclosures and regulations for board members
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002: Establishes strict requirements for corporate governance, internal controls, and financial disclosure, including specific duties for independent directors
Dodd-Frank Act: Provides additional corporate governance requirements, including those related to executive compensation oversight and risk management
SEC Regulations: Comprehensive set of rules governing public companies, including director independence standards and disclosure requirements
State Corporation Laws: State-specific laws (e.g., Delaware General Corporation Law) governing corporate formation, operation, and director duties
Fiduciary Duty Laws: State laws defining directors' duties of care, loyalty, and good faith to the corporation and its shareholders
Business Judgment Rule: Legal principle protecting directors' good faith business decisions from court interference
Stock Exchange Requirements: NYSE/NASDAQ listing requirements including specific standards for board composition and independent director qualifications
Corporate Bylaws Compliance: Company-specific governance rules that must be reflected in independent director agreements
IRS Regulations: Tax rules governing director compensation, equity grants, and benefits classification
Worker Classification Laws: Federal and state laws governing independent contractor vs. employee status and related obligations
Industry-Specific Regulations: Sector-specific requirements that may affect director qualifications and responsibilities (e.g., banking, healthcare)
