Best Prospectus Liability Firms in USA
Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Prospectus Liability Firms in USA
Published: January 2, 2026 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Legal Services by Latham & Watkins LLP scored highest due to Best for public companies and underwriting syndicates defending IPO/SPO prospectus liability claims. Recognized for major Section 11 IPO cases and issuer/underwriter defense [1](https://www.lw.com/en/practices/securities-litigation-and-professional-liability/securities-class-actions-and-derivative-litigation), backed by Band 1 nationwide securities litigation credentials [2](https://chambers.com/legal-rankings/securities-litigation-usa-nationwide-5%3A1757%3A12788%3A1), and full-spectrum offering-document expertise [3](https://www.lw.com/en/practices/securities-litigation-and-professional-liability)..
Content Verification
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | #1 Legal Services (Latham & Watkins LLP) | #2 Legal Services (Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP) | #3 Legal Services (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP) | #4 Securities Fraud Litigation (Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP (BLB&G)) | #5 Investor Services (Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Best for public companies and underwriting syndicates defending IPO/SPO prospectus liability claims. Recognized for major Section 11 IPO cases and issuer/underwriter defense [1], backed by Band 1 nationwide securities litigation credentials [2], and full-spectrum offering-document expertise [3]. | Best for bulge-bracket underwriters and blue-chip issuers needing elite defense in Section 11/12 prospectus suits. Band 1 securities litigation standing [1], comprehensive securities litigation coverage [2], and guidance on Slack’s tracing rule to inform defenses [3]. | Best for global financial institutions and large issuers facing complex, multi-forum Section 11/12 prospectus class actions. Band 1 securities litigation pedigree [1], proven Section 11/12 defense experience and state-court focus [2], and broad 2025 Chambers recognition confirming depth [3]. | Best for public pension funds and institutional investors seeking to prosecute prospectus liability claims. Band 1 nationwide plaintiff recognition [1], deep experience and historic recoveries [2], and active filings targeting IPO/SPO underwriters and offering documents [3]. | Best for institutional investors prioritizing aggressive prosecution of prospectus liability claims. ISS SCAS ranks the firm at the top for recoveries [1], documented Section 11 recoveries (e.g., OSG) [2], and current IPO offering‑document actions (e.g., StubHub) [3]. |
| Defense Track Record | Tier 1 in Securities Litigation: Defense (Legal 500 US 2025) and Band 1 nationwide (Chambers USA 2025). Notable recent defense wins: dismissals with prejudice for American Airlines (11/15/2025), Akero Therapeutics (8/15/2025), and Switch (7/31/2023). (lw.com) (law.justia.com) | Strong record of defense wins obtaining complete dismissals in IPO/prospectus suits: Iris Energy (D.N.J. 2024); (davispolk.com) X Financial (EDNY and N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2022); (davispolk.com) XP Inc. (EDNY and N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2021); (davispolk.com) Arlo IPO underwriters (dismissal/FFP enforcement affirmed, Cal. Ct. App. 2023). (davispolk.com) | Track record: Reversed Delaware Chancery and reinstated Elon Musk’s pay for Tesla on appeal (Dec. 22, 2025). (sullcrom.com) Won Ninth Circuit affirmance dismissing securities claims against Allianz. (sullcrom.com) Secured dismissals for Evolution AB (unsponsored ADRs) and Root IPO underwriters. (sullcrom.com) Helped decertify a $13B Goldman Sachs class. (sullcrom.com) | No defense-side track record: BLB&G is a plaintiffs’ firm representing institutional investors in securities class actions and is ranked in “Litigation: Securities: Plaintiffs”; no defense representations are indicated. (blbglaw.com) | Plaintiffs-only securities litigation firm; no defense representations or defense track record disclosed. (rgrdlaw.com) |
| Investor Recovery Results | N/A | N/A | N/A | Recovered over $40B for investors. In 2023, led $2.13B in court‑approved settlements; in 2024, $794M. Lead/co‑lead in 37 of the Top 100 U.S. securities fraud settlements, totaling $27B of those recoveries. Notable results: WorldCom $6.19B, Cendant $3.3B, Bank of America $2.425B. (blbglaw.com) | Recovered $2.5B+ for investors in 2024 (including $490M Apple, $434M Under Armour, $350M Alphabet); topped ISS SCAS 2024 rankings; fifth consecutive year exceeding $1B recovered. (rgrdlaw.com) |
