Practice Areas/Securities Litigation & Enforcement

Practice Area

Former Government Securities Professionals

Connect with the people who investigated, litigated, and reviewed securities matters for the government.

Securities Litigation & Enforcement

Securities Experience From Inside the System

Securities matters are decided by a small set of institutions with distinct instincts: the SEC's enforcement staff, federal prosecutors, and the courts. The professionals below drafted and enforced securities regulations from inside those institutions, and that vantage point is what you engage them for.

Members in this practice area

Securities Litigation & Enforcement

Showing 1–20 of 75
Ranked by relevance to Securities Litigation & Enforcement from verified member profiles.
Kevin B. Muhlendorf
Kevin B. Muhlendorf
Verified15 years of government experience
Securities Enforcement and White Collar Defense

AI SummaryFormer Assistant Chief in DOJ Fraud Section and Senior Counsel at SEC, specializing in securities fraud and anti-corruption, now leading internal investigations and advising on white collar crime. Served as Acting Inspector General for WMATA, overseeing audits and investigations.

Current
PartnerWiley Rein LLP
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Civil Litigation
Former Government
Acting Inspector GeneralWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Auditing
Practice Areas
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act SEC Compliance & SecuritiesPrivacy / Data Privacy+1
Sectors
Government ServicesBusiness & FinanceLegal
Mark A. Racanelli
Mark A. Racanelli
Verified5 years of government experience
Global Co-Chair WhiteCollar Defense and Corp. Investigation

AI SummaryMark Racanelli served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for five years, specializing in white collar crime and criminal law. His experience in litigation, corporate investigations, and regulatory enforcement suits him for roles in white collar crime, corporate law, and securities law.

Current
PartnerO'Melveny & Myers LLP
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Civil Litigation
Former Government
Assistant US AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
White Collar CrimeLegal
Practice Areas
Securities Transactions & ComplianceSecurities & Investment CompaniesSecurities Litigation & Enforcement+1
Sectors
Securities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesGovernment ServicesBusiness & Finance+1
New York, New YorkView Profile →
Lisa M. Noller
Lisa M. Noller
Verified10 years of government experience
Investigation, Litigation, Criminal & Civil Law, Appeals

AI SummaryLisa Noller served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago, specializing in civil and criminal prosecutions. Her expertise in healthcare litigation and white-collar defense suits her for roles in complex fraud and regulatory matters.

Current
Litigation Department ChairFoley & Lardner LLP
Civil LitigationLegal
Former Government
Deputy ChiefU.S. Attorney’s Office
Civil LitigationFederal Government
Practice Areas
Litigation & TrialFalse Claims Act, Qui Tam, & Whistleblower DefenseBusiness Litigation+1
Sectors
Food SafetyHealthcare & Public HealthGovernment Services+1
Chicago, IllinoisView Profile →
Byron J. McLain
Byron J. McLain
Verified6 years of government experience
Government Enforcement Lawyer and Former AUSA

AI SummaryByron J. McLain served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, specializing in white-collar crime. His current roles in white-collar criminal defense and corporate investigations leverage his prosecutorial experience.

Current
Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Partner (Equity Partner)Foley & Lardner LLP
Civil LitigationInvestigations
Former Government
Deputy ChiefU.S. Attorney’s Office
Planning, Policy, StrategyManagement
Practice Areas
InvestigationsEnvironmental, Social & Governance (ESG)Securities Litigation & Enforcement
Sectors
EntertainmentPharmaceutical RetailersAmbulatory Health Care Services+1
Los Angeles, CaliforniaView Profile →
Rebecca Mermelstein
Rebecca Mermelstein
Verified13 years of government experience
White collar and finance-related investigations & litigation

AI SummaryRebecca Mermelstein served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for over a decade, specializing in white-collar crime and finance-related investigations, which suits her current role as a partner in white-collar and finance-related investigations and litigation.

Current
PartnerO'Melveny & Myers LLP
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Civil Litigation
Former Government
Co-ChiefU.S. Attorney’s Office
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Securities Law
Practice Areas
Securities Transactions & ComplianceFalse Claims Act, Qui Tam, & Whistleblower DefenseSecurities Exchange Act+1
Sectors
Securities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesBusiness & FinanceLegal
New York, New YorkView Profile →
Michael Tubach
Michael Tubach
Verified8 years of government experience
Civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense lawyer

AI SummaryMichael Tubach served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Bristow Fellow, specializing in civil litigation and criminal defense, which suits his current role as a civil litigation and white-collar criminal defense lawyer.

