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SEC Dismisses Complaint Against Former Chief Financial Officer of View, Inc. Vidul Prakash

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Today, Vidul Prakash, the former Chief Financial Officer of smart glass manufacturer View, Inc., won full dismissal of a suit...

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Today, Vidul Prakash, the former Chief Financial Officer of smart glass manufacturer View, Inc., won full dismissal of a suit brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, representing a complete vindication for Mr. Prakash.In July 2023, the SEC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Mr. Prakash alleging negligence-based claims arising from View’s accounting for defective products. The SEC filed a settled administrative proceeding against View concurrently.During discovery, the defense developed powerful evidence supporting the correctness of View’s accounting for defective products. Trial was scheduled to commence on February 23, 2026.On February 27, 2026, the SEC filed a stipulation dismissing its case against Mr. Prakash with prejudice. “We are pleased that this matter has been resolved,” said Craig Martin, partner, Morrison Foerster LLP. “The dismissal affirms what we have said all along:  Vidul Prakash always acted appropriately and with integrity.”Mr. Prakash is represented by Morrison Foerster. The Morrison Foerster team includes Wil Frentzen, Craig Martin, Nicole Serfoss, Ryan Keats, and James Hancock. Mr. Prakash is also represented by Joseph M. Alioto, Jr. of Alioto Legal and Georgina Wakefield of Larson LLP.

SEC Dismisses Complaint Against Former Chief Financial Officer of View, Inc. Vidul Prakash