| Integration of Legal Expertise | Integrated global platform unites litigation, corporate, regulatory, tax, IP, and finance lawyers for seamless, cross-border advice. (lw.com) Teams include former SEC Enforcement staff and ex-prosecutors, enabling coordinated defenses and early-dismissal strategies. (lw.com) Deal teams routinely combine corporate, tax, IP, and finance expertise; the firm highlights fully integrated practices. (lw.com) | Davis Polk integrates securities trial and appellate litigators with SEC and government-enforcement experts, including former SEC leaders. Teams coordinate across courts, investigations and global regulators (SEC, CFTC, FCA, SFC) and work closely with Financial Institutions colleagues to manage complex, multi‑forum matters. (davispolk.com) | Delivers integrated legal teams: its restructuring practice explicitly combines “first‑chair” transactional, litigation and regulatory talent; the Digital Infrastructure group unites AI, M&A, finance, energy and real estate lawyers for end‑to‑end matters; and FCPA work leverages a multi‑disciplinary, cross‑border network. (sullcrom.com) | BLB&G integrates Band 1, ranked securities litigators with in-house investigators, certified fraud examiners, and financial analysts via its PortfolioWatch system to identify and build claims. (blbglaw.com) Attorneys teach on offerings/due diligence and publish on Securities Act issues; several have finance/accounting backgrounds, enhancing Section 11/12 offering‑document litigation. (blbglaw.com) | Investor Services is attorney-led: the Portfolio Monitoring Program is overseen by partner Danielle S. Myers, who provides legal recommendations and lead‑plaintiff guidance. (rgrdlaw.com) An in-house team identifies, evaluates, and litigates global securities cases, integrating legal strategy with monitoring and loss analysis. (rgrdlaw.com) |
Latham & Watkins LLPCompany Information
Description
Latham & Watkins is a leading global law firm that serves a diverse range of clients across various industries. The firm is known for its depth of talent and strengths in key practice areas and markets worldwide.
What They Do
Provide comprehensive legal services across various industries and practice areas.
Who They Serve
Clients including businesses, government entities, and organizations globally.
Key Value Propositions
What Customers Say
"Latham & Watkins is the absolute go-to firm for anything that is complex and requires fast turnaround times. They are number one."
— Chambers UK 2024
"Latham & Watkins’ ability both to spot market opportunities for expanding legal practices and to deploy AI and proprietorial data exemplifies how a law firm can establish a position in the new AI economy."
— Most Innovative Law Firm in North America 2025, Financial Times
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
Latham’s market-leading team defends issuers, officers, directors, auditors, consultants, and underwriters in securities class actions, including IPO/SPO prospectus claims under Sections 11 and 12. The group is regularly recognized for major Section 11 IPO cases and early-dismissal strategies.
Key Features
- Extensive practice areas including litigation, corporate, regulatory, and transactional law
- Industry-specific expertise (e.g., technology, healthcare, energy, financial institutions, entertainment, real estate, etc.)
- Regional practices covering major global markets (e.g., Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Americas)
- Specialized services such as antitrust, intellectual property, tax, environmental, and white collar defense
Who Is It For
- Corporations
- Financial institutions
- Government entities
- Emerging companies
- Private equity firms
- Public companies
- Industry leaders across sectors
Capabilities
Latham & Watkins provides a broad range of legal services across numerous practice areas, industries, and regions. The firm is equipped to handle complex legal matters for clients worldwide.
- Comprehensive list of practice areas and industries served
- Regional practices for global coverage
- Expertise in both litigation and transactional matters
Notice regarding client engagement and confidentiality: Latham & Watkins requires a formal engagement process before accepting confidential information or establishing a lawyer-client relationship.
- Do not transmit confidential information before engagement
- Engagement subject to conflict checks and agreement on terms
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Defense Track Record
Integration of Legal Expertise
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPCompany Information
Description
Davis Polk has the legal experience, industry knowledge and spirit of collaboration to help clients navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities.
