Richard J.Morvillo
Counsel
Securities & Financial Litigation
rmorvillo@seyfarth.com
Rich is a nationally recognized litigator in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement and other white collar matters.
More About Richard
Rich brings decades of experience in more than 250 SEC investigations, including some very high-profile matters the SEC has handled. He also handles securities-related white collar criminal investigations and trials, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases, and private securities litigation, including class actions. Chambers USA has described him as “one of the deans of the securities bar.” Best Lawyers of America has also named Rich “Lawyer of the Year (DC)” in the areas of Securities Litigation (2013) and Corporate Compliance (2023).
Drawing on his experience as a former branch chief with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Rich represents corporations, financial institutions, corporate executives, investment bankers, brokerage firms and brokers, investment advisers, accounting firms, auditors, law firms, hedge funds, and individual investors in connection with SEC, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), congressional, and state attorney general and grand jury investigations; SEC litigation; and complex securities cases.
Rich conducts internal investigations for corporate clients and advises members of special committees of boards of directors as to their rights and obligations regarding the handling and evaluation of corporate transactions, internal investigations, investigations and shareholder litigation. Additionally, Rich has litigated to a successful judgment a number of SEC enforcement cases and defended clients in numerous class actions and shareholder derivative suits in federal courts throughout the country.
A well-known figure in the industry, Rich is a frequent speaker at professional seminars and served for years as the co-chair of the PLI annual program “Internal Investigations” and chair of the PLI program “Storming the Gatekeepers: Compliance Personnel Under Attack.” He has served on the adjunct faculty of Georgetown University School of Law, teaching a course in “Professional Responsibility in Corporate and Securities Practice.”
Drawing on his experience as a former branch chief with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Rich represents corporations, financial institutions, corporate executives, investment bankers, brokerage firms and brokers, investment advisers, accounting firms, auditors, law firms, hedge funds, and individual investors in connection with SEC, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), congressional, and state attorney general and grand jury investigations; SEC litigation; and complex securities cases.
Rich conducts internal investigations for corporate clients and advises members of special committees of boards of directors as to their rights and obligations regarding the handling and evaluation of corporate transactions, internal investigations, investigations and shareholder litigation. Additionally, Rich has litigated to a successful judgment a number of SEC enforcement cases and defended clients in numerous class actions and shareholder derivative suits in federal courts throughout the country.
A well-known figure in the industry, Rich is a frequent speaker at professional seminars and served for years as the co-chair of the PLI annual program “Internal Investigations” and chair of the PLI program “Storming the Gatekeepers: Compliance Personnel Under Attack.” He has served on the adjunct faculty of Georgetown University School of Law, teaching a course in “Professional Responsibility in Corporate and Securities Practice.”
- JD, Fordham University School of Law
- District of Columbia
Related Services
- Represented publicly held manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood products in connection with investigations by DOJ and SEC into product safety; led to deferred prosecution agreement..
- Represented former partner of Big 4 accounting firm in DOJ and SEC proceedings and criminal trial regarding PCAOB examination disclosures.
- Defended publicly held electronic brokerage firm in federal commodities class action (and defeated class certification).
- Defeated the SEC in a jury trial on insider trading charges against the chair of a large communications company.
- Represented publicly held ETF market maker firm in SEC investigation concerning ETF trading activities.
- Represented the Chief Financial Officer of a publicly held global alternative asset management firm in SEC and DOJ FCPA investigations.
- Conducted internal investigation for major international law firm concerning criminal activities of partner and represented firm in ensuing DOJ investigation.
- Defeated the SEC after a bench trial on fraud charges against an attorney for participating in a fraudulent offering by a public company.
- Defended audit partner of BIG 4 accounting firm in connection with SEC investigation of audit of financial institution.
- Represented former Chief Financial Officer of medical supplies company in SEC accounting investigation.
- Conducted internal investigation of Chilean member of BIG 4 accounting firm concerning client’s possible terrorist funding activities.
- Represented foreign-based US-registered steel company in SEC internal controls investigation.
- Defended partner in Big 4 accounting firm in PCAOB proceeding charging him with violations of GAAP and GAAS.
- Represented former Chief Financial Officer of publicly held manufacturing company in SEC investigation into financial statements.
- Obtained summary judgment against the SEC in a civil injunctive action against a former investment banking company executive.
