Womble Bond Dickinson Strengthens New York Corporate and Securities Expertise with Jessica Zhang-Whitaker Addition

Womble Bond Dickinson has made a strategic move to bolster its corporate and securities capabilities in New York with the addition of highly-regarded attorney Jessica Zhang-Whitaker. Zhang-Whitaker’s arrival is set to enhance the firm’s proficiency in handling complex transactions, an area of rising significance due to the dynamic nature of today’s financial markets. Jessica Zhang-Whitaker,…

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O’Melveny Expands Trading and Markets Expertise with Key Cleary Gottlieb Hires Amid Increasing Regulatory Scrutiny

O’Melveny & Myers LLP has recently bolstered its trading and markets division by hiring two seasoned partners from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. This strategic move underscores O’Melveny’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the areas of financial regulation and trading markets. More details on the hiring reveal that the new partners bring a…

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DOJ Approves Major Merger, Supreme Court Ruling Alters Securities Litigation Landscape

In recent developments within the corporate legal landscape, several significant events have unfolded, impacting various sectors and legal practices. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, a move that is set to reshape the entertainment industry. The DOJ stated that the transaction is unlikely to…

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Trump Halts Jay Clayton’s DNI Nomination Amid Concerns Over U.S. Attorney Confirmation

The nomination of Jay Clayton as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has been put on hold, as former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social. This decision comes amidst concerns over the confirmation process of Jamie McDonald as the Manhattan U.S. Attorney. Trump expressed hesitation about proceeding with Clayton’s nomination, saying, “I may not…

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Greenberg Traurig Expands New York Litigation Practice with Scott Leitner Appointment

Greenberg Traurig, a prominent global law firm, has recently strengthened its litigation practice in New York by onboarding Scott Leitner as a shareholder. Leitner, who joins from Gordon Rees, has significant experience in complex commercial litigation, adding depth to Greenberg Traurig’s robust litigation team. Leitner’s practice encompasses a wide range of litigation matters, including contract…

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Court Denies Jacob Goldstein’s Request for Post-Conviction Acquittal in Securities Fraud Case

In a significant development in the ongoing case of Jacob Goldstein, the court has denied his request for a post-conviction acquittal and a new trial. Goldstein, previously convicted on charges related to securities fraud, sought to overturn his conviction by arguing that significant procedural errors had influenced the trial’s outcome. However, the judge ruled that…

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“James McDonald Nominated as Manhattan U.S. Attorney: A New Era for Financial Regulation”

James McDonald, a prominent litigation partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, has been nominated as the Manhattan U.S. Attorney by the President, highlighting his extensive experience in both public service and the private sector. McDonald is co-head of Sullivan & Cromwell’s securities and commodities investigations practice and its commodities futures and derivatives group, bringing a wealth…

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Former SEC Attorney Reprimanded in Cryptocurrency Case Highlights Challenges of Digital Asset Regulation

A former attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently faced a formal reprimand due to misstatements made during a high-profile cryptocurrency case. The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny legal professionals encounter when navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets. The ex-SEC attorney’s actions have raised significant concerns within the legal community…

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Former SEC Attorney’s Reprimand Highlights Challenges in Cryptocurrency Regulation

A public reprimand has been issued to a former attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who was found to have misled the court during a significant cryptocurrency fraud case. This misrepresentation ultimately triggered sanctions against the SEC, raising concerns about procedural integrity in regulatory enforcement. The reprimand highlights the necessity for precise…

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James McDonald Nominated as U.S. Attorney for Manhattan, Bringing Extensive Legal Expertise to High-Profile Role

In a recent development, former President Donald Trump announced the nomination of James McDonald, a litigation partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, as the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. McDonald brings substantial experience to the role, having previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney within the same office. At Sullivan &…

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Andrew Left’s Conviction Highlights Challenges of Social Media in Securities Fraud Regulation

The recent conviction of prominent short-seller Andrew Left represents a key development in the realm of securities fraud, particularly concerning the role of social media in market manipulation. Left’s case underscores the growing challenges regulators face in monitoring and enforcing fair practices in the fast-paced digital information space. Left, known for his influential presence on…

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SEC Ends ‘Gag Rule’ in Key Move for Transparency and Settlements

The recent decision by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to cancel its longstanding ‘gag rule’ has significant implications for both regulatory practice and corporate settlements. This rule traditionally barred defendants in SEC enforcement actions from making or causing to be made any public statement denying, directly or indirectly, any allegation in the complaint or…

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Supreme Court Limits Private Enforcement of Investment Company Act, Entrusting SEC with Authority

In a decision that will undoubtedly shape the landscape of investor protection, the Supreme Court ruled against private investors seeking to use legal recourse against investment companies for contract violations. The case, FS Credit Opportunities Corp. v. Saba Capital Master Fund, brought to the forefront the issue of who has the right to enforce the…

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Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence Amid Bipartisan Criticism

President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Jay Clayton, the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). This decision follows significant bipartisan criticism of Trump’s previous choice, Bill Pulte, for the acting DNI role….

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Australian Law Firms to Testify in Parliamentary Inquiry Over KPMG Confidentiality Breach Claims

Partners from leading Australian law firms Ashurst and Allens are scheduled to appear before a federal parliamentary inquiry on June 19, 2026, to address allegations concerning KPMG’s misuse of confidential client data. This inquiry, led by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, aims to scrutinize the conduct of KPMG and its handling…

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Trump Nomination of Former SEC Chief Jay Clayton as Intelligence Head Sparks Debate on Experience and Preparedness

In a noteworthy move during the final months of his administration, President Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to serve as the nation’s intelligence chief. Clayton, known for his extensive experience regulating Wall Street, was selected to lead an entity typically associated with national defense…

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Supreme Court Affirms SEC Disgorgement Powers, Offering Stability Amid Future Uncertainties

The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) disgorgement power has been met with approval among white-collar defense attorneys. This ruling provides a clearer framework for legal professionals handling clients involved in SEC enforcement actions. The decision offers a sense of certainty and stability, crucial for navigating…

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DLA Piper Strengthens Silicon Valley Footprint with Strategic Partner Appointments in Venture Capital Practice

DLA Piper has appointed Abrar Hussain as a partner in its emerging growth and venture capital practice in Palo Alto. Hussain brings over 25 years of experience in the investment funds, biotech, and financial services sectors. His expertise encompasses fund formation, operations, fundraising, limited partnership negotiations, portfolio company support, complex mergers and acquisitions, initial public…

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Supreme Court Backs SEC’s Disgorgement Power, Strengthening Fraud Deterrence

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent unanimous decision in Sripetch v. Securities and Exchange Commission has reaffirmed the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) authority to seek disgorgement of ill-gotten gains without the necessity of proving direct investor losses. This ruling resolves a significant circuit split and clarifies the SEC’s enforcement capabilities. In the case, Ongkaruck Sripetch…

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Morrison & Foerster Expands Expertise with New Partners in New York and D.C.

Morrison & Foerster, a prominent global law firm, has expanded its footprint by adding partners Yuka Teraguchi Fukuda and Stacey Broughan to its teams in New York and Washington, D.C., respectively. Fukuda, previously with Cadwalader, specializes in structured finance and will contribute her extensive experience to Morrison & Foerster’s finance practice. Meanwhile, Broughan, a former…

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