Akin frequently acts for private investment funds, broker dealers, and public accounting firms in private litigation under federal securities and commodities laws. It is well versed in both securities litigation and regulatory enforcement actions, often handling both in parallel for the same client. Stephen M. Baldini and Douglas Rappaport lead the practice from New York. Baldini and key partner Neal Marder in Los Angeles both played important roles in the defense of Eastman Kodak Company in multiple derivative and securities class actions. Scott Barnard, who recently handled a high-stakes matter for AB Energy Opportunity Fund, is a key lawyer in Dallas. New York-based Uri Itkin is a seasoned trial lawyer with substantial experience in cases involving structured finance and investment funds.
Key clients
- Armistice Capital
- Acacia
- Lion Point Capital
- Antara Capital
- Highland
- Armistice
- Eastman Kodak
Work highlights
- Obtained an important win for Armistice Capital, LLC, and two fund principals. The court dismissed all claims with prejudice. Akin represents Armistice and two Armistice representatives who served on the board of Vaxart Inc., a biotech firm developing vaccine technology.
- Achieved an important victory for client, Acacia Research Corporation, in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. Plaintiff dismissed the action against Acacia following decision on two of Plaintiff’s motions, both denied by Vice Chancellor Cook.
- Representing Lion Point Capital LP, an investment firm, in litigation against Burger Fi International, Inc., over the default on a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”). Burger Fi’s predecessor was a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”). It’s sole purpose as a public company SPAC was to find and merge with a private operating company, thereby taking the private company public.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stephen Baldini, Douglas Rappaport