A former Securities and Exchange Commission prosecutor, Molly 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.
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.
Lead counsel in options backdating case against large semiconductor company in Southern California.
Member of trial team in complex breach of contract case between two large telecommunications corporations, involving more than 14 telecommunications contracts.
Member of trial team that represented a software company in a six-week breach of contract trial against the State of California, involving the state’s software for tracking child support payments. Obtained $46 million verdict for the software company.
Member of trial team representing a manufacturer of resettable fuses in an eight-week federal jury trial against competitor, involving antitrust and misappropriation of trade secrets issues.
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
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