Partners Edward (“Ted”) Bennett, Amanda MacDonald and John Williams have authored an article entitled “Defending Against Covid-19 Related Securities Class Actions” for Bloomberg, published on March 25, 2021. The article addresses the challenges plaintiffs will face in securities class actions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, including with respect to demonstrating that company statements were knowingly false or misleading when they were made. The authors examine recent cases for guidance on how companies can best defend themselves against these types of lawsuits.
Ted Bennett serves as co-chair of Williams & Connolly’s Complex Commercial Litigation practice group. His practice focuses on trial work and civil litigation, principally in matters relating to commercial disputes, corporate governance, banking and financial services, antitrust and trade practices, patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property. In recent years, he has been lead trial counsel in civil and criminal jury trials and arbitrations, and has represented national banks, major accounting firms, Fortune 50 companies, multinational chemical and technology companies, and individuals in federal and state courts across the country, in arbitrations, and in CFPB, SEC, and other government investigations.
Amanda MacDonald co-chairs Williams & Connolly’s Securities Litigation and Enforcement practice groups and is a leader in the firm’s investigations practice. She has defended Fortune 100 issuers, underwriters, Big 4 accounting firms, and corporate officers in securities litigation, class actions, and investigations and enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
John Williams practices in the area of complex civil litigation with a particular focus on securities litigation, professional liability defense, and appellate work. John’s securities practice has involved the representation of issuers, private equity firms, underwriters, professional advisers, and individuals. Those matters have included successful representations of clients at all levels of the federal courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as favorable negotiated resolutions.
To read the full Bloomberg article, click here.