Michael W. Restey Jr.

Mr. Restey’s securities litigation experience includes defending class actions and counseling on other high-stakes disputes involving public disclosures, financial reporting, corporate transactions and other issues arising under the federal securities laws. He also represents clients in corporate governance disputes, breach of contract actions and other complex commercial disputes. In recognition of his work in securities litigation, he has been repeatedly named one of Best Lawyers’ Ones To Watch in America.

A substantial portion of Mr. Restey’s practice involves shareholder derivative and corporate governance litigation. He has represented clients in derivative matters involving alleged fiduciary breaches and internal controls issues, and has litigated demand and standing challenges, aiding and abetting theories, and questions concerning the internal affairs doctrine and cross-border corporate governance. His experience in this area includes matters in both trial and appellate courts, where he works closely with clients to develop defenses that address not only the legal claims at issue, but also the broader governance, reputational and business implications of derivative litigation.

Mr. Restey also has notable experience in cryptocurrency-related litigation, including securities and commercial disputes involving digital asset trading platforms, stablecoin protocols, decentralized finance structures, token-related transactions and blockchain-based business models. He has represented clients in matters involving claims brought under the federal securities laws as well as commercial theories, giving him a practical understanding of how courts, regulators and private plaintiffs are applying traditional frameworks to rapidly evolving digital asset technologies.

In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Restey advises clients on regulatory investigations conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, state regulatory authorities and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), as well as in arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and FINRA.

Representative clients include Amgen Inc.; Coinbase Global, Inc.; Elastic N.V.; Exxon Mobil Corporation; Getty Images Holdings, Inc.; Maker Ecosystem Growth Foundation; Tempus Labs, Inc.; Nano-X Imaging Ltd.; Dentsply Sirona Inc.; Société Générale S.A.; Barclays Capital Inc.; El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.; JLL Partners; and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Mr. Restey maintains an active pro bono practice focused primarily on asylum work. He also is heavily involved in the firm’s recruiting efforts.