Current
Managing Partner of the Firm’s San Francisco office | Chair of O’Melveny’s firmwide Pro Bono CommitteeO'Melveny & Myers LLP
Civil LitigationSecurities Law
Former Government
Assistant U.S. AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
Civil LitigationResearch
Practice Areas
Litigation & TrialsCorporate LawSecurities & Investment Companies+1
Sectors
Auto PartsAuto & Truck DealershipsAuto Manufacturers
San Francisco, CaliforniaView Profile →
Steven J. Olson
Steven J. Olson
Verified8 years of government experience
Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Litigation

AI SummaryFormer Assistant US Attorney, now advising on government investigations and litigation, specializing in white-collar crime and complex civil litigation.

Current
Litigation Department Co-Chair / PartnerO'Melveny & Myers LLP
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Civil Litigation
Former Government
Assistant United States AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
Civil LitigationLegal Assistant
Practice Areas
Business LitigationAdministrative Litigation & AppealsAntitrust & Trade Regulation+1
Sectors
Financial Data & Stock ExchangesSecurities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesGovernment Services+1
Los Angeles, CaliforniaView Profile →
Sharon M. Bunzel
Sharon M. Bunzel
Verified7 years of government experience
White Collar Defense & Corporate Investigations

AI SummarySharon Bunzel served as an Assistant US Attorney, overseeing complex investigations. She specializes in white-collar defense, corporate investigations, and compliance programs.

Current
PartnerO'Melveny & Myers LLP
Environmental LawForeign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
Former Government
Assistant United States AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
LegalExecutive Assistant
Practice Areas
White Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsFalse Claims Act, Qui Tam, & Whistleblower DefenseCybersecurity +1
Sectors
Healthcare & Public Health
San Francisco, CaliforniaView Profile →
Danny S. Ashby
Danny S. Ashby
Verified
Partner at O’Melveny Law Firm. Dallas, TX

AI SummaryServed as a trial attorney in the US Department of Justice and special assistant US Attorney; specializes in white-collar criminal defense, securities law, and corporate litigation.

Current
PartnerO'Melveny
Civil LitigationSecurities Law
Former Government
Trial AttorneyU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Legal AssistanceGovernment
Practice Areas
Securities Litigation & EnforcementGovernment Law & ConsultingIntellectual Property Litigation+1
Sectors
Consulting Services
Dallas, TexasView Profile →
Aaron S. Dyer
Aaron S. Dyer
Verified6 years of government experience
Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

AI SummaryAaron S. Dyer served nearly seven years as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, specializing in complex fraud cases.

Current
PartnerPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Former Government
Assistant United States AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
AttorneyFederal Government
Practice Areas
Digital & E-Commerce Engagement & InnovationSportsForeign Corrupt Practices Act +1
Sectors
Government ServicesLegal
Los Angeles, CaliforniaView Profile →
Thomas M. Johnson, Jr
Thomas M. Johnson, Jr
Verified4 years of government experience
Co-Chair, Issues & Appeals at Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryThomas M. Johnson, Jr. served as General Counsel at the FCC, managing a team of over 70 attorneys. His expertise includes appellate litigation, administrative law, and communications law, making him well-suited for regulatory and high-stakes litigation matters.

Current
Partner & Co-Chair, Appellate PracticeWiley Rein LLP
Environmental LawCivil Litigation
Former Government
Deputy Solicitor GeneralAttorney General, Office of
Legal Officers and Practitioners
Practice Areas
Telecom: Litigation & ArbitrationSecurities Exchange ActSecurities & Investment Companies+1
Sectors
CommunicationsSecurities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesBusiness & Finance+1
Michael L. Yaeger
Michael L. Yaeger
Verified8 years of government experience
White Collar, Cyber, Sentencing (Empirical Justice)

AI SummaryMichael Yaeger served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, specializing in white collar crime and cybersecurity. His expertise in government investigations and compliance suits him for roles in cybersecurity and white collar crime defense.

Current
Founder & CEOEmpirical Justice
CybersecurityWhite Collar Crime
Former Government
Law Clerk U.S. Attorney’s Office
Law ClerkResearch
Practice Areas
TechnologyLitigation & TrialInternal Investigations+1
Sectors
Healthcare & Public HealthSecurities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesBanking+1
David Feder
David Feder
Verified12 years of government experience
Litigation partner at Fenwick & West

AI SummaryDavid Feder served as Chief of the Cybercrime Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, specializing in cybersecurity and complex litigation, now advising tech and life sciences companies.