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William Frentzen, an accomplished trial lawyer who formerly served as chief of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California (NDCA), is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s Trial and Investigations + White Collar Defense Groups.William represents companies and their executives in internal and government investigations, white collar criminal defense matters, and parallel civil litigation related to allegations of corporate fraud, securities fraud, public corruption, intellectual property crimes, crisis response related to cyber breaches, money laundering, healthcare fraud, digital currency crimes, tax crimes, cybercrime, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act violations, and environmental crimes, among others.Over the course of his career, William has successfully tried over 40 federal criminal and civil jury trials around the country, including some of the longest and most complex criminal cases in the NDCA. His trial capabilities were recognized through his appointment as senior trial counsel for the NDCA, a position created in acknowledgment of William’s unique ability to try cases. He has never lost a jury trial in which he served as first-chair. William’s trial experience includes securing conviction of a chief financial officer related to accounting and securities fraud charges arising out of the $11 billion sale of a software company, the largest fraud case in the history of the NDCA. He has also achieved several high-profile criminal resolutions, including the first-ever criminal prosecution for violating the Lobbying Disclosure Act against an infamous lobbyist and the conviction of two corrupt federal agents for stealing and extorting digital currency during their investigation of the Silk Road dark market website. He also served as an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley School of Law, where he taught civil trial practice.William has represented cryptocurrency platforms and other companies through exploit and cybersecurity attacks and asset recovery, including representing a company through the largest digital asset recovery in decentralized finance history. He also serves as an advisor for the capital fund of Haun Ventures, an investment firm focused on web3 ventures, tokens, and projects related to blockchain technology, digital currency, and crypto assets.Before joining MoFo, William spent over 20 years at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he most recently served as chief of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Unit for NDCA. Prior to that he served as chief of the Corporate Fraud Strike Force, as senior trial counsel, and as chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force for that office, and he also developed and supervised the country’s first cryptocurrency crime coordinator position within a U.S. Attorney’s Office. William has also served as an assistant United States attorney (AUSA) in the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Columbia and the Southern District of Georgia and as associate independent counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel.Since joining private practice, William has been recognized by leading industry and business publications, including Financial Times, which named him a “Commended Individual” in the Innovative Lawyers in Cyber Security & Data Protection category of its 2023 North America Innovative Lawyers report. He was recognized for his role in negotiating the return of nearly $200 million in digital assets for Euler, three weeks after these assets were stolen, completing one of the largest recoveries in decentralized finance history. Further, William was named to Daily Journal’s 2024 list of Leading Commercial Litigators relating to the successful handling of multiple civil litigation matters, including a jury trial victory, two granted summary judgment motions, and his work on the Euler matter mentioned above.William also received numerous awards for his exceptional trial work at DOJ, including, among others, the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award, the DOJ Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Criminal AUSA, and the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence, in addition to various other awards and commendations from federal and state agencies. He was also recognized as a California Attorney of the Year by The Recorder following a five-month racketeering jury trial.Throughout his time as a prosecutor, William has coordinated with a variety of state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), among others. He has also worked with numerous global law enforcement agencies, including INTERPOL, Europol, the UK Serious Fraud Office, and the UK National Crime Agency, among others.William received his J.D. cum laude from Tulane Law School, where he also received a certificate in environmental law, and his B.A. from New College of the University of South Florida.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><h5>Private Litigation Experience</h5><ul><li>Obtained a rare jury verdict in a Clean Water Act trial in the Central District of California involving allegations of years of runoff into navigable waters, applying a recent Supreme Court decision regarding pollution point sources.</li><li>Obtained a complete defense victory through summary judgment for a leading transportation technology company against a prominent venture capital fund that alleged fraud and contractual interference.</li><li>Secured a favorable settlement after jury selection in a trial for a major biosciences company and founders, executives, and board members in a lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court alleging fraud, breach of contract, and tortious interference claims, which sought damages of $400–700 million.</li><li>Negotiated the return of more than $220 million in digital assets for a leading decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, three weeks after these assets were stolen, completing one of the largest recoveries in DeFi history.</li><li>Representing OpenAI and two current executives in a claim for breach of contract, promissory estoppel, breach of fiduciary duty, and unfair competition brought by Elon Musk.</li><li>Representation of a DeFicrypto exchange in relation to a major exploit resulting in the misappropriation of over $110 million, including negotiating return of most of the funds; assisting in identifying the attacker, leading to his conviction; and bringing a lawsuit against the attacker for return of remaining funds.</li><li>Representation of a technology company through discovery and repair of a defect that could have been exploited to adversely impact customers and result in litigation but was handled in a manner avoiding any impact to customers.</li><li>Negotiated the safe return of Tigran Gambaryan, a former decorated IRS Criminal Investigations agent who was unlawfully lured, detained, and prosecuted by the Nigerian government. The matter involved coordination with local counsel in Nigeria as well as other law firms and entities in the United States to raise awareness of his detention, bring pressure for his release, craft his legal strategy and trial defense, and pursue legal recourse against those who unlawfully detained him. All charges were dismissed against the client.</li><li>Representation of technology company against allegations of false advertising by City Attorney’s Offices. Representation concluded without any claims being brought against the client.</li><li>Representation of companies and executives through investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice. Representations concluded without charges being brought against the client.</li><li>Representation of companies and executives in regulatory investigations and cases investigated and brought by the CFTC and the SEC.</li><li>Representation of companies through investigations by state and local law enforcement.</li><li>Representation of companies in highly sensitive matters involving internal fraud investigations and involuntary and negotiated departures of the chief executive and other senior officers.</li></ul><h5>Government Experience</h5><ul><li>Brought accounting and securities fraud charges against a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and founder arising out of the $11 billion sale of a software company, which led to the conviction of the chief financial officer and became the largest fraud case in the history of NDCA.</li><li>Brought money laundering, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and operating an unlicensed money exchange charges against an unregistered digital currency exchange, BTC-e, and its primary operator. Brought novel charges for the infamous hack of the Mt. Gox cryptocurrency exchange.</li><li>Seized billions of dollars in digital currency, one of the largest seizures in U.S. history, related to the Silk Road digital black-market platform.</li><li>Brought money laundering, computer intrusion, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges against the perpetrators of a major cyber breach involving VIP customer accounts of a large social networking service and cryptocurrency fraud. This was one of the most rapidly investigated and charged cyber incidents of recent times.</li><li>Conducted an investigation into conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to distribute narcotics into the largest and longest-running darknet market, Hydra Market, which accounted for approximately 80% of all cryptocurrency transactions on the darknet generally.</li><li>Brought securities fraud charges against an online cryptocurrency investment manager and its principal related to a fraudulent investment scheme valued at $20 million.</li><li>Brought theft of trade secrets charges against the chief engineer of a multinational transportation company regarding the misappropriation of self-driving vehicle technology.</li><li>Brought public corruption charges against the heads of various municipal and public utilities operations in California.</li><li>Brought bribery and honest services charges against a California state senator and organized crime and RICO charges in one of the most significant organized crime cases in history, involving the infamous Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow.</li></ul><h4>Memberships</h4><ul><li>The Bar Association of San Francisco, Criminal Law Section, Executive Committee Member</li></ul>

