(June 9, 2014, New York) – Reed Smith LLP today announced the addition of William E. “Bill” Goydan as a partner in the Financial Industry Group (FIG) in New York. Goydan was formerly a member and chair of the Securities Litigation & Enforcement Group at Wolff & Samson, PC. Kiran V. Somashekara and John O. Lukanski, Goydan’s former partners at Wolff & Samson, join Reed Smith as counsel in New York.
“Bill and his team significantly enhance Reed Smith’s ability to meet the challenges many of our financial services clients are experiencing as a result of surging regulatory activity from coast to coast,” said Perry Napolitano, Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Financial Industry Group. “With more than 50 years of combined experience, these three attorneys bring us financial services, and, specifically, broker-dealer regulatory enforcement and compliance experience that is in great demand.”
Goydan and his team represent clients nationwide in complex securities matters, with a focus on internal investigations and regulatory enforcement before FINRA, the SEC and state regulators. In addition, they represent clients in litigation in various courts and dispute resolution forums; counsel companies and individuals on compliance, best practices, policies and procedures, regulatory developments and enforcement trends; and assist clients with compliance training.
“Reed Smith provides the national platform and reputation in the financial services sector that we need to take our practice to the next level,” said Goydan. “In particular, we look forward to expanding our existing work for major clients into other key geographic markets throughout the United States where Reed Smith has offices. The depth of resources from many Reed Smith practice groups will allow us to provide full service to our clients across the country.”
A 1988 graduate of Rutgers University School of Law, Goydan brings to Reed Smith extensive experience as outside counsel for securities firms in the areas of regulatory enforcement, internal investigations, customer arbitrations and employment litigation. His clients have included broker-dealers, commercial banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, investment advisers, members of senior management, registered representatives and law firms.
Goydan is also an arbitrator for FINRA and the National Futures Association. He is a former trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey, and served on the Securities Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Goydan was recently named a 2014 Best Lawyer in New Jersey in Business Organization (including LLCS & Partnerships).
A 1998 graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, Lukanski brings to Reed Smith experience in the securities industry nationwide, including conducting internal investigations; managing regulatory enforcement matters initiated by FINRA, the SEC and state regulators; and representing firms and individuals in customer disputes.
Somashekara, a 2003 graduate of George Washington University Law School, also represents clients across the United States, conducting internal investigations; managing regulatory enforcement matters initiated by FINRA, the SEC and state regulators; and representing firms and individuals in customer disputes. He has been a New Jersey Super Lawyer – Rising Star since 2011.
“Bill’s group adds critical mass in New York in securities litigation and enforcement,” said Edward Estrada, Reed Smith’s New York Office Managing Partner. “Because of their unmatched experience, they are able to provide both quality and value; this team is a great fit with Reed Smith’s approach to client service.”
The addition of this team comes on the heels of the firm’s addition of FIG partner Winston Penhall and associate Matt Evans in London in May, as well as FIG partner James Hnilo in the Chicago office in April – all three in the group’s active Funds Practice.
“Bill’s team brings to the firm the same high-quality financial services experience that Reed Smith offers all its clients in other major markets in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East,” added Tamara Box, Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Financial Industry Group. “We are pleased to have them on board.”
Reed Smith’s Financial Industry Group now comprises more than 210 lawyers worldwide dedicated to financial services clients. It serves domestic and global banks, insurance companies, credit card companies, mortgage bankers, investment banks, and investment management companies and advisors, providing representation for financial litigation, finance and lending, investment management, financial regulatory, commercial restructuring and bankruptcy, and M&A transactions for global clients.
With some 137 years of experience in the financial services industry, Reed Smith currently represents nine of the top 10 banks in the United States, the top 10 banks in Europe and the top 10 banks in Asia.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,900 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.
