Foley Adds Litigator to D.C. Office

Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Fla. – Foley & Lardner LLP announced that Christopher M. Cutler has joined the firm as a partner in the Washington, D.C. and Tampa offices, working with the Securities Enforcement & Litigation Practice. Prior to joining Foley, Cutler was a partner at McGuireWoods LLP.

Cutler, who is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Florida, focuses his practice on securities enforcement and litigation law representing international and national accounting firms, companies, auditors and individuals in civil, criminal and regulatory matters. He is the former Assistant Director of the Division of Enforcement for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in Washington, D.C. While there he helped design and implement many of the division's current enforcement policies and procedures. Prior to the PCAOB, Cutler was senior counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Enforcement, where he opened the Enron investigation and was instrumental in the SEC's settled fraud actions against various financial institutionsresulting in more than $320 million of disgorged funds and penalties being distributed to injured Enron investors.

“When it comes to complex securities-enforcement-related litigation, the depth of experience and broad array of capabilities Chris brings to Foley will make him a sought-after advisor for our clients in both the public and private sector,” said Scott L. Fredericksen, managing partner of Foley’s Washington, D.C. office. “We look forward to the many contributions he will bring to clients alongside our team of highly regarded former securities regulators.”

“Chris' vast knowledge and experience will be invaluable resources for securities fraud actions, both private and public, in and around Florida,” said Randolph J. Wolfe, managing partner of Foley’s Tampa office.

At Foley, Cutler, who began his career in accounting, will continue to represent clients involved with investigations before the PCAOB and the SEC. He is highly knowledgeable in both Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and PCAOB auditing standards (formerly Generally Accepted Auditing Standards), and has extensive experience with matters involving complex financial accounting issues.

“Chris’ unique experience as a security regulator with the PCAOB and SEC will add tremendous value for  our clients as we continue to help them navigate the changing regulatory environment,” said Barry Mandel, chair of  Foley’s Securities Enforcement & Litigation Practice.

Foley’s Litigation Department is one of the largest in the country, including more than 300 attorneys nationwide with extensive experience in all aspects of complex litigation, arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. Foley represents corporations in nearly every industry, handling some of the largest and most sophisticated lawsuits and investigations for major domestic and international clients.

With approximately 900 attorneys in 21 offices, Foley & Lardner LLP provides award-winning business and legal insight to clients across the country and around the world. Our team-based approach, innovative technology, and focus on value and client service are continually recognized by our clients and the legal industry. In a recent survey* of Fortune 1000 corporate counsel, Foley received a top five ranking out of more than 300 firms for delivering exceptional client service. In addition, Foley received 19 national first-tier rankings on the 2011 – 2012 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list, and CIO magazine recognized Foley for technological innovation that enhances business value by naming the firm to its prestigious CIO-100 list in 2011. Learn more at Foley.com.