William Frentzen

Partner

Craig Martin serves as chair of Morrison Foerster’s Investigations + White Collar Defense and Sustainability + Corporate Responsibility practice groups.Craig has led dozens of internal investigations, often on behalf of audit and special committees. Though Craig most frequently assists with matters involving complex financial accounting and reporting issues, his investigations have covered a broad range of subjects, including corporate disclosures, commercial practices, scientific misconduct, commercial and foreign bribery, and misuse of company assets, among many others.In addition, Craig represents issuers involved in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations. Craig’s clients span various industries, including technology, healthcare and life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, real estate, and agriculture. Craig has obtained excellent results for clients, often in the wake of a serious financial accounting misstatements or disclosure failures.Craig also serves as personal counsel to executives and directors in government and internal investigations. Attuned to the scrutiny that corporate executives can face in the wake of a business setback, Craig has helped CEOs, CFOs, and general counsel successfully navigate parallel SEC, DOJ, and internal investigations.Clients have consistently praised Craig for his sound judgment, investigative experience, pragmatism, and credibility. Craig is regularly recognized by leading industry publications such as Legal 500 US in its Corporate Investigations and White Collar Defense category and Chambers USA’s (California) Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations category. Clients describe Craig as “experienced, poised and patient,” “extremely sophisticated and able to distill key elements down to the basics and clearly explain legal concepts in a business and layman-friendly fashion,” and “extremely smart and focused.” He is recognized as “a superstar in the Bay Area for internal investigations” and is known for “being a straightshooter” with “a great team to support investigations.” Craig has also been named to Securities Docket’s “Enforcement Elite,” which recognizes the best securities enforcement defense lawyers in the business.In addition to representing clients, Craig served for a decade as a Firmwide Managing Partner at Morrison Foerster (2012-2022).Craig was an enforcement attorney in the SEC’s San Francisco office from 1999 to 2002. During his tenure at the SEC, he worked closely with attorneys and investigators from DOJ on both financial accounting fraud and insider trading matters. Of particular note, Craig led one of the largest insider trading cases in SEC history, in which 15 individuals were charged with illegal trading.Craig is a leading commentator on internal investigation procedures, securities litigation and enforcement, corporate governance, and compliance, and has been quoted in publications such as the Daily Journal, The Recorder, and GC Magazine. He has also been invited to speak on those topics by prominent industry organizations including the Securities Enforcement Forum, the Practising Law Institute, the Institute for Corporate Counsel, the Institute of Internal Auditors, the National Society of Compliance Professionals, and the Association of Corporate Counsel, among others.Craig earned his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley. He received his J.D. from Stanford Law School, where he was an associate editor of The Stanford Law Review.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><ul><li>Engaged by corporate boards and management of major clients to lead investigations concerning allegations of accounting, disclosure, and commercial misconduct, including:</li><ul><li>Software company, investigating allegations of non-GAAP financial reporting misstatements.</li><li>Infrastructure construction company, investigating allegations of accounting fraud.</li><li>Software company, investigating alleged violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act.</li><li>Pharmaceutical company, investigating allegations of scientific misconduct.</li><li>Data infrastructure company, investigating allegations of financial accounting fraud.</li><li>Medical device company, investigating allegations of improper disclosures concerning defective products.</li><li>Electronics manufacturer, investigating allegations that it misled customers and violated the financial terms of contracts.</li><li>Transport network company, investigating allegations of financial accounting misconduct and whistleblower retaliation.</li><li>Cloud-based communications company, investigating allegations of financial accounting fraud.</li><li>Venture capital firm, investigating allegations that the performance of portfolio companies had been misrepresented.</li><li>Healthcare technology company, investigating allegations of financial accounting fraud, false disclosures, and commercial bribery.</li><li>Retailer, concerning allegations that finance executives had engaged in accounting misconduct.</li><li>Software company, investigating allegations of financial accounting improprieties and misstated results.</li><li>Network infrastructure company, investigating allegations of accounting fraud.</li><li>Automobile parts manufacturer, investigating allegations of accounting fraud and diversion of company assets.</li><li>Physical security company, investigating allegations of executive misuse of company funds.