Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, announced today that Joel Forman has joined the firm's national Litigation Practice Group as a partner in New York. Forman brings decades of experience resolving securities civil litigation and government enforcement cases, having represented broker-dealers, investment advisers, investment banks, mutual funds, hedge funds, boards of directors, and industry executives involved in allegations of corporate and individual misconduct.
"Joel brings robust experience defending companies and individuals involved in complicated securities litigation and government investigations," said Lawrence Rochefort, chair of Akerman's Litigation Practice Group. "His knowledge of complex securities matters will be of crucial benefit to our financial services clients who are navigating increased enforcement regulations."
Forman defends financial services companies and associated persons in federal and state court trials and appeals, arbitrations, and mediations. His cases involve sales practices and supervision, insider trading, money laundering, prime brokerage, trade execution and clearing, research, privacy and cybersecurity, public and private funds, variable annuities, securities lending, and sales charges, fees, and commissions.
In enforcement matters, Forman represents clients before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Financial Conduct Authority (UK) and state securities regulators. He also represents companies in SEC broker-dealer and investment adviser registrations, disclosure documents including investment adviser brochures, as well as filing new and continuing membership applications with FINRA. Before entering private practice, Forman served as a staff attorney for the New York Regional Office of the SEC in the Division of Enforcement.
Forman's arrival helps build upon Akerman’s bench of more than 350 litigators and trial lawyers in key markets across the country. Most recently, the Honorable Ruben Castillo, former Chief Judge for the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, joined the firm's growing Chicago office upon his retirement from the bench. Castillo chairs Akerman Bench, one of the nation’s largest moot court panels of former appellate judges, and he also serves as first-chair litigator, focusing his practice on corporate investigations, white collar criminal defense, private arbitration, and mediation. Philip Touitou and Joseph Silver recently joined Akerman in New York, bringing specialized skills in professional liability. In Atlanta, Anthony Morris focuses his practice on business litigation, representing some of the world's largest companies, while Robin Johnson focuses her practice on commercial litigation, insurance coverage, and bad faith litigation.
About Akerman
Akerman LLP is a top 100 U.S. law firm recognized among the most forward thinking firms in the industry by Financial Times. Its more than 700 lawyers and business professionals collaborate with the world’s most successful enterprises and entrepreneurs to navigate change, seize opportunities, and help drive innovation and growth. Akerman is known for its results in middle market M&A and complex disputes, and for helping clients achieve their most important business objectives in the financial services, real estate and other dynamic sectors across the United States and Latin America.
Akerman’s Litigation Practice Group has vast experience in a wide range of civil and criminal litigation, including class action defense, securities and corporate litigation, banking, white collar crime and government investigations, insurance, and real estate. The team is ranked tier one nationally by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in several categories including Commercial Litigation and Appellate.