Securities Litigation

Wilson Sonsini’s securities litigation practice is characterized by a unique and sophisticated understanding of our clients’ businesses. This understanding allows us to execute creative, aggressive strategies in litigation. We have built a reputation as one of the top securities defense firms in the country, and have defended cases in more than 30 states and in all of the federal courts. Between 1999 and May 2022, Wilson Sonsini defended companies in 270 federal securities class actions.

We have also represented companies, their directors, and officers in other closely related types of litigation, including shareholder derivative lawsuits alleging breaches of fiduciary duties, and formal and informal investigations before the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies. We have defended virtually every conceivable type of securities class action, including cases involving alleged financial fraud, new drugs and medical devices, defective products, and financial forecasts.

In addition to representing clients throughout the technology and life sciences sectors, our securities litigation team has represented companies in other major industries, including aerospace and defense, consumer products, energy, and financial services.

Between 1996 and May 2022, we completely prevailed for our clients in 156 cases. During the same period the firm’s litigators successfully convinced plaintiffs’ lawyers to abandon 32 cases, won 124 motions to dismiss all claims with prejudice, and obtained complete summary judgment victories in 14 cases. Our winning percentage is significantly higher than the national average, based upon data published by NERA Economic Consulting. Our demonstrated and sustained ability to win cases across the country and in a wide variety of industries places us in a unique position among leading defense firms. In addition, our track record of success provides leverage that enables our clients to obtain favorable settlements.

See Securities Litigation Practice on wsgr.com

  • Client Highlight

    MacroGenics, Inc. 

    The Fourth Circuit affirmed dismissal of a securities class action filed against MacroGenics, Inc. and its CEO and CFO. The court stated “It would be a great disservice to stifle biopharmaceutical companies’ pursuit of medical advancements by failing to safeguard against an inundation of lawsuits alleging securities-law violations.”