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Trial Advocacy

Our lawyers represent plaintiffs and defendants in trials in state and federal court and in arbitrations before the NYSE and NASD (now known as FINRA), and private arbitration forums such as the American Arbitration Association and JAMS. Collectively we have tried over 125 matters to verdict or award.

Securities Litigation

MZC represents broker-dealer firms and financial services professionals in arbitrations and litigation. We handle matters in state and federal court and before self-regulatory organizations and the American Arbitration Association. Typical claims include allegations of unsuitable recommendations, inadequate due diligence, excessive or unauthorized trading, improper mutual fund or annuity switching, churning, selling away, failure to supervise, failure to register securities, non-disclosure of material information, and fraud. The firm handles all varieties of claims, including large exposure, multi-plaintiff, and class action matters.

Employment Litigation

The firm represents clients in employment litigation, including claims for misappropriation of trade secrets, discrimination, breach of employment agreements, and partnership disputes. Some of these claims require immediate action, including filing of or responding to motions for temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions, and complaints seeking injunctive relief.

ERISA Litigation

Our attorneys defend financial services professionals, including securities brokers and broker-dealers, investment advisors, insurance agents, pension plan administrators, third-party administrators, actuaries, and accountants in benefits and fiduciary duty claims under ERISA. MZC litigates issues concerning who is a fiduciary, the scope of ERISA preemption, the adequacy of investment advice, technical administration errors, and self-dealing by a fiduciary.

Class Actions

MZC defends broker-dealers in class and mass actions involving registration, due diligence, and securities fraud claims. We also handle investor and ERISA class actions involving banks and major corporations.

Regulatory Investigations

Registered representatives, financial planners, and investment advisors who are being investigated by regulatory agencies, including the SEC, Department of Labor, California Department of Corporations, FINRA, and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, seek the firm's counsel in investigations and proceedings involving allegations of insider trading, unauthorized and excessive trading, unsuitable recommendations, churning, and other alleged violations of ethical or disciplinary rules. The firm advises and represents professionals in these matters at the investigative phase, hearing, and through settlement or appeal.

Commercial Litigation

We represent clients in all types of commercial litigation, including partnership disputes, corporate non-bankruptcy dissolutions, breach of contract, and business tort actions.

Litigation Prevention

Our firm works extensively with broker-dealer clients and financial services professionals in litigation prevention, presenting seminars for clients at regional and national conferences. The firm's attorneys have also conducted presentations for financial professionals at conferences sponsored by financial planning and insurance organizations, including the Institute of Certified Financial Planners and the International Association of Financial Planners.

Corporate Clients

We have a growing practice in representing a variety of start-ups and emerging companies, particularly in the Portland area. We have found that many of these companies, whether in the technology, apparel, or the design industries, often require quality corporate and intellectual property legal counseling, but don’t want to, or can’t afford to, pay the exorbitant rates typically offered by traditional law firms. Our practice aims to meet the needs of those clients.

For past and existing clients, we have reviewed and negotiated leases, employment and independent contractor agreements; counseled clients on how to start and expand their companies; and counseled clients on how to acquire and license trademarks and copyrights. We enjoy working with these clients, and write regularly about the legal issues relevant to their businesses at our Oregon Business Law Blog: http://www.mzclaw.com/blog