Securities Litigation
Skadden’s global securities litigation practice is widely regarded as one of the most preeminent groups of attorneys focused on challenging, high-stakes securities litigation matters — “bet-the-company” cases that demand a full range of skills, in and out of the courtroom. Skadden has defended more federal securities class actions than any other firm for the period January 1, 2019, through March 31, 2025, according to Lex Machina.
Our litigators have extensive experience in trial and appellate courts at the federal and state levels, before administrative tribunals, in arbitrations and other dispute resolution proceedings, and before government agencies. We represent clients in securities class actions and derivative actions across a wide range of industries, including, among many others:
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We also have extensive experience with hedge funds and other alternative investment management vehicles.
Leaders in Securities Litigation
Our securities litigation attorneys are dedicated to providing exceptional client service with an emphasis on creativity, collaboration and efficiency. We work with clients to assess their case within the context of their overall business and legal objectives, and we strive to deliver results that meet these goals at every stage of litigation. According to Chambers USA 2024:
- “Skadden is a fantastic partner to our business. They are the best of the best, with deep knowledge and expertise that they couple with creativity and practicality.”
- “We retain Skadden for our highest-risk matters, where they provide great value through their deep bench, capabilities and expertise.”
- “Skadden are always several steps ahead of the opponent.”
- “Skadden is first-rate. They work hard, communicate well and make sure to end cases quickly.”
- “They have excellent lawyers. Skadden is always responsive and focused on their clients.”
Recent Accolades
Skadden has been recognized by numerous publications for our securities litigation work. Recent accolades include:
- Named to the Fearsome Foursome — the top four firms that clients “don’t want to litigate against” and ranked as a Top 1% Securities & Finance: Litigation Powerhouse — The BTI Consulting Group’s 2025 Litigation Outlook
- Named 2021 Litigation Department of the Year; a 2024, 2023 and 2022 Litigation Department of the Year finalist; and a 2024 finalist in the Class Action and Finance categories – New York Law Journal
- Named 2025 Law Firm of the Year for Commercial and Securities Litigation and 2023 Law Firm of the Year Mergers and Acquisitions Litigation – Best Lawyers Best Law Firms
- Consistently ranked in the top tier for nationwide securities litigation, including in 2024 – Chambers USA
- Voted the top firm for Securities Litigation for 12 of the past 13 years – Vault
- Has more securities litigation lawyers recognized than any other law firm in the U.S. – The Best Lawyers in America 2023
- Ranked in the top tier for Crypto-Asset Disputes – USA – Chambers FinTech 2023
- Named as a 2021 Securities Group of the Year – Law360
- Named to the Feared Opponents list – the three elite litigation practices top legal decision-makers do not want to encounter as opponents – and repeatedly named a member of the Fearsome Foursome – BTI Consulting Group
- Recognized as a 2021 Litigation Department of the Year finalist – The American Lawyer
- Tier 1 for 2024 in Securities Litigation Defense – The Legal 500
- Ranked in the top tier for securities litigation — Benchmark Litigation 2025
Selected Client Representations
We represent clients ranging from Fortune 100 to emerging market companies in every industry in securities litigation matters around the world. A few recent representations include, among others:
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Global Platform
Skadden’s global securities litigation presence positions us to advise clients around the world on U.S. securities litigation issues. Our U.S.-trained litigators, based in Europe, Asia and Latin America, have the unique ability to assemble collaborative teams with deep and relevant experience across our worldwide platform.
We represent issuers and financial institutions from all over the world, including:
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Trial Support
Skadden’s integrated, multidisciplinary team of trial support consultants assists our litigators in a variety of contexts, including with client presentations, appearances before regulatory bodies, mediation or arbitration, and in the courtroom.
Our attorneys work with our trial support consultants to develop trial themes and arguments, conduct research, prepare witnesses to testify, distill complex ideas into understandable and appealing visuals, plan for smooth and efficient courtroom logistics, and provide fast and comprehensive access to critical information in high-stakes situations.
Jury Research
From early testing of case themes to real-time evaluations of potential jurors based on our database of several thousand questionnaires, our jury research efforts support our litigators through:
- focus groups and mock trials;
- theme development;
- witness preparation; and
- jury selection.
Trial Coordination
Our trial support consultants efficiently manage the process associated with the entire trial, including evidence preparation tasks like pretrial filings, exhibit lists, deposition designations and case records. They also plan the on-site logistics for trial, such as identifying locations, coordinating contract negotiations and developing budgets; they then manage every aspect of the litigation “war room” to ensure that they meet any and all production requests during the course of the trial while facilitating seamless coordination of courtroom mechanics
Graphic Design
Our trial support consultants conceive and create compelling, persuasive graphics for use at trial, making it easier for jurors and judges to understand the case. They also possess the technological know-how to ensure that presentations are flawlessly executed, avoiding the negative impression that technical difficulties or poorly presented visuals can make.