An immigration attorney is seeking sanctions against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a New York federal court, challenging the SEC’s actions in a contentious case revolving around the EB-5 immigrant investor program. The attorney argues that the SEC proceeded with a baseless claim of unregistered securities without conducting a thorough investigation. The…
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has announced a strategic combination with New York-based Kane Kessler, P.C., marking a significant expansion into the Northeast legal market. This move adds approximately 40 attorneys to Michael Best’s roster and establishes its first office in New York City. ([bizjournals.com](https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2026/09/16/michael-best-friedrich-acquires-kane-kessler.html?utm_source=openai)) Founded in 1930, Kane Kessler has built a reputation for…
Prediction markets, often considered novel tools for forecasting events, are gaining attention from various sectors, including biopharma. These markets function by allowing participants to bet on the outcomes of real-world events, and they have begun to influence decision-making processes within industries. However, the risks associated with their use, especially in highly regulated sectors like biopharma,…
Nixon Peabody LLP has made a strategic addition to its ranks by hiring former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) commissioner Kara Stein. Stein, who has served as a board member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for the past four years, will join the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Her deep expertise in…
A significant shift has occurred in New York’s legal landscape as a prominent real estate team from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP has transitioned to Norton Rose Fulbright. This move underscores the dynamic nature of the legal industry, where strategic alignments are pivotal for growth and client service. Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, headquartered in New York,…
Nixon Peabody LLP has announced the addition of former SEC Commissioner Kara Stein to their Washington, D.C. office. This strategic move underlines the firm’s commitment to strengthening its regulatory and securities practice. Stein, who served on the Securities and Exchange Commission from 2013 to 2019, brings invaluable experience and insight into financial markets and regulation….
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently unveiled a proposal intended to bring greater clarity to the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies. However, this proposal may not address the lingering uncertainties connected with the Supreme Court’s Howey test, which remains pivotal in determining whether a digital asset is classified as a security. The SEC’s initiative…
The legal chief at Two Harbors Investment Corp., a significant figure in the real estate investment trust (REIT) space focused on mortgage servicing, is among several executives departing following its acquisition by CrossCountry Mortgage. This information was revealed in a recent securities filing. The transition phase, common in such mergers, often results in shifts within…
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, one of the prestigious Magic Circle law firms, has taken a significant step in bolstering its white-collar defense team with the recruitment of Adam Safwat, formerly the white-collar practice co-chair at Weil, Gotshal & Manges. This strategic move underscores Freshfields’ focus on enhancing its capabilities in navigating complex regulatory and compliance challenges…
The landscape of securities law is undergoing substantial shifts, driven by evolving market dynamics, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. For securities lawyers, adapting to these changes is crucial to future-proofing their careers. The legal profession must embrace innovation to remain relevant in a volatile market environment. One key area where securities lawyers can focus is…
As financial powerhouses increasingly set their sights on Texas, local regulatory and enforcement bodies are bolstering their ranks to manage the challenges that accompany such growth. The Texas State Securities Board and the Texas Department of Banking are two such entities stepping up efforts to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the influx of firms…
Labaton Sucharow LLP, known for its investor-focused legal services, has reinvigorated its whistleblower practice with the appointment of two notable former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officials. This strategic move positions the firm to better represent whistleblowers before federal regulators, marking a significant development for the practice area. The firm has brought onboard Richard…
Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP has taken a strategic step in revitalizing its whistleblower practice by bringing on board two former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) leaders. This move revives a service the firm last offered five years ago. The decision to bolster its team with former SEC veterans underscores the importance the firm places…
Lowenstein Sandler LLP has bolstered its investment management and private funds group by welcoming two new attorneys to its New York office. The move includes the strategic addition of Steven Kam, the former General Counsel of ExodusPoint Capital Management, as a partner. His dual expertise from both in-house roles and BigLaw is expected to significantly…
Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP has strategically expanded its insurance sector capabilities by bringing onboard Michael G. Lebovitz, an insurance lawyer previously with Mayer Brown. Lebovitz joins the firm’s New York office as a partner, enhancing their practice with his extensive experience in complex insurance transactional and regulatory matters. His move is part of Troutman…
In a strategic move that underscores the importance of whistleblower programs within financial regulatory frameworks, Labaton Sucharow has announced the recruitment of former officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to spearhead its whistleblower practice group. This development highlights the private sector’s increasing reliance on seasoned regulatory professionals to navigate complex compliance and enforcement…
Caroline Crenshaw, whose tenure as a Commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was marked by a focus on investor protection and transparency, has joined the law firm Venable as a partner. Crenshaw’s move to Venable marks a significant transition from her regulatory role, where she was recognized for her commitment to enhancing…
Paul Hastings LLP has recently enhanced its capital markets team by bringing on Michael Park as a partner. Park, previously a partner at Cooley LLP, brings significant experience and expertise in advising on complex transactions. This move is part of Paul Hastings’ continuing strategy to bolster its corporate practice, focusing on capital markets and securities…
In a notable move that underscores the competitive dynamics of the legal industry, King & Spalding has strengthened its litigation team with the addition of Kevin Smith, a seasoned commercial litigator from Cooley LLP. This strategic hire in New York aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in handling complex commercial disputes. Kevin Smith, whose experience…
Alston & Bird has expanded its finance capabilities by bringing on board Stanimir Kostov, a finance lawyer with a strong background in structured finance and regulatory matters. Kostov joins the firm’s New York office, bolstering its service offerings in finance law, particularly in complex financing transactions and bank regulation. Kostov is expected to play a…
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Accounting and Financial Reporting Unit is increasingly recognized as a central force in combating fraud within the financial markets. Over the past decade, the unit has expanded its influence, highlighting the role of precise accounting in detecting and deterring fraudulent activity. As a result, the SEC relies heavily on…
An Illinois appellate court has breathed new life into a former in-house attorney’s whistleblower claim, allowing the matter to proceed to trial. The attorney, formerly employed by a leading medical device company, alleges he was terminated for opposing budgetary practices that he believed were improper. Specifically, he contends he was pressured to manipulate the intellectual…
The globalization of financial markets has created new dynamics for Chinese issuers seeking public listings. Traditionally drawn to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, these companies now consider venues like London, which actively courts them. As the London Stock Exchange intensifies its efforts to attract Chinese listings, law firms across Asia sharpen their focus on governance…
Former U.S. District Judge Alan Albright has transitioned back to private practice, joining A&O Shearman as a partner in its intellectual property litigation team in Austin, Texas. This move follows his retirement from the federal bench in August 2026. Albright’s judicial career began in 1992 when he served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a significant shift in its approach to shareholder proposals under Rule 14a-8. Effective immediately, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance will no longer respond to no-action requests from companies seeking to exclude shareholder proposals from their proxy materials. This change marks a departure from the SEC’s…