Current
PartnerFenwick & West LLP
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Former Government
Law ClerkCourt of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Law ClerkResearch
Practice Areas
AppellateSecurities Litigation & EnforcementLitigation & Trials+1
Sectors
Life SciencesBusiness & FinanceSecurity & Protection Services+1
Michele Wein Layne
Michele Wein Layne
Verified27 years of government experience
White Collar & Internal Investigations Attorney at O'Melveny

AI SummaryMichele Wein Layne served as the SEC's Los Angeles Regional Director for eleven years, specializing in securities law and enforcement. She now practices white-collar and internal investigations at O'Melveny & Myers LLP.

Current
Of CounselO'Melveny & Myers LLP
AttorneySecurities
Former Government
Regional Director / Associate Regional Director / Assistant Regional Director / Branch Chief, Staff Attorney / Staff Attorney, EnforcementSecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
AttorneyEnvironmental Law
Practice Areas
Banking, Commercial, & Consumer FinanceAntitrust & Trade RegulationCalifornia Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)+1
Sectors
Funds, Trusts, & Other Financial VehiclesFinancial Data & Stock ExchangesSecurities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related Activities+1
Los Angeles, CaliforniaView Profile →
Matthew D. Krueger
Matthew D. Krueger
Verified9 years of government experience
Govt. Enforcement Defense, Investigations, and Litigation

AI SummaryFormer U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, specializing in civil litigation, criminal law, and health law. Currently partners in government enforcement defense, investigations, and litigation, focusing on complex trials, cybersecurity, and data privacy.

Current
Partner, Government Enforcement Defense, Investigations, and LitigationFoley & Lardner LLP
Civil LitigationPrivacy Law
Former Government
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of WisconsinU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Civil LitigationHealth Law
Practice Areas
Administrative Litigation & AppealsSecurities Litigation & EnforcementCommercial Litigation+1
Sectors
Financial Data & Stock ExchangesSecurities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesGovernment Services+1
Milwaukee, WisconsinView Profile →
Enbar Toledano
Enbar Toledano
Verified2 years of government experience
Litigation Partner at Wiley Rein LLP

AI SummaryServed as judicial law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and U.S. District Court; specializes in complex commercial litigation, appeals, and international trade.

Current
PartnerWiley Rein LLP
Civil LitigationHearings and Appeals
Former Government
Judicial Law ClerkCourt of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Law ClerkResearch
Practice Areas
Securities Litigation & EnforcementAntitrust & Trade RegulationCommercial Litigation+1
Sectors
TelecommunicationsBusiness & FinanceTechnology+1
Atlanta, GeorgiaView Profile →
William M. Sullivan, Jr.
William M. Sullivan, Jr.
Verified9 years of government experience
Partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

AI SummaryServed over 10 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney; specializes in white collar crime, complex civil litigation, and regulatory actions.

Current
PartnerPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Former Government
Assistant U.S. AttorneyU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
AttorneyInvestigations
Practice Areas
Securities Litigation & EnforcementGovernment ContractsNational Security+1
Sectors
TelecommunicationsAerospace & DefenseGovernment Services+1
Washington and New York, District of ColumbiaView Profile →
Jose F. Sanchez
Jose F. Sanchez
Verified8 years of government experience
Experienced Outside Counsel & Big Law Litigation Partner

AI SummaryJose F. Sanchez served as lead counsel at Deloitte Global and as senior trial counsel at the SEC. His expertise in regulatory investigations, crisis management, and litigation suits him for roles in government enforcement and corporate defense.

Current
PartnerFoley & Lardner LLP
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Former Government
Judicial Law ClerkU.S. District Court
ResearchCriminal Investigation
Practice Areas
Securities Litigation & EnforcementLitigation & TrialInvestigations
Sectors
Legal
Los Angeles, CaliforniaView Profile →
Michael J. Connolly
Michael J. Connolly
Verified4 years of government experience
Partner at Hinckley Allen

AI SummaryMichael J. Connolly served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney focusing on economic crimes; his expertise in white collar crime and high-stakes litigation suits him for his current roles in government enforcement and corporate defense.

