Colleen Smith

I am a nationally recognized trial lawyer and serve as Global Vice Chair of the firm’s Securities Litigation & Professional Liability Practice as well as Global Vice Chair of the Public Company & Board Representation Practice. I help public companies successfully prevent and navigate litigation related to: • Securities class actions • M&A, activism, and Delaware corporate governance • SEC enforcement matters • Other shareholder disputes I bring a well-honed strategic view to representations, leading teams that have saved clients billions of dollars at all stages of litigation, set precedent, and protected brand-name companies from enterprise-threatening liability. I have secured award-winning defense verdicts at trial for clients across a range of industries, including technology, and healthcare and life sciences. Before becoming a lawyer, I served as a US Naval Surface Warfare Officer on the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) and was one of the first women to serve in a combatant role. After law school, I served as a law clerk for Judge David R. Thompson of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge James H. Michael of the US District Court for the Western District of Virginia. Portions of this profile may constitute attorney advertising. Any testimonial or endorsement on this profile does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.