</li><li>Medical device company, investigating allegations of improper sales practices.</li><li>Computer networking company, investigating allegations of financial accounting fraud.</li><li>Computer hardware, networking, semiconductor, and financial companies, investigating stock option granting practices.</li></ul><li>Represented issuers in SEC and DOJ investigations, including:</li><ul><li>Semiconductor company in SEC and DOJ investigations regarding allegations of financial accounting and disclosure misconduct. The DOJ closed its investigation without taking action against our client, and the SEC resolved the matter on favorable terms.</li><li>Alternative energy company in an SEC investigation regarding the company’s accounting and reporting practices. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Enterprise software company in an SEC investigation regarding alleged revenue accounting improprieties and violations of the company’s code of ethics. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Enterprise software company in an SEC investigation following a multi-year restatement. The SEC resolved the case on favorable terms.</li><li>Real estate company in an SEC investigation concerning allegations of misuse of company funds and workplace misconduct. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Alternative energy company in an SEC investigation following an accounting restatement. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Web services provider in SEC and DOJ investigations concerning disclosures following a cybersecurity incident. The DOJ closed its investigation without taking action against our client, and the SEC resolved the matter on favorable terms.</li><li>Technology services provider in connection with an SEC investigation concerning a cybersecurity disclosure. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Retailer in an SEC investigation following an accounting restatement. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Cloud computing company in an SEC investigation concerning disclosures following a cybersecurity incident. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Biopesticide company in an SEC investigation concerning financial accounting improprieties and a restatement. The SEC resolved the case on favorable terms.</li><li>Carrier in an investigation regarding alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery statutes in China, elsewhere in Asia, and Latin America. The SEC and DOJ took no action against our client.</li><li>Cybersecurity firm in an SEC investigation concerning disclosures regarding a cybersecurity incident. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Network infrastructure company in an SEC investigation regarding alleged accounting improprieties following a significant restatement. The SEC resolved the matter on favorable terms.</li><li>Retailer in an SEC investigation into alleged accounting irregularities following the company’s restatement. The SEC resolved the case on favorable terms.</li><li>Pharmaceutical distributor and its executives in connection with an SEC accounting investigation. The SEC took no action against our client.</li></ul><li>Represented executives in SEC, DOJ, and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) investigations, including:</li><ul><li>Former Chief Financial Officer of a smart glass manufacturer, Vidul Prakash, in an SEC lawsuit alleging negligence-based claims arising from the company’s accounting for defective products. Shortly before trial, the SEC dismissed the case against Mr. Prakash with prejudice.</li><li>Chief Financial Officer in connection with SEC investigation concerning IPO projections. The SEC did not charge our client.</li><li>Chief Financial Officer in connection with an SEC investigation following a technology company’s financial accounting restatement. The SEC did not charge our client.</li><li>Chief Accounting Officer in connection with an SEC investigation after a technology manufacturing company’s restatement. The SEC did not charge our client.</li><li>General Counsel and Acting CFO in connection with an SEC investigation following a software company’s restatement. The SEC did not charge our client.</li><li>General Counsel in connection with a SEC and DOJ investigations following employee benefit administration company’s restatement, disclosures, and representations to auditors. Neither the DOJ nor the SEC charged our client.</li><li>General Counsel in connection with an audit committee investigation concerning cybersecurity company’s accounting and disclosure practices. The SEC took no action against our client.</li><li>Chief Executive Officer in connection with an SEC investigation into alleged misuse of company funds. The SEC resolved the matter on favorable terms.</li><li>Multiple CEOs, CFOs, COOs, general counsel, and other executives in connection with various stock option investigations conducted by the SEC, DOJ, and boards of directors. No action was taken against our clients.</li><li>Executives in numerous insider trading investigations conducted by the SEC, DOJ, and/or FINRA.</li></ul><li>Represented bank, investment advisor, and broker-dealer clients in SEC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FINRA, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, DOJ, and private litigation matters relating to the credit crisis and mortgage‑backed securities.</li></ul>

