Eric Lawson

Mr. Lawson’s practice includes defending corporate and individual clients in a variety of disputes. His recent work for clients includes:

• Representing Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation and certain current and former directors and officers in putative shareholder derivative actions in federal and state court in New Jersey, a putative securities class action in federal court in New Jersey, and various shareholder demand the Delaware Court of Chancery arising out of Cognizant's announcement of an internal investigation into whether certain payments relating to facilities in India were made in possible violation of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable laws.
• Representing BioAmber Inc. in a securities class action in federal court in New York, challenging various disclosures relating to the company’s operations.
• Representing a hedge fund using algorithmic trading strategies in an investigation by the SEC into market manipulation.
• Representing a London-based trader in connection with antitrust class action concerning SSA bond trading.
• Defended former J.P. Morgan Securities LLC analyst, Ashish Aggarwal, against allegations of conspiracy, insider trading, and wire fraud charges. A Central District of California jury found Aggarwal not guilty related to his role in an alleged insider trading scheme. This was a rare defense victory in an insider trading case and the first since the U.S. Supreme Court’s December 2016 decision in Salman v. United States, which lowered the bar for prosecutors in insider trading cases.
• Defended a global technology company in connection with False Claim Act qui tam litigation and criminal investigations by the U.S. Attorney's Office and the U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division.
• Defended a U.S.-based global manufacturer of scientific instruments and medical devices in connection with investigations by the SEC, DOJ and Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption into alleged bribery and corruption violations at several of the Company's China subsidiaries, including relating to the use of third-party intermediaries in connection with contracts with state-owned entities.
• Defended a nationwide transportation company in numerous civil suits arising out of alleged misclassification of independent contractors.
• Co-authored a brief in the Second Circuit challenging a district court’s revocation of a pro bono client’s in forma pauperis status. Successfully obtained reversal of the district court’s order.
• Co-authored a brief in federal district court on behalf of an internationally renowned post-secondary educational institution defending against state-law contract and tort claims. Successfully obtained dismissal of all of plaintiffs’ claims.
• Co-authored brief in support of petition for certiorari in the Supreme Court in Hidalgo v. Arizona.
• On a pro bono basis, successfully challenged under the First Amendment a city’s ban on charitable solicitation in public.