
Dean Kristy
Partner, Securities Litigation
San Francisco
Our team applies judgment honed over hundreds of matters to guide clients through complex litigation, investigations and related business challenges.
Many of the world’s most innovative technology and life sciences companies have trusted Fenwick to successfully handle their thorniest securities litigation and related investigations. Our lawyers understand that securities litigation can pose significant strategic, financial and reputational challenges, and we partner with clients to develop creative, efficient and effective litigation strategies and resolutions.
Our clients include companies of all sizes, from startups to some of the world’s largest companies. They depend on our counsel in matters that range from routine to highly complex—including litigation and investigations that could threaten a company’s survival.
Our team of more than 20 lawyers has successfully defended companies, boards and individuals in hundreds of securities class actions, shareholder derivative cases and M&A litigation.
We also handle investigations and enforcement actions by the SEC, the Justice Department, and state attorneys general across the United States. Our lawyers (who include former federal prosecutors and SEC enforcement attorneys) have extensive experience representing companies and audit committees in internal investigations involving complex accounting, disclosure, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and insider trading issues.
Because our team includes seasoned litigators as well as lawyers experienced in handling internal and external investigations, we offer big-picture advice aimed at anticipating potential litigation or enforcement actions. Thanks to years of experience, we can provide this top-tier counsel efficiently and with a deep understanding of the industry-specific challenges that shape our clients’ goals. We also have outstanding relationships with the Big Four accounting firms, all major D&O insurers, and regulators, and we leverage the extensive experience of our own corporate and crisis management specialists to provide broad, nuanced advice.
“Fenwick provides thoughtful and practical advice on all aspects of disputes—from the first moment of the claim through settlement—and clients always have access to the most senior lawyers to walk them through their strategy. The firm is regularly engaged by leading technology companies to handle bet-the-company cases.”
The Legal 500 has regularly identified Fenwick securities litigation defense lawyers as leading practitioners, including Jennifer Bretan, Michael Dicke, Catherine Kevane and Dean Kristy
“High-quality practice often called upon by Silicon Valley-based technology companies to assist with a wide variety of securities disputes, particularly noted for its in-depth experience in handling post-IPO claims.”