Facing the SEC can be a daunting experience for any company, but having the right legal team can make all the difference. That's why it's so significant that Baker McKenzie partners Peter Chan and Jerome Thomas have been recognized as leaders in securities enforcement defense.
Securities Docket has included both Peter Chan and Jerome Thomas in its prestigious 2025 Enforcement Elite list. This list spotlights the industry's top securities enforcement defense counsel, the legal experts who are essential when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) comes calling. These are the lawyers you want on your side when facing high-stakes issues.
Peter K.M. Chan brings a wealth of experience to the table, representing public companies, financial firms, and various organizations in litigation, investigations, and regulatory actions led by federal agencies. He's also a trusted advisor on compliance and regulatory matters impacting the municipal securities markets and investments by public pensions and other institutions. But here's where it gets interesting: Peter is a leading expert in guiding companies and outside auditors through SEC inquiries related to financial restatements and disclosures. His background includes over two decades at the SEC, where he held national leadership positions within the Enforcement Division. This insider knowledge gives him a unique perspective.
Jerome Thomas, co-chair of the North America Government Enforcement practice group, is another key player at Baker McKenzie. He represents multinational companies facing government investigations and conducts internal investigations to address legal and compliance issues both domestically and globally. Jerome has extensive experience representing clients in government litigation and enforcement investigations before the SEC, DOJ, and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. And this is the part most people miss: He's a former member of the SEC Division of Enforcement’s Cyberforce, the agency's unit focused on internet and cyber fraud.
Baker McKenzie's Investigations & White-Collar Crime group is notable for its team of former US Department of Justice prosecutors, state prosecutors, SEC, and other regulators. This team has extensive experience assisting companies and financial institutions in cross-border investigations. They also represent corporations, officers, and directors in criminal investigations and prosecutions, providing advice on SEC disclosure, self-reporting, corporate governance, and internal controls. The group also defends clients in class actions and other suits that often follow criminal allegations.
This recognition of Peter Chan and Jerome Thomas highlights Baker McKenzie's strength in navigating the complex world of securities enforcement. What do you think about the importance of having experienced legal counsel in these situations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