What They Do
Provide legal services and counsel in various sectors including corporate, litigation, tax, and real estate.
Who They Serve
Corporations, financial institutions, and individuals seeking legal guidance across various industries.
Key Value Propositions
Case Studies
Cadwalader $3.6 billion combination with Hogan Lovells
Read Case Study →Cipher Mining 168 MW, 10-year AI hosting agreement with Fluidstack
Read Case Study →Complete victory in 15-year LIBOR antitrust litigation
Read Case Study →$20 billion Electronic Arts acquisition financing
Read Case Study →Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Social Media
Key Pages
Summary
Davis Polk defends issuers, financial institutions, and boards in high-stakes securities litigation, including IPO-related and prospectus misstatement suits. The practice integrates trial, appellate, and SEC/enforcement experience for complex, multi-forum matters.
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Defense Track Record
Integration of Legal Expertise
Sullivan & Cromwell LLPCompany Information
Description
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is a leading international law firm with a focus on complex financial and regulatory matters, providing advisory and litigation services across various sectors.
What They Do
Sullivan & Cromwell provides legal services in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, financial services, litigation, and regulatory matters.
Who They Serve
They serve a diverse clientele, including corporations, financial institutions, and government entities globally.
Key Value Propositions
Case Studies
S&C Advises SoftBank Group on $4 Billion Acquisition of DigitalBridge — SoftBank Group
Provided legal counsel in a major acquisition deal.
Read Case Study →Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Summary
S&C’s premier securities litigation group defends issuers, banks, and underwriters in bet-the-company matters, including Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) cases in federal and state courts. The firm is known for precedent-setting results and cross‑border capabilities.
Key Features
- Representation in landmark governance disputes (e.g., Tesla case)
- Advisory services for major corporate transactions (e.g., Sempra, SoftBank, OpenAI, Microsoft)
- Expertise in regulatory matters and compliance (e.g., DOJ investigations, Federal Reserve policy updates)
- Specialized practice groups (e.g., Digital Infrastructure Practice Group)
- Insights and thought leadership on legal developments (e.g., podcasts, articles, memos)
- Global reach with offices in key financial centers (e.g., London office expansion)
- Contributions to legal publications and guides (e.g., Guide to Corporate Crisis Management)
Key Benefits
- Access to experienced legal counsel for complex and high-value matters
- Support in navigating regulatory and compliance environments
- Thought leadership and up-to-date insights on legal trends
- Recognition for excellence in dealmaking and project finance
Who Is It For
- Corporations involved in mergers, acquisitions, and major transactions
- Financial institutions and banks
- Companies facing regulatory investigations or compliance challenges
- Investors and private equity firms
- Clients requiring cross-border legal expertise
- Organizations seeking guidance on governance, tax, and crisis management
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Defense Track Record
Integration of Legal Expertise
Securities Fraud Litigation
Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP (BLB&G)Company Information
Description
A leading law firm specializing in securities fraud litigation, corporate governance, and shareholder rights.
What They Do
Securities fraud litigation, corporate governance reform, and representation of shareholders' rights.
Who They Serve
Shareholders and clients involved in corporate governance and securities issues.
Key Value Propositions
What Customers Say
"Excellent...Among the most experienced and well-qualified in this country in securities fraud litigation."
— United States District Court for the Northern District of California
"Impressive feats of lawyering...ever on the cutting edge."
— The National Law Journal
"Some of the best trial lawyers I've ever seen."
— United States District Court for the Northern District of California
"Battle proven."
— The Wall Street Journal
"Numerous district court judges from across the country have commented on the outstanding performance of Bernstein Litowitz."
— United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Summary
BLB&G is a top plaintiff-side firm representing institutional investors in complex securities class actions, including Section 11/12 claims over IPO/SPO offering documents and underwriter liability. The firm has secured many of the largest investor recoveries in history.
Key Features
- Portfolio monitoring and case evaluation services
- Lead counsel in high-profile securities fraud actions
- Expertise in securities market regulations and disclosure requirements
- Attorneys with accounting backgrounds and media commentary experience
Key