Securities Litigation
Skadden’s global securities litigation practice is widely recognized 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. As a premier team for defending complex, precedent-setting disputes that define the future of corporate accountability, Skadden combines significant depth, strategic precision and courtroom excellence. According to Lex Machina, Skadden has defended more federal securities class actions than any other firm from January 1, 2016, through February 28, 2026 — a distinction that reflects the trust of many of the world’s most sophisticated companies and financial institutions.
Our team has extensive experience before trial and appellate courts at both the federal and state levels, as well as in administrative proceedings, arbitration and other dispute resolution forums. Whether representing corporations, financial institutions or boards in securities class actions, derivative suits or complex cross-border matters, Skadden approaches each engagement with a forward-looking view of regulatory shifts, judicial trends and market dynamics.
Our practice is at the forefront of cutting-edge issues redefining modern securities litigation. We don’t simply respond to emerging risks, we play a significant role in developing the playbook for how courts, regulators and companies address them. Through precedent-setting victories across jurisdictions, Skadden is shaping the contours of tomorrow’s law.
We represent clients in securities class actions and derivative actions across a wide range of industries, including, among many others:
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Issuer Representation: Defending Market Leaders
Skadden is the go-to firm for public companies facing securities litigation with reputational, regulatory and financial stakes that extend beyond the courtroom. We help companies stay ahead of evolving securities risks by conducting early risk assessments, developing motion strategies to achieve early dismissals and making innovative arguments that have influenced securities jurisprudence globally — a true differentiator in the market.
Our track record includes complete victories and favorable resolutions in dozens of high-impact cases involving global market leaders in industries ranging from life sciences to technology, finance and energy. Skadden’s issuer-side practice drives key precedents on materiality, scienter, loss causation and forum selection. Notably, we are often brought in mid-litigation to work alongside existing counsel or to assume the role of lead counsel.
With a global platform and extensive cross-border experience, we are well equipped to represent foreign issuers with dual listings in the U.S. and abroad. Our team has handled some of the largest and most complex global securities matters for these companies, achieving results that safeguard both market reputation and value.
Underwriter Representation: Trusted Counsel to Global Financial Institutions
When major financial institutions face litigation arising from complex securities offerings, they turn to Skadden. Drawing on decades of experience representing underwriters in high-stakes securities class actions, our team provides invaluable perspective on market practices and emerging risks.
Our deep familiarity with the capital markets, together with our litigation and regulatory insight, positions us to anticipate issues before they escalate and craft pragmatic, commercially attuned strategies to achieve superior outcomes. Whether defending against claims of misstatements in offering documents, coordinating parallel proceedings across jurisdictions or engaging with regulators, Skadden’s integrated global platform helps protect our clients’ interests at every stage.
Board-Level Representation: Strategic Guidance for Directors and Boards
Boards, special committees and individuals turn to Skadden when securities and shareholder derivative litigation puts corporate decision-making, fiduciary oversight and personal exposure under the microscope. We are trusted advisers in the moments that matter most, helping boards respond decisively to fast-moving allegations, protect the integrity of governance processes and manage reputational and regulatory risk alongside the litigation itself.
Our practice regularly represents boards, board committees, C-suite executives and individual directors in complex shareholder derivative actions, books and records demands, audit committee investigations and related securities class actions. We understand the unique dynamics of board-level defense, including director independence, conflicts, committee formation and authority, privilege and discovery strategy and the interplay between governance standards and pleading requirements. Our attorneys develop targeted, early stage strategies designed to narrow claims, defeat demands and position matters for dismissal or efficient resolution, while preserving the board’s ability to keep the business moving.
With a Wilmington office and deep experience in Delaware, we are well positioned to counsel boards on matters that often proceed in the Delaware Court of Chancery. We bring practical insight into Chancery procedures and governance standards, and we guide boards through parallel challenges across the United States, including internal investigations, disclosure and trading issues, D&O insurance considerations and regulatory inquiries. Whether the dispute arises from a material event, an M&A transaction, a crisis or compliance issue or alleged disclosure failures, we deliver integrated, board-ready counsel that is strategic and built to protect long-term enterprise value.
