In a significant broadening of the firm’s government investigations capabilities, a trio of seasoned white collar and securities litigation partners have joined Stroock’s Litigation and Government Affairs and Regulatory Services (GARS) practice.
A nationally renowned SEC enforcement lawyer, Richard Morvillo joins in Washington, D.C., while partners Scott Morvillo, and Ellen Murphy will be based in New York. Each draws on vast experience before government agencies, lawmakers and regulatory bodies to counsel clients on complex civil and criminal investigations.
“Our clients will benefit greatly from the collective experience of Richard, Scott and Ellen with white collar cases, and particularly their work with securities and the financial services industry,” said Firm Co-Managing Partner Alan Klinger, who heads the GARS practice. “Their move deepens our securities, white collar and traditional litigation bench.”
The addition comes on the heels of M&A/Private Equity corporate partner Peter Rooney and Real Estate/Hospitality partner Michael Kosmas recently joining the firm, and further enhances the litigation practice after last year’s onboarding of partner Eric Aronson.
Richard Morvillo
Rich will lead Stroock’s White Collar & Investigations practice. A former branch chief with the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, he is a nationally recognized authority in SEC enforcement and other white collar matters. Rich has been a part of several high-profile cases, including securities matters involving Enron, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Liberty Media, Capital One and Prestige Brands.
He also represents corporations, corporate executives, brokerage firms, investment advisers, accounting firms, auditors, law firms, hedge funds and individual investors in matters involving investigations related to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, New York Stock Exchange, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, congressional oversight, state attorney general and grand jury inquiries. Rich received his B.A. from Colgate University and his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
Scott Morvillo
A former assistant united states attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Scott regularly represents clients before district courts and regulatory bodies, focusing on matters involving securities fraud, public corruption, bank fraud, bribery, wire and mail fraud, accounting fraud, health care fraud, insurance fraud and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Skilled in both criminal and civil complaints, Scott draws on his court experience to counsel clients on RICO and narcotics cases, money laundering, bank fraud and credit card fraud, among others. Scott received his B.A. from Colgate University and his J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law.
Ellen Murphy
Ellen’s practice centers on advising financial institutions, public and private companies, boards and executives in a variety of regulatory, criminal, internal and civil investigations and litigations, including extensive experience with both civil and criminal trials as well as mediations and arbitrations.
Ellen’s regulatory counsel to clients includes investigations by the Department of Justice, the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, State Attorney General Offices, State District Attorney Offices and other regulatory agencies. Ellen received her B.A. from the State University of New York Stony Brook and her J.D. magna cum laude from the St. John's University School of Law, where she served as Articles and Notes Editor for the St. John’s Law Review.
“We are excited to begin to work with Stroock’s White Collar & Investigations practice,” Rich Morvillo said. “The firm is highly regarded for its high-quality work and deep commitment to the best possible results for its clients and we look forward to expanding our reach with the Stroock platform.”