Craig Martin

Nicole Serfoss is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s Securities Litigation and Investigations + White Collar Defense groups and co-chairs its Securities Enforcement practice.Nicole has two decades of experience representing clients in SEC enforcement matters, corporate internal investigations, securities class actions, and shareholder derivative suits. She represents companies, officers, and directors in a wide range of matters involving alleged accounting and disclosure issues. She also frequently assists audit and special committees with investigations following allegations of corporate misconduct.Nicole was named to Securities Docket’s “Enforcement Elite” list in 2025 and has also been recognized as a “Colorado Rising Star” by Super Lawyers. She has tried over a dozen cases as a special prosecutor in the Denver City Attorney’s Municipal Court Trial Advocacy Program. She is also committed to pro bono service and has received the Wiley W. Manuel award for pro bono legal services.Nicole received her B.A. in history from UCLA, magna cum laude, and graduated Order of the Coif from the University of Colorado School of Law. After law school, she clerked for the Honorable Jose D.L. Marquez of the Colorado Court of Appeals.Nicole is an active member of the Colorado legal community, including membership in the Women’s White Collar Defense Association and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><ul><li>Represented the former CFO of a smart glass manufacturer, Vidul Prakash, in an SEC lawsuit alleging negligence-based claims arising from the company’s accounting for defective products. Shortly before trial, the SEC dismissed the case against Mr. Prakash with prejudice.</li><li>Represented the audit committee of a large, multinational software corporation in an internal investigation into allegations raised by a former employee regarding certain non-GAAP accounting practices.</li><li>Represented Farmland Partners and its CEO and CFO in a federal securities fraud class action in the District of Colorado. Won summary judgment dismissing all claims against our clients. Won motion to dismiss a related derivative action in Maryland state court with prejudice.</li><li>Represented more than two dozen audit and special committees in internal investigations resulting from whistleblower complaints alleging accounting and disclosure issues.</li><li>Represented a Fortune 500 company in an SEC investigation following the company’s announcement of the then-largest data breach in history. Negotiated a favorable consent order with the SEC.</li><li>Represented a Fortune 500 company in an SEC investigation after a high-profile data security incident. Following document production and witness testimony, the matter was closed without any enforcement action.</li><li>Represented Boulder Brands in three lawsuits: a shareholder securities class action in which the district court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss with prejudice, a related derivative action that was voluntarily dismissed, and a separate shareholder merger challenge settled based upon disclosure updates.</li><li>Defended Crocs and certain of its officers and directors in a securities class action and derivative litigation matter. Won dismissal of federal securities class action against Crocs and individual defendants with prejudice.</li><li>Represented a former CFO in a settlement of securities litigation, derivative litigation, and a related SEC investigation.</li><li>Represented a Fortune 500 company in a Regulation FD inquiry by the SEC. The matter was closed without enforcement action.</li><li>Represented a company operating a national person-to-person lending platform in investigations conducted by the SEC and dozens of states. Successfully negotiated a settlement of all actions on favorable terms for company.</li></ul>

Nicole K. Serfoss

Chair of the firm’s Securities Litigation Group, Ryan Keats represents companies and their officers and directors in securities class actions, SEC investigations, shareholder derivative lawsuits, and other high-stakes litigation.Ryan represents issuers facing disputes with their shareholders in state and federal courts across the country. His representations routinely include securities class actions, derivative lawsuits, securities fraud allegations, insider trading claims, and shareholder books and records demands. Ryan’s practice is complemented by his representation of issuers and executives in connection with internal investigations and government inquiries, as well as in litigation brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other government regulators. Ryan is sought after for his ability to prevail on motions to dismiss, at summary judgment, on the merits, and on appeal.Ryan draws on his litigation experience to advise companies and their executives regarding anticipated adverse disclosures so that they can mitigate the risks before disputes arise. His clients come from a broad range of industries, including artificial intelligence, computer software, consumer products, energy, financial services, life sciences, and manufacturing.Ryan is the current chair of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Litigation Section and a fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He is also a Lecturer in Law at Stanford Law School, teaching “Complex Litigation Through a Securities Lens” in Spring 2026. Ryan is a Trustee of the Bay Area Discovery Museum. He also maintains an active pro bono docket, representing individuals in connection with life-changing legal issues.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><h5>Securities Class Actions</h5><ul><li>Cloudera and certain of its officers and directors in securities class actions in California federal and state court. Won motion to dismiss in federal court, which was upheld on appeal. Won motion for summary judgment as to all claims in state court.</li><li>Former CFO in a securities class action and SEC lawsuit arising out of accounting restatement.</li><li>LeapFrog in a securities class action relating to a product launch and accounting disclosures.</li><li>RH and certain of its executives in a securities class action relating to the launch of a new product line and its inventory levels.</li></ul><h5>Shareholder Derivative Actions</h5><ul><li>Fitbit and certain of its directors and officers in connection with a shareholder derivative suit in the Delaware Court of Chancery. Following a successful bifurcation motion prioritizing discovery into plaintiffs’ standing, negotiated a settlement on favorable terms.</li><li>Hortonworks and certain of its directors and officers in connection with a shareholder derivative suit in the Delaware Court of Chancery. Won motion to dismiss with prejudice.</li><li>Zynga and certain of its directors and officers in connection with a shareholder derivative suit on appeal to the Delaware Supreme Court.</li></ul><h5>Deal Litigation</h5><ul><li>SoftBank Group Corp. in lawsuits brought by WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann and a special committee of WeWork’s board of directors seeking $3 billion in damages. Plaintiffs alleged that SoftBank improperly failed to close a tender offer for WeWork shares and alleged that SoftBank breached fiduciary duties owed to other WeWork stockholders. The novel, high-profile case was litigated on a compressed schedule, with trial set less than a year after the complaint was filed. The parties settled two weeks before trial, and the settlement helped pave the way for WeWork’s go-public transaction through a SPAC merger.</li><li>Leading financial institution in successfully defending against breach of contract claims arising from a spinout transaction. Secured a complete defense victory following a two-week arbitration hearing.</li></ul><h5>Government Investigations</h5><ul><li>Chief Financial Officer in connection with SEC investigation concerning IPO projections. The SEC did not charge our client.</li><li>Telecommunications company in anti-bribery investigations involving the company’s activities in Europe and the Middle East. The SEC and Department of Justice (DOJ) did not charge the client.</li></ul>

Ryan Keats

James Hancock is a partner in the Litigation Department in Morrison Foerster’s Palo Alto office. His practice focuses on securities class actions, shareholder litigation, corporate governance, intellectual property, and complex commercial disputes.James represents clients across a range of industries, including high technology and life sciences. His recent experience includes ten trial teams for cases in federal court, state court, and international arbitration. James is also involved in the firm’s pro bono practice, including successful class actions on behalf of veterans seeking medical treatment for their participation in chemical and biological testing programs conducted by the U.S. military, and on behalf of foster parents in Hawaiʻi resulting in more than $80 million in benefits.James received his J.D. cum laude from the Georgetown University Law Center. During law school, he served as a legal intern for the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, and as a judicial extern for the Honorable James A. Teilborg in the U.S. District Court of Arizona. He received his B.A. in political science from Stanford University.<h4>Representative Matters </h4><ul><li>In re Hawaii Island Air Inc. (District of Hawaiʻi) Represented directors and investors in a five-week jury trial related to the bankruptcy of an airline, in which our clients prevailed on every claim before the jury.</li><li>In re Cloudera Inc. Securities Litigation (California State Court) Represented Cloudera and its directors in securities class actions, in which our clients prevailed on summary judgment.</li><li>ACP Master, Ltd. v. Sprint Corporation (Delaware Chancery Court) Represented SoftBank Corporation in breach of fiduciary duty and appraisal litigation, in which SoftBank prevailed in a two-week trial regarding Sprint’s merger with Clearwire.</li><li>Micrel LLC v. Zinn (California Superior Court) Second chair in a trial successfully defending a former executive against claims for breach of contract.</li><li>Zilincik v. Tesla Motors Inc. (California Superior Court) Part of a team in a six-week trial for breach of contract claims involving employee stock options, on behalf of the defendant.</li><li>Smartphone Litigation Represented the plaintiff in a high-profile smartphone case, resulting in a jury verdict of $539 million.</li><li>Amgen Inc., et al. v. Sandoz Inc., et al. (Northern District of California) Represented the defendant in patent litigation in federal district court, where our client prevailed on summary judgment of noninfringement for its biosimilar pharmaceutical product.</li><li>Saints Capital Everest LLC v. Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (JAMS Arbitration) Defended the respondent in claims seeking over $400 million in damages in connection with the acquisition of InnFocus, Inc. The parties reached a favorable settlement shortly before the final hearing.</li><li>Haldor Topsøe A/S, et al. v. Umicore Catalyst USA, LLC (SCC Arbitration) Represented plaintiffs in federal district court and international arbitration, prosecuting trade secret misappropriation claims against former employees and their new employer. The parties reached a favorable settlement shortly before the final hearing.</li></ul>

James Hancock

Investigations + White Collar Defense

Securities Enforcement

Securities Litigation