Selected Client Representations
We represent companies and financial institutions in securities litigation matters around the world — from Fortune 100 corporations to emerging industry innovators. Selected representations include, among others:
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Touted by Industry Publications for Client Focus
Our approach combines rigorous legal analysis with strategic insight into each client’s business objectives. We emphasize creativity, collaboration and efficiency, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to achieve outcomes that advance both legal and commercial goals.
As noted by Chambers USA 2025 respondents:
- “The capabilities of this firm are beyond anything you can expect. They are all stellar. They are the best you can get and the best value you can get.”
- “Skadden is capable of handling the most complex commercial disputes. Their senior partners are top flight and the bench is extremely deep.”
- “The team is well versed in the securities area and are good strategic thinkers.”
- “They bring top quality, thoughtful practitioners to bear. They take a step back and consider the business too.”
- “Skadden provides excellent practical and strategic advice on complex and esoteric legal issues.”
Skadden’s strength in securities litigation is consistently recognized by the legal industry’s top rankings and research organizations. 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 2026 Litigation Outlook
- Named as a 2025 Law Firm of the Year and an eight-time Securities Group of the Year — more times than any other defense-side firm – Law360
- 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 2025 – Chambers USA
- Named a 2024, 2023 and 2022 Litigation Department of the Year finalist, a 2024 finalist in the Class Action and Finance categories and 2021 Litigation Department of the Year – New York Law Journal
- Ranked in Tier 1 for 2025 in Securities Litigation Defense – The Legal 500
- Named Securities Firm of the Year for 2026, recognized in the 2025 Hall of Fame and consistently ranked in the top tiers for Securities and Commercial Litigation – Benchmark Litigation
- Repeatedly voted as a top-tier firm for Securities Litigation for more than a decade – Vault
- Named to the 2025 Client Service 30, making us one of only four firms to receive this distinction 11 years in a row – BTI
Global Securities Litigation 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 have represented issuers and financial institutions from all over the world, including:
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End-to-End Trial Support
Skadden’s trial team combines exceptional strategic insight with technical precision. Our multidisciplinary consultants work seamlessly with our litigators to strengthen every phase of the trial process — from early case assessment and client presentations to regulatory hearings, arbitrations and courtroom advocacy.
We work with our trial support consultants to develop powerful case narratives, test and refine arguments, prepare witnesses for high-pressure testimony and translate complex concepts into persuasive visuals that resonate with juries and judges. Our trial consultants also orchestrate all aspects of courtroom logistics, ensuring that every presentation, exhibit and piece of data is delivered flawlessly and with impact.
Data-Driven Jury Strategy
Understanding how jurors think — and how they decide — is central to winning at trial. Skadden’s jury research efforts apply behavioral insights, data analytics and real-world testing to help our litigators craft arguments that connect. Drawing on a proprietary database of thousands of juror questionnaires, we evaluate potential jurors and test case themes well before the first day of trial.
Our services include:
- Focus groups and mock trials that simulate real courtroom dynamics
- Theme and message development based on juror feedback
- Witness preparation that anticipates juror perception
- Data-driven jury profiling and selection strategies
These insights allow Skadden to approach every jury trial with confidence and a nuanced understanding of the audience in the box.
Precision Trial Management
Our trial support consultants efficiently manage the logistics of trials with meticulous foresight. They oversee every operational detail, from pretrial filings, exhibit lists and deposition designations to the coordination of technology platforms and daily trial schedules.
At the courthouse, they run the “war room,” handling all production requests, managing vendor relationships, coordinating contract negotiations and budgets and maintaining real-time communication with client teams. Their diligent preparation and coordination ensure that our trial teams can stay focused on advocacy.
Visual Storytelling in the Courtroom
Clear, persuasive visuals can shape how a case is understood and remembered. Skadden’s trial graphics team conceives and executes visually striking presentations that simplify complex issues and reinforce key arguments. Whether developing demonstratives for expert testimony or creating animated timelines for opening statements, our designers and technicians deliver high-impact visuals that help judges and juries grasp even the most technical subjects. Our team ensures that every exhibit, video and presentation performs effectively, reinforcing the credibility and clarity of Skadden’s advocacy in the courtroom.