In the field of commercial litigation, few attorneys hold a reputation as impactful as Lynn Neuner of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, as seen in her recent recognition in Unrivaled 2025. Neuner’s strategic approach in navigating high-stakes litigation is exemplified through her representation of TD Bank in a staggering $13 billion legal battle related to the notorious Allen Stanford Ponzi scheme.
The Stanford Ponzi scheme, one of the largest in United States history, unfolded as a deceptive investment operation based in a bank in Antigua. Promising substantial returns through fictitious certificates of deposit, Stanford lured 17,000 investors worldwide. Upon the unraveling of this fraudulent scheme, TD Bank faced allegations alongside other financial institutions pertaining to their purported roles as service providers. However, neither the banks, nor agencies like the SEC and IRS, found any indicators of misconduct during their audits.
In the U.S. proceedings, Neuner skillfully maneuvered TD Bank’s defense, achieving pivotal legal victories such as defeating a motion for class certification, which compelled plaintiffs to proceed with individual claims. This strategic win created substantial standing issues for the plaintiffs. Additionally, during the summary judgment phase, Neuner’s team negotiated the withdrawal of numerous claims, distilling the case down to allegations of aiding fiduciary breaches and violations of the Texas Securities Act.
Before the case could proceed to a protracted trial, a favorable settlement was reached. Although the settlement amounted to $1.2 billion, it represented less than 10% of the damages initially sought, reflecting Neuner’s adept litigation skills. Notably, TD Bank had already won a related case in Canada where a court dismissed the Antigua Liquidators’ claims entirely.
Beyond her technical acumen, Neuner’s philosophy underscores the importance of reliability and factual integrity in legal proceedings. As she emphasizes, winning a jury’s trust hinges not only on rigorous evidence presentation but also on the ability to synthesize complex data into compelling narratives, ultimately guiding judicial and jury decisions by fairness under the law.