This week, Law.com's Ross Todd talks with Susan Saltzstein, the co-deputy of the nationwide securities litigation group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, about the recent uptick in securities litigation over special purpose acquisition companies or, as they're more commonly known, SPACs.

Susan Saltzstein of Skadden.

SPACs are essentially public shell companies put together for the sole purpose of conducting a merger. The SPAC raises money from investors through an IPO and then goes out to make its acquisition. For the acquired company, it's a way of "going public" without the uncertainty of an IPO.