Current
PartnerHinckley Allen
AttorneyCivil Litigation
Former Government
Assistant United States AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
AttorneyLegal Assistant
Practice Areas
Health CareWhite Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsConstruction+1
Sectors
Healthcare & Public HealthEducationBanking+1
Boston, MassachusettsView Profile →
Peter Morris
Peter Morris
Verified3 years of government experience
White Collar, Compliance and Investigations Co-Chair

AI SummaryPeter Morris served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, specializing in criminal law and investigation. His expertise in white collar crime, compliance, and complex litigation suits him for roles in corporate compliance and defense.

Current
Partner, White Collar, Compliance and Investigations Co-ChairBarnes & Thornburg LLP
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)Civil Litigation
Former Government
Assistant U.S. AttorneyU.S. Attorney’s Office
Federal GovernmentLaw Enforcement / Police
Practice Areas
Securities Exchange ActLitigation & TrialCommercial Litigation+1
Sectors
Securities, Commodity Contracts, & Other Financial Investments & Related ActivitiesBusiness & FinanceLegal
Los Angeles, CaliforniaView Profile →

Use Cases

Common Reasons People Seek Securities Regulation & Enforcement Expertise

A few of the situations these professionals are engaged for, among many:

SEC Investigation Response

A subpoena or formal order of investigation starts a process with its own rhythms: document demands, testimony, and eventually the staff's view of your conduct. Former enforcement attorneys have run that process and know what each stage signals.

Wells Submissions and Defense Strategy

Before the SEC recommends charges, respondents can make their case. People who evaluated those submissions on the staff side know which arguments actually change outcomes and which fall flat.

Securities Class Actions

Shareholder suits follow stock drops, restatements, and merger announcements. Former government litigators and judges bring independent case assessment and expert testimony to both sides.

Disclosure and Materiality Decisions

Deciding what to disclose and when, from earnings issues to cyber incidents, turns on materiality judgments the SEC's own reviewers spent careers making.

Internal Investigations

Allegations of accounting fraud, insider trading, or misrepresentation demand internal reviews credible to regulators, and former enforcement staff and prosecutors deliver exactly that credibility.

Compliance and Examinations

Compliance programs, trading surveillance, and registrant obligations are easier to build and test with people who examined them for the government.

Backgrounds

Some of the Securities Backgrounds You'll Find

Members come from across the institutions that police the markets:

SEC Division of Enforcement

The Securities and Exchange Commission's enforcement arm investigates and litigates securities violations. Former staff attorneys and accountants map to investigation response, defense strategy, and settlements.

SEC Corporation Finance

Reviews public-company filings and disclosure. Former staff map to materiality calls, registration questions, and disclosure practice.

DOJ and U.S. Attorney's Offices

Federal prosecutors handle criminal securities fraud alongside the SEC's civil track. Former prosecutors map to parallel-proceedings strategy and trial work.

CFTC

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission polices derivatives and commodities markets. Former staff map to trading cases that cross both regimes.

State Securities Regulators

State regulators run their own registration and enforcement programs. Former state securities officials map to multistate exposure and state-law claims.

Federal Judiciary

Former federal judges and law clerks map to case evaluation, mock exercises, and dispositive-motion strategy in securities litigation.

Why It Matters

The Inside Vantage Point

Securities enforcement runs on judgment: what the staff treats as cooperation, what a jury will make of a trading pattern, what a judge expects from a disclosure. Browse the ranked professionals above and reach out directly to the background that fits your matter.

FAQs

Working With These Professionals

What does government experience add in a securities matter?

Enforcement outcomes turn on staff discretion: what gets charged, what settles, and on what terms. People who exercised that discretion read your situation the way the government will.

Can I bring someone in before there's an investigation?

Yes. Disclosure reviews, compliance assessments, and trading-surveillance checks before any inquiry are a large share of what these professionals do.

How do I choose the right background?

Match the institution you face: SEC inquiries point to former enforcement staff; criminal exposure points to former prosecutors; class actions point to former judges and litigators; disclosure questions point to Corporation Finance alumni.

Can these professionals serve as expert witnesses?

Many do, testifying on market practice, disclosure standards, and regulatory process with credibility earned inside the institutions whose expectations are in question.

Is this only for public companies?

No. Founders facing their first SEC inquiry, funds building compliance programs, and counsel needing an independent view all engage through the directory. Scope and terms are agreed directly with the person you contact.

How do I engage someone listed here?

Profiles link directly to each member's contact details, with no intermediary and no fee. Reach out to the person whose background matches your situation.

Join Former Gov

Worked in Securities Enforcement?

Organizations searching this page are looking for exactly your background. Join the directory so they can find you directly.