- Represented Irish member of BIG 4 accounting firm in PCAOB investigation of examination-related events.
- Conducted internal investigation at publicly held electronic brokerage of sale activities related to investment product
- Represented BIG 4 accounting firm in DOJ investigation of possible money laundering by food processing company.
- Defended former Chief Financial Officer of publicly help cable manufacturer in SEC and DOJ FCPA investigations
- Represented General Counsel of foreign subsidiary of US public company in DOJ and SEC FCPA investigations.
- Represented a political consultant in criminal proceeding and investigation related to alleged bribery scheme involving former New York State Government officials and companies doing business with the State.
- Represented audit partner in BIG 4 accounting firm in SEC investigation of audit of manufacturing company.
- Represented audit partner in BIG 4 accounting firm in SEC investigation of audit of manufacturing company.
- Defended General Counsel of publicly held automotive parts manufacturer in SEC investigation.
- Represented the former Chief Financial Officer of a large public retailer in DOJ and SEC FCPA investigations.
- Defended a publicly held ETF sponsor in SEC investigation concerning redemption issues.
- Represented a former Chief Compliance Officer of investment advisor in SEC investigation concerning use of models.
- Obtained dismissal of SEC charges after an administrative trial concerning an investment banker’s alleged participation in a fraudulent offering.
- Defended a regional accounting firm in SEC accounting investigation into financial statements and audits.
- Obtained dismissal of class action claims against a financial services company related to the acquisitions of bank holding company and mortgage company.
- Defended a senior investment banker in DOJ and SEC investigations regarding hiring practices in China.
- Represented former Chief Marketing Officer of a multinational retail company subsidiary in criminal and SEC proceedings, including a successful appeal vacating convictions for securities fraud and related offenses.
- Represented senior executive of Japanese motor parts manufacturer in DOJ antitrust investigation.
- Obtained dismissal of a class action against a financial services company in an options trading case; handled appeal when decision affirmed.
- Represented a national brokerage firm in connection with the NASDAQ antitrust class action charging collusion in NASDAQ market making.
- Obtained summary judgment and affirmation by the Eleventh Circuit in favor of a former chairman of a global insurance group in a securities fraud class action.
- Defended a Big 4 accounting firm in OCC investigation of financial institution’s allowance for loan losses.
- Advised investment banker in Congressional investigation and public hearings concerning subprime lending crisis.
- Defended hedge fund in SEC and FINRA insider trading investigations
- Represented partner in Big 4 accounting firm in SEC investigation of financial statements of fitness company.
- Conducted internal investigation for national law firm of activities of partner and defended firm in related DOJ investigation and civil action by former client.
- Advised the Chief Financial Officer of a public company concerning possible accounting and FCPA issues.
- Represented an employee of broker-dealer in SEC investigation concerning mark-ups.
- Advised publicly held insurance broker in FINRA insider trading investigation.
- Defended broker in SEC and FINRA insider trading investigation.
- Represented executive of financial institution in SEC and DOJ investigations regarding asset valuations.
Related News & Insights
-
Attorney Publication
02/16/2024
Richard Morvillo and Sarah Barney Write on SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program in New York Law Journal
-
Legal Update
Feb 8, 2024
SDNY Breaks with Tradition in New Whistleblower Pilot Program
-
Media Mentions
12/15/2023
Arrival of Scott Morvillo, Ellen Murphy, Richard Morvillo, and Nicole Lloret at Seyfarth Featured in Seven Media Outlets
-
Firm News
12/11/2023
Seyfarth Expands Financial Services, Regulatory & White Collar Litigation Capabilities by Adding Four Lawyers in Litigation Team from Stroock
- Recognized practitioner (national ranking) , Securities: Regulation, Chambers USA(2004-2023)
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Administrative / Regulatory Law (2013 - 2024), Corporate Compliance Law (2013 - 2024), Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Derivatives and Futures Law (2013 - 2024), Litigation – Securities (2024)
- 2023 Lawyer of the Year for Corporate Compliance Law, Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.)
- 2013 Lawyer of the Year for Securities Litigation, Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Listed as “Attorneys Who Matter” by Ethisphere
- Recognized for Securities Litigation by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.)
