Securities Litigation

Calfee’s Securities Litigation attorneys have extensive experience defending clients in securities fraud class actions, SEC enforcement investigations and related derivative suits. We follow and participate in developments in SEC enforcement and the securities class action bar and understand the interplay between the boardroom and shareholders for public, private or closely held corporations.

Whether parallel civil and regulatory actions, internal or external investigations, disclosure requirements, governance and compliance issues, insurance coverage, or business judgment, Calfee’s Securities Litigation team has the experience and judgment to provide definitive counsel no matter where the process leads. Led by attorneys who have spearheaded defensive investigations and responses throughout their careers, the team also includes both securities and governance attorneys with experience representing businesses, issuers, underwriters, shareholder groups, directors and officers and public bodies, as well as trial lawyers experienced in complex, bet-the-bank civil litigation and criminal trials. 

Noteworthy

Chambers USA, Band 3 Ranking in Litigation: General Commercial (Ohio)

For well over a decade, our Litigation group and individual litigation attorneys have been ranked and recognized by Chambers USA. In 2020, Chambers USA researchers noted that the team "frequently advises on plaintiff and defense-side commercial litigation matters, offering considerable strengths in securities, product liability, antitrust and construction disputes." They also offer experience in white-collar investigations and litigation, "defending a range of individuals and businesses facing regulatory enforcement actions." And they represent "clients in sectors including healthcare, financial services and manufacturing."

"One client praises the team as 'experienced, insightful, practical, efficient and client-oriented.' They continue, 'When you pose a question, you can rest assured that they will respond promptly with cogent, clear and practical responses.'"

"Another client praises the Litigation group for providing 'high-quality and cost-effective legal advice; the team has been crucial to our litigation defense, and we have been very happy with all of their efforts.'"

Chambers researchers noted that a commentator stated, "This is an excellent firm that does a great job for us. The team is cost-effective, practical and has strong expertise."

Calfee Vice Chairman and Litigation Partner, Mitchell G. Blair, has been ranked by Chambers USA 2020 in Band 2 for Litigation: General Commercial in Ohio. "Mitchell Blair has considerable experience in securities litigation and contract disputes and is also the firm's vice chairman. One impressed client says, 'Mitch is one of the most organized, detail-oriented, careful and thoughtful attorneys that I've ever had the pleasure of working with. In addition to these strengths, he is very experienced and knowledgeable with respect to securities litigation and is a true advocate for his clients.'"

U.S.News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firm" Rankings

Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2020 "Best Law Firms" rankings by U.S.News –Best Lawyers in America in Litigation, Securities / Capital Markets Law and Securities Regulation Law. (National and Metropolitan rankings).

Benchmark Litigation Rankings

Calfee has been selected for inclusion by Benchmark Litigation 2020 as a "Recommended" litigation firm in Ohio. Several of Calfee's Litigation attorneys have been ranked as Leading Litigators by Benchmark Litigation 2020.

Professionals

Experience

Securities Fraud Class Actions

• Officers and directors of publicly traded medical equipment manufacturer in related securities fraud and ERISA class actions alleging fraud and breaches of fiduciary and other duties in regard to disclosures regarding regulatory compliance programs.
• Publicly traded insurance company in securities class action arising out of successful merger.
• Utility company in four separate securities class actions regarding tax and accounting issues.
• Private equity fund in securities class action arising out of successful merger.
• Underwriters in IPO-related securities fraud class action.
• Accounting officer in class action alleging securities fraud based on disclosure and accounting issues; obtained complete dismissal.
• Former executive of financial company in class action alleging securities fraud.

SEC and Other Regulatory Enforcement Actions

• Publicly traded company in SEC whistleblower investigation.
• Publicly traded company in oil and gas industry in FCPA investigation by SEC, resulting in close-out letter, with no further action, from SEC.
• Former executive of financial company in SEC investigation.
• Publicly traded financial institution in FINRA investigation.
• Publicly traded financial institution in SEC investigation.
• Publicly traded company in DOJ and SEC securities fraud investigation.
• Accounting officer of publicly traded manufacturing company in SEC enforcement action alleging securities fraud based on accounting issues
• Officer of investment advisory firm in SEC investigation.
• Publicly traded coatings company in SEC investigation resulting in closing of investigation with no further action by SEC.

Individual Shareholder and Derivative Actions in State and Federal Courts

• Publicly traded insurance company in derivative action arising out of successful merger.
• Officers and directors of publicly traded medical equipment manufacturer in shareholder derivative action alleging breaches of fiduciary duties in regard to regulatory compliance programs.
• Current and former outside directors of publicly traded financial institution in shareholder derivative suits alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of federal securities laws.
• Directors of publicly traded company in shareholder derivative action alleging stock option back-dating.
• CEO of publicly traded company in shareholder derivative action arising out of restatement of financials.
• Accounting officer of publicly traded manufacturing company in shareholder derivative action regarding accounting and disclosure issues; obtained complete dismissal of claims.
• Former outside directors of privately held company in action alleging breaches of fiduciary duties tied to equity investments and debt offerings.