As co-chair of the Securities Enforcement and Litigation group, Molly, a former Securities and Exchange Commission prosecutor, brings her seasoned trial and trial preparation skills to a range of clients in complex commercial litigation and government, regulatory and criminal investigation matters.
In her government role, Molly prosecuted cases in all areas of federal securities enforcement, including accounting fraud, offering fraud, options backdating and market-timing. She also conducted investigations of securities laws violations, including complex financial fraud and insider trading. During her tenure at the SEC her legal skill and acumen were recognized by her receipt of the Director’s and Chairman’s Awards for Excellence.
In private practice, she has represented investment companies, broker-dealers, and individuals in investigations conducted by various regulators, including the SEC, FINRA, and the California Department of Business Oversight. Molly also has substantial experience conducting internal investigations for corporations.
In addition to her government regulatory and investigation practice, Molly represents business clients in a range of different types of commercial litigation. She has tried to verdict several large cases, including misappropriation of likeness, breach of contract, antitrust, and securities fraud cases.
Molly served as a law clerk to Stephen Trott on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Member of trial team that defended a large retail chain in a jury trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, in which a model alleged misappropriation of his likeness.
Lead trial counsel in four-week bench trial in the Southern District of Florida against eight registered representatives charged with making false representations and selling unsuitable securities in connection with their sales of collateral mortgage obligation derivatives to retail brokerage customers.
Lead trial counsel in bench trial in the Southern District of California against subprime lender charged with securities fraud.
EnforcementRepresented broker-dealer in SEC investigation concerning the disclosure of financial adviser compensation.
Represented issuer of securities in securities fraud investigation by SEC.
Represented prominent, early Bitcoin adopter in settlement with SEC.
Represented numerous executives in SEC investigations concerning potential insider trading and/or securities fraud.
InvestigationsConducted internal investigation of financial institution concerning potential AML issues.
Conducted internal investigation concerning potential sales practice issues.
Conducted internal investigation concerning potential churning and suitability issues involving financial advisers.
Executive Committee, Red Mass for the Saint Thomas More Society
Member, American Bar Association
Member, California State Bar, Litigation Section
Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
Member, Women’s Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
Member, Women’s White Collar Defense Association
Named to "Southern California Super Lawyers," Business Litigation, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2018-2020
Director’s Award, Securities and Exchange Commission, 2008
Chairman’s Award for Excellence, Securities and Exchange Commission, Senior Initiatives Team, 2007
Lawyer of the Year, Constitutional Rights Foundation, 1997