HOME> ATTORNEY BIOGRAPHIES> ANDREW J. MORRIS
Representative Engagements for Andrew J. Morris
- Represent clients in investigations and related actions by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, bank-regulatory agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, state’s attorneys, state agencies, and licensing authorities.
- Defend law firm against large claims brought by bankruptcy trustee in the wake of fraud by officers and directors of the firm’s former client.
- Defended a professional client in investigations and other proceedings arising from home-mortgage foreclosure practices.
- Defended against large securities-fraud and other claims brought by acquirer against controlling shareholders who sold their company. Plaintiffs alleged improper accounting and inadequate disclosures.
- Defended a national accounting firm against large malpractice claim brought by former audit client as debtor in possession. After full discovery, obtained eve-of-trial rulings for client on causation and damages that effectively defeated the plaintiff's claims.
- Defended a national accounting firm against claims brought by client shareholders. Obtained dismissal of complaint.
- Defended a national accounting firm against large claims arising from the failure of its audit client, which was a bank that purchased sub-prime loans and sold them into securitizations. Litigation included:
- Malpractice claims brought by receiver: Defended the client, through a bench trial.
- Securities class action: Prevailed in Fourth Circuit decision that reversed class certification and established principles relating to requirements for fraud-on-the-market cases.
- Enforcement action brought by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency: Defended client, through full evidentiary hearing.
- Claims by client against third party: Represented client in pursuing claims against third party.
- Defended the former chairman of a major public company in a major securities class action arising from an accounting reserve charge.
- Defended a corporation and its officers, through jury trial, against minority shareholder challenges to a merger and related transactions.
- Defended telecommunications carrier against consumer class action relating to its billing practices.
- Defended a national accounting firm against malpractice claims brought by a former audit client, and against securities and other claims brought by shareholders.
- Defended a national brokerage firm, through judgment, against fraud and other claims brought by former branch office (FINRA arbitration).
- Defended a major public company, its directors and senior officers in a large securities class action arising from various accounting charges.
- Defended a national accounting firm in arbitrations of malpractice claims.
- Defended a software company and its officers against securities fraud and corporate governance claims.
- Defended national retailer against multiple-plaintiff claims challenging employment practices.
- Represented a major public company in a dispute involving valuation of pension liability.