- Named one of Washington’s “Top 10 Securities Lawyers” by The Legal Times
- Listed in Washington, DC Super Lawyers for Securities (Thomson Reuters) (2004-2023)
- Listed among D.C.’s “Top Lawyers” by Washingtonian
- Who’s Who Legal: Investigations
- International Who’s Who of Business Crime Defense
- Past President and Board Member, Association of Securities and Exchange Commission alumni (ASECA)
- SIFMA Law and Compliance outside counsel group
- American Bar Association
- Co-Author, "SDNY Breaks With Tradition in New Whistleblower Pilot Program," New York Law Journal (February 16, 2024)
- Co-Author, "SDNY Breaks with Tradition in New Whistleblower Pilot Program," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 8, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Supreme Court Upholds but Limits the SEC's Imposition of Disgorgement of Unjust Enrichment," JD Supra (June 28, 2020)
- Author, “Ethics and Preparing Witnesses for SEC Testimony,” New York Law Journal (April 3, 2014)
- Author, “Breach of Duty: Misappropriation Theory,” Insider Trading Law and Compliance Answer Book, Practicing Law Institute (October 2011)
- Co-Author, “Whistleblowers and the Resurgence of Internal Investigations,” Securities Regulation & Law Report (January 10, 2011)
- Co-Chair, PLI Annual Institute on Internal Investigations, New York, NY (2006-2018)
- Co-Chair, PLI Institute on Auditor Liability, NY, NY (2003-2005)
- Chair, PLI Institute on “Storming the Gatekeepers: Compliance Personnel Under Attack,” NY, NY (2014-2018)
- “Insider Trading – Practical Considerations in Prosecuting and Defending Cases After Salman,” DC Bar (February 28, 2017)
- “Internal Investigations,” SIFMA Compliance and Legal Society Annual Seminars, Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ (2012-2014)
- Federal Bar Council Annual Meeting, Ethics Program, Costa Rica (2014)
- ABA Annual Institute on Securities Fraud, Park City, UT (2016)
- ABA Annual Institute on Securities Fraud, New Orleans (November 2012)
- ABA Annual Institute on Securities Fraud, New Orleans (November 2015)
- “Thorny Disclosure Issues,” AELC Annual Program, Atlanta, GA (October 2012)
- “America’s Got Ethics,” 2012 Fall Retreat of Federal Bar Council, Skytop, PA (September 2012)
Rich is a nationally recognized litigator in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement and other white collar matters.
More About Richard
Rich brings decades of experience in more than 250 SEC investigations, including some very high-profile matters the SEC has handled. He also handles securities-related white collar criminal investigations and trials, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases, and private securities litigation, including class actions. Chambers USA has described him as “one of the deans of the securities bar.” Best Lawyers of America has also named Rich “Lawyer of the Year (DC)” in the areas of Securities Litigation (2013) and Corporate Compliance (2023).
Drawing on his experience as a former branch chief with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Rich represents corporations, financial institutions, corporate executives, investment bankers, brokerage firms and brokers, investment advisers, accounting firms, auditors, law firms, hedge funds, and individual investors in connection with SEC, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), congressional, and state attorney general and grand jury investigations; SEC litigation; and complex securities cases.
Rich conducts internal investigations for corporate clients and advises members of special committees of boards of directors as to their rights and obligations regarding the handling and evaluation of corporate transactions, internal investigations, investigations and shareholder litigation. Additionally, Rich has litigated to a successful judgment a number of SEC enforcement cases and defended clients in numerous class actions and shareholder derivative suits in federal courts throughout the country.
A well-known figure in the industry, Rich is a frequent speaker at professional seminars and served for years as the co-chair of the PLI annual program “Internal Investigations” and chair of the PLI program “Storming the Gatekeepers: Compliance Personnel Under Attack.” He has served on the adjunct faculty of Georgetown University School of Law, teaching a course in “Professional Responsibility in Corporate and Securities Practice.”
Drawing on his experience as a former branch chief with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, Rich represents corporations, financial institutions, corporate executives, investment bankers, brokerage firms and brokers, investment advisers, accounting firms, auditors, law firms, hedge funds, and individual investors in connection with SEC, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), congressional, and state attorney general and grand jury investigations; SEC litigation; and complex securities cases.
Rich conducts internal investigations for corporate clients and advises members of special committees of boards of directors as to their rights and obligations regarding the handling and evaluation of corporate transactions, internal investigations, investigations and shareholder litigation. Additionally, Rich has litigated to a successful judgment a number of SEC enforcement cases and defended clients in numerous class actions and shareholder derivative suits in federal courts throughout the country.
