IRVINE, CA, January 31, 2011: Morgan Lewis today announced that Robert E. Gooding, Jr. and Scott B. Garner—two litigators who handle complex commercial, securities and white collar defense matters—will join the firm as partners in its litigation practice, resident in Irvine. Both focus on complex business litigation and will be joined by four associates who previously worked with them at another AmLaw 100 firm, where Mr. Gooding was co-chair of the Securities Litigation, White Collar and Government Enforcement practice.
"Bob and Scott will help us build our complex litigation presence on the West Coast-particularly in Southern California-and add depth to our commercial, securities, and white collar capabilities nationwide," noted Jami McKeon, leader of the Litigation Practice at Morgan Lewis. "We are excited to welcome them to the team."
Mr. Gooding has experience in all phases of trial and appellate practice in state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings in California and throughout the United States. He has defended corporations, officers, and directors in securities class actions and derivative litigation; represented corporations and individuals in regulatory and enforcement proceedings before the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies; represented special board committees and audit committees in internal investigations; represented clients in defense of professional liability cases against lawyers and accountants; and represented clients in antitrust and trade practices litigation.
Mr. Garner's practice has a particular emphasis in the area of professional liability. He also has experience in all phases of trial and appellate practice, as well as in arbitration and mediation-including in the areas of patent law, securities litigation, hospital and healthcare law, and toxic tort. Mr. Garner's recent experience includes representing a number of large and mid-size law firms, as well as individual attorneys in cases around the country involving claims of legal malpractice, fraud, and ethical violations arising from both their litigation and transaction practices.
The associates joining them at Morgan Lewis are Jennifer Bagosy, Shawn Kennedy, Jared Kirkwood and Todd Smith.