Experience
Trials, investigations, enforcement defense, and cross-border recovery. Filter by practice, industry, jurisdiction, or outcome.
Speaking & Events
Counseled a subject of a parallel SEC and U.S. Attorney's Office securities investigation, negotiating a settlement of disgorgement exposure with the SEC receiver.
Selected through a competitive process as lead counsel for a U.S. state agency in a False Claims Act investigation brought by the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ alleged the agency introduced bias into a federal benefits program's quality-control process, resulting in false quality-control data and unentitled performance bonuses. The government's demand exceeded $40 million, reflecting the treble damages and per-claim civil penalties available under the False Claims Act. The matter resolved for $17.5 million, a fraction of the government's original demand; Mr. Fridman signed the settlement agreement on behalf of the agency (DOJ Press Release No. 21-647, July 12, 2021).
Represented a company and its principal in an SEC enforcement matter alleging $1.2 million in investor fraud through false press releases; handled pre-filing settlement negotiations.
Represented an individual and a related family trust in an SEC enforcement action arising from an investment program that allegedly raised more than $500 million from investors. The trust was placed into receivership in August 2021; the individual settled the matter in November 2022.
As co-trial counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Soto litigated a $300 million accounting-fraud enforcement action. After the SEC obtained partial summary judgment, the defendants settled for more than $50 million in disgorgement and penalties.
Represented a chief executive in a Florida Office of Financial Regulation investigation into the sale of more than $100 million in viatical settlements alleged to be unregistered securities.