Ari M. Selman has broad-based experience in complex commercial matters and internal investigations, with a particular emphasis on banks and financial services firms. Ari’s practice focuses on business disputes arising from corporate transactions and contractual breaches, and related federal appeals. Ari also regularly advises clients in connection with complex securities litigation, as well as investigations and enforcement actions brought by a wide range of regulators, including the Department of Justice, State Attorneys General, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Extended Profile
Previously, Ari clerked for Judge Marjorie Rendell of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and Judge Barbara Lynn of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
selected representations
Federal Appeals
Represented financial company in appeal before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in case involving construction of state labor statute
Represented large commercial tenant before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in case involving novel bankruptcy and real property issues
Successfully defended before the Second Circuit dismissal of all state law and federal securities claims brought against multinational equipment manufacturer
Complex Commercial Disputes
Secured dismissal of fraud, breach of contract, negligence, and tortious interference claims at trial level and on appeal on behalf of major equipment manufacturer
Secured dismissal of qui tam suit brought under the FCA against major retail pharmacy
Represented advertiser in connection with dispute arising from breach of asset purchase agreement
Represented major retail pharmacy in various qui tam litigation alleging overbilling of State Medicaid and Medicare Part D programs
Represented generic drug manufacturer in connection with breach of asset sale agreement
Represented commercial tenant in dispute arising from claimed breach of long-term lease
Represented not-for-profit entity in suit alleging defalcations by cemetery owner and operator
Advised large international online retailer in connection with commercial dispute with domestic supplier
Represented power company in valuation dispute involving exotic swap products
Government and Internal Investigations & Enforcement Actions
Represent Fortune 500 company in government investigation of alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Represented large technology company in connection with government investigation of allegedly prohibited sales
Secured dismissal of qui tam action against Fortune 500 company alleging violations of Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and FHA regulations
Secured dismissal of qui tam action against major retail pharmacy in alleging overbilling of State and federal Medicaid programs
Successfully resolve investigation by Department of Justice into alleged violations of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act by institutional lender
Conducted internal investigation into potential violations of FCPA by international consultants of large services company
Assessed FCPA risks associated with potential private equity target
Securities Litigation
Represent financial services company in connection with one of the largest, alleged global Ponzi pyramid schemes ever perpetrated
Represented auditor in securities fraud action commenced by shareholders of allegedly sham foreign corporation
Represented telecommunications company in multi-billion dollar securities case, brought by allegedly-defrauded investors under Rule 10b-5 and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act
Represented large construction materials company at trial in connection with hostile-takeover litigation
Represented large financial services company in mortgage-backed securities litigation
Bankruptcy-Related Trials & Litigation
Represented cable company at successful trial in connection with fraudulent conveyance action commenced by the debtor
Represented Ad Hoc Equity Committee in connection with contested confirmation hearing on manufacturer’s proposed reorganization plan
Represented large financial services company in $500 million dispute with Lehman Brothers entity involving swap transactions
Represented company in connection with swap and set-off dispute with Lehman Brothers entity
Education
Cornell Law School, 2007, Juris Doctor, cum laude (concentration in advocacy)
Yale University, 2002, Bachelor of Arts
Admissions
New York
US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
US Court of Appeals Second Circuit
US District Court for the Eastern District of New York
US District Court for the Southern District of New York
Awards and Affiliations
Ranked, "Rising Star," New York Super Lawyers (2017, 2018)
Recipient of Safe Haven Award from Immigration Equality for outstanding asylum victory
Editor-in-Chief, Cornell International Law Journal (past)
Honors Writing Fellow, Cornell Law School
Teaching Assistant, Environmental Law, Science and Sustainability, Cornell Law School
President, Environmental Law Society, Cornell Law School (past)
First Place, Cuccia Cup Moot Court Tournament
CALI Awards (top grade in multiple courses)
Law Student Legal Ethics Award, essay awarded first prize by Cornell Law School (Winner 2006)