On December 11, 2020, the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari in a shareholder securities litigation against Goldman Sachs.[1] On appeal, Goldman argues that federal securities law permits issuer defendants in purported class actions to rebut the presumption of reliance where the alleged misstatements are of such a generic nature that they could not be expected to have impacted the stock price. The Supreme Court could decide a split between the Second and Seventh Circuits on whether corporations may challenge materiality of the alleged misstatements at the class certification phase of litigation.

Read the full client alert here.

Photo of Peter Duffy Doyle Peter Duffy Doyle

Peter Doyle is a partner in the Litigation Department and has a long track record of winning high-stakes contested matters. Peter’s practice encompasses trial work and related counseling in complex business disputes. He has tried cases in state and federal courts across the…

Peter Doyle is a partner in the Litigation Department and has a long track record of winning high-stakes contested matters. Peter’s practice encompasses trial work and related counseling in complex business disputes. He has tried cases in state and federal courts across the United States on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. Peter has successfully argued significant appeals involving federal securities law and other commercial matters in state and federal appellate courts. He was recognized by US Legal 500 in the 2013 edition as “an expert litigator and arbitrator” while the 2012 guide called him an “excellent litigator in all facets.”

Peter represents companies in a diverse array of industries including health care, financial services, investment management, telecommunications and manufacturing. Notably, his clients include Community Health, 3G Capital, ABB, American Industrial Partners, Gaylord Container, Health Management Associates, Morgan Stanley and United Airlines.

Photo of Julia Alonzo Julia Alonzo

Julia Alonzo is the Litigation Department Legal Director.  She works closely with the department’s co-chairs to manage its business and operations, and works with the entire department to execute on its strategic plan.  As a long-time Proskauer lawyer, and an accomplished member of…

Julia Alonzo is the Litigation Department Legal Director.  She works closely with the department’s co-chairs to manage its business and operations, and works with the entire department to execute on its strategic plan.  As a long-time Proskauer lawyer, and an accomplished member of its Litigation Department,  Julia has taken on an additional firm-wide leadership role that focuses on building a community that  provides fair opportunities for women attorneys across all departments and at all stages of their careers.

Julia also serves on the Firm’s Hiring Committee and Summer Program Committee.

Until 2024, Julia was a Senior Counsel in Proskauer’s Litigation Department, with a focus on securities, corporate governance, and restructuring litigation.