A well-known figure in the industry, Rich is a frequent speaker at professional seminars and served for years as the co-chair of the PLI annual program “Internal Investigations” and chair of the PLI program “Storming the Gatekeepers: Compliance Personnel Under Attack.” He has served on the adjunct faculty of Georgetown University School of Law, teaching a course in “Professional Responsibility in Corporate and Securities Practice.”
- JD, Fordham University School of Law
- District of Columbia
Related Services
- Represented publicly held manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood products in connection with investigations by DOJ and SEC into product safety; led to deferred prosecution agreement..
- Represented former partner of Big 4 accounting firm in DOJ and SEC proceedings and criminal trial regarding PCAOB examination disclosures.
- Defended publicly held electronic brokerage firm in federal commodities class action (and defeated class certification).
- Defeated the SEC in a jury trial on insider trading charges against the chair of a large communications company.
- Represented publicly held ETF market maker firm in SEC investigation concerning ETF trading activities.
- Represented the Chief Financial Officer of a publicly held global alternative asset management firm in SEC and DOJ FCPA investigations.
- Conducted internal investigation for major international law firm concerning criminal activities of partner and represented firm in ensuing DOJ investigation.
- Defeated the SEC after a bench trial on fraud charges against an attorney for participating in a fraudulent offering by a public company.
- Defended audit partner of BIG 4 accounting firm in connection with SEC investigation of audit of financial institution.
- Represented former Chief Financial Officer of medical supplies company in SEC accounting investigation.
- Conducted internal investigation of Chilean member of BIG 4 accounting firm concerning client’s possible terrorist funding activities.
- Represented foreign-based US-registered steel company in SEC internal controls investigation.
- Defended partner in Big 4 accounting firm in PCAOB proceeding charging him with violations of GAAP and GAAS.
- Represented former Chief Financial Officer of publicly held manufacturing company in SEC investigation into financial statements.
- Obtained summary judgment against the SEC in a civil injunctive action against a former investment banking company executive.
- Represented Irish member of BIG 4 accounting firm in PCAOB investigation of examination-related events.
- Conducted internal investigation at publicly held electronic brokerage of sale activities related to investment product
- Represented BIG 4 accounting firm in DOJ investigation of possible money laundering by food processing company.
- Defended former Chief Financial Officer of publicly help cable manufacturer in SEC and DOJ FCPA investigations
- Represented General Counsel of foreign subsidiary of US public company in DOJ and SEC FCPA investigations.
- Represented a political consultant in criminal proceeding and investigation related to alleged bribery scheme involving former New York State Government officials and companies doing business with the State.
- Represented audit partner in BIG 4 accounting firm in SEC investigation of audit of manufacturing company.
- Represented audit partner in BIG 4 accounting firm in SEC investigation of audit of manufacturing company.
- Defended General Counsel of publicly held automotive parts manufacturer in SEC investigation.
- Represented the former Chief Financial Officer of a large public retailer in DOJ and SEC FCPA investigations.
- Defended a publicly held ETF sponsor in SEC investigation concerning redemption issues.
- Represented a former Chief Compliance Officer of investment advisor in SEC investigation concerning use of models.
- Obtained dismissal of SEC charges after an administrative trial concerning an investment banker’s alleged participation in a fraudulent offering.
- Defended a regional accounting firm in SEC accounting investigation into financial statements and audits.
- Obtained dismissal of class action claims against a financial services company related to the acquisitions of bank holding company and mortgage company.
- Defended a senior investment banker in DOJ and SEC investigations regarding hiring practices in China.
- Represented former Chief Marketing Officer of a multinational retail company subsidiary in criminal and SEC proceedings, including a successful appeal vacating convictions for securities fraud and related offenses.
- Represented senior executive of Japanese motor parts manufacturer in DOJ antitrust investigation.
- Obtained dismissal of a class action against a financial services company in an options trading case; handled appeal when decision affirmed.
- Represented a national brokerage firm in connection with the NASDAQ antitrust class action charging collusion in NASDAQ market making.
- Obtained summary judgment and affirmation by the Eleventh Circuit in favor of a former chairman of a global insurance group in a securities fraud class action.
- Defended a Big 4 accounting firm in OCC investigation of financial institution’s allowance for loan losses.
- Advised investment banker in Congressional investigation and public hearings concerning subprime lending crisis.
- Defended hedge fund in SEC and FINRA insider trading investigations
- Represented partner in Big 4 accounting firm in SEC investigation of financial statements of fitness company.
- Conducted internal investigation for national law firm of activities of partner and defended firm in related DOJ investigation and civil action by former client.
- Advised the Chief Financial Officer of a public company concerning possible accounting and FCPA issues.
- Represented an employee of broker-dealer in SEC investigation concerning mark-ups.
- Advised publicly held insurance broker in FINRA insider trading investigation.
- Defended broker in SEC and FINRA insider trading investigation.
- Represented executive of financial institution in SEC and DOJ investigations regarding asset valuations.
Related News & Insights
-
Attorney Publication
02/16/2024
Richard Morvillo and Sarah Barney Write on SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program in New York Law Journal
-
Legal Update
Feb 8, 2024
SDNY Breaks with Tradition in New Whistleblower Pilot Program
-
Media Mentions
12/15/2023
Arrival of Scott Morvillo, Ellen Murphy, Richard Morvillo, and Nicole Lloret at Seyfarth Featured in Seven Media Outlets
-
Firm News
12/11/2023
Seyfarth Expands Financial Services, Regulatory & White Collar Litigation Capabilities by Adding Four Lawyers in Litigation Team from Stroock
- Recognized practitioner (national ranking) , Securities: Regulation, Chambers USA(2004-2023)
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.) for Administrative / Regulatory Law (2013 - 2024), Corporate Compliance Law (2013 - 2024), Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Derivatives and Futures Law (2013 - 2024), Litigation – Securities (2024)
- 2023 Lawyer of the Year for Corporate Compliance Law, Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.)
- 2013 Lawyer of the Year for Securities Litigation, Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Listed as “Attorneys Who Matter” by Ethisphere
- Recognized for Securities Litigation by The Legal 500 (Legalese Ltd.)
- Named one of Washington’s “Top 10 Securities Lawyers” by The Legal Times
- Listed in Washington, DC Super Lawyers for Securities (Thomson Reuters) (2004-2023)
- Listed among D.C.’s “Top Lawyers” by Washingtonian
- Who’s Who Legal: Investigations
- International Who’s Who of Business Crime Defense
- Past President and Board Member, Association of Securities and Exchange Commission alumni (ASECA)
- SIFMA Law and Compliance outside counsel group
- American Bar Association
- Co-Author, "SDNY Breaks With Tradition in New Whistleblower Pilot Program," New York Law Journal (February 16, 2024)
- Co-Author, "SDNY Breaks with Tradition in New Whistleblower Pilot Program," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 8, 2024)
- Co-Author, "Supreme Court Upholds but Limits the SEC's Imposition of Disgorgement of Unjust Enrichment," JD Supra (June 28, 2020)
- Author, “Ethics and Preparing Witnesses for SEC Testimony,” New York Law Journal (April 3, 2014)
- Author, “Breach of Duty: Misappropriation Theory,” Insider Trading Law and Compliance Answer Book, Practicing Law Institute (October 2011)
- Co-Author, “Whistleblowers and the Resurgence of Internal Investigations,” Securities Regulation & Law Report (January 10, 2011)
- Co-Chair, PLI Annual Institute on Internal Investigations, New York, NY (2006-2018)
- Co-Chair, PLI Institute on Auditor Liability, NY, NY (2003-2005)
- Chair, PLI Institute on “Storming the Gatekeepers: Compliance Personnel Under Attack,” NY, NY (2014-2018)
- “Insider Trading – Practical Considerations in Prosecuting and Defending Cases After Salman,” DC Bar (February 28, 2017)
- “Internal Investigations,” SIFMA Compliance and Legal Society Annual Seminars, Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ (2012-2014)
- Federal Bar Council Annual Meeting, Ethics Program, Costa Rica (2014)
- ABA Annual Institute on Securities Fraud, Park City, UT (2016)
- ABA Annual Institute on Securities Fraud, New Orleans (November 2012)
- ABA Annual Institute on Securities Fraud, New Orleans (November 2015)
- “Thorny Disclosure Issues,” AELC Annual Program, Atlanta, GA (October 2012)
- “America’s Got Ethics,” 2012 Fall Retreat of Federal Bar Council, Skytop, PA (September 2012)