Christopher F.Robertson

Partner

“I am a securities litigator handling complex financial matters, including regulatory investigations, litigation, compliance, and counseling.”


More About Chris

Securities litigation and government investigations immediately put tremendous stress on clients, requiring the diversion of resources at the highest levels within the organization. Similarly, an internal whistleblower claim alleging misconduct or fraud can become a major distraction that can get away from clients if they do not have a defined process in place to handle such matters. As the chair of the firm's Whistleblower practice for more than 15 years, Chris has the depth of experience to educate and guide clients through a process that is often very unfamiliar—plus a successful track record of litigating and trying those cases.

Chris' clients include banks and broker-dealers, investment advisors, public and private companies, and their officers and directors. He has handled government investigations, securities class action litigation, merger litigation, regulatory proceedings, arbitrations, and federal and state administrative matters. Chris has handled cases and investigations across all industries, working with clients on the investigative, regulatory, employment, and litigation aspects of securities, financial institution, accounting, trading and whistleblower claims.

As a former senior counsel in the Division of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Chris has unique experience investigating and litigating cases with the government, followed by years of experience defending those investigations and cases.

In nearly three decades of practice, Chris has handled complex financial and securities matters, investigations, compliance matters, disciplinary proceedings involving FINRA, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Reserve, Federal Trade Commission, and state regulatory agencies. He has handled whistleblower matters involving clients in financial services, technology, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, health care, staffing, and defense, among others. Recently, he has handled litigation and investigations involving cryptocurrency and blockchain, including matters involving Initial Coin Offerings (ICO), cryptocurrency mining businesses and cryptocurrency exchanges. His experience allows him to quickly assess the particular concern being raised, and work with the client on the investigative component, as well as litigation strategy.

Chris works with clients to establish policies and procedures that ideally minimize risk and exposure before matters arise, investigations are commenced, or litigation ensues. By being proactive, clients are better prepared to handle sensitive and complex matters when they arise, which builds in both efficiency and an immediate strategic direction. This includes review of policies, training, and updates as the law changes.

Chris enjoys collaborating with his Seyfarth colleagues on novel matters involving securities, compliance, litigation, and employment, which all coalesce as part of the Whistleblower practice at the firm. Whether the matter involves class actions, merger litigation, closely held company disputes, or general commercial matters, the ability to bring the right resources to the table has been a huge benefit. Chris' ability to work with some of the most sophisticated and cutting-edge companies is a direct offshoot of that ability.

  • JD, Washington & Lee University School of Law

    Cum laude
    Law Review
    Burks Scholar
    Outing Club

  • AB, Harvard University
    History

    Cum laude
    Varsity Track
    Rugby Club
    DU Club vice president

  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • US Supreme Court
  • US Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • US District Court, District of Massachusetts
  • US District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • US District Court, Southern District of New York