John M. Vassos

Partner

With a focus on securities litigation, John M. Vassos counsels clients involved in complex litigation. He has experience in both US federal trial and appellate courts, and represents clients in arbitrations. John counsels broker-dealers and their employees in governmental, self-regulatory organization, and state securities commission investigations and proceedings. Additionally, John litigates commercial cases that involve contracts, accounting, bankruptcy, intellectual property, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). On behalf of his clients, John also conducts internal practice reviews and investigations.

selected representations

Currently representing a national bank in connection with two securities class actions arising out of investments in various residential mortgaged-back securities.
Obtained a dismissal of all claims on behalf of our client, a large refining, distribution and marketing joint venture, in the US District Court, Southern District of New York in an action for breach of contract.
Obtained a favorable settlement on behalf of our client, a global banking and financial services company and its related entities, in multidistrict litigation alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, Section 36(b) of the Investment Company Act and asserting various state law claims arising out of the alleged market timing of various open-end mutual funds.
Obtained a dismissal of all claims after a six-week jury trial on behalf of our client, a leading global financial services firm, in the Supreme Court of New York in an action for breach of contract involving disputed payments under agreements for insuring motion picture performance.
Obtained a favorable settlement in a breach of contract arbitration on behalf of our client, a utility and local government consulting firm.

Education

Columbia University, 1982, A.B.
Fordham University School of Law, 1985, J.D.

Admissions

New York

Awards and Affiliations

Member, American Bar Association, Litigation Section

Member, Association of the Bar of the City of New York