"The entire [Litigation] team provides outstanding legal services."
Client comments from the Chambers USA 2021 Guide
Overview
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 2021, 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. Also offers experience in criminal litigation, defending a range of individuals and businesses facing regulatory enforcement actions. Acts for clients in sectors including healthcare, financial services and manufacturing."
A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers commented, "The entire team provides outstanding legal services." Another adds, "The team as a whole is fantastic."
Calfee's Vice Chairman and Litigation Partner, Mitchell G. Blair, has been ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 2 for Litigation: General Commercial in Ohio. A source interviewed by Chambers USA researchers relayed, "He is very diligent, careful and thoughtful. He is also very good at strategizing - he thinks several steps ahead before taking any action." Another interviewee adds, "He is very collegial and has great instincts."
Litigation Partner and leader of the White-Collar Defense and Investigations practice, Fritz E. Berckmueller, has been ranked by Chambers USA 2021 in Band 2 for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - Ohio. Chambers USA researchers stated, "Head of department Fritz Berckmueller is well regarded for his expertise in white-collar work. He acts for clients in a range of matters including FCA investigations, whistleblower claims and investigations into bribery and corruption." A client interviewed by Chambers USA researchers mentioned, "[Fritz] is very easy to work with - he's accessible, responsive, smart and capable. He's always on top of his game."
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2022 "Best Law Firms" rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in the following areas, which are in addition to numerous Litigation practice areas:
- Securities / Capital Markets Law (National Tier 3, Regional Tier 1 Cleveland)
- Securities Regulation (National Tier 2, Regional Tier 1 Cleveland)
Benchmark Litigation Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion by Benchmark Litigation 2022 as a Highly Recommended Law Firm in Dispute Resolution and as a Recommended Law Firm in Labor and Employment Litigation in Ohio. Additionally, 14 of Calfee's Litigation attorneys have been ranked by Benchmark Litigation as "Local Litigation Stars in Ohio" and as “40 & Under Hot List Honorees in the Midwest.”
Professionals
Professionals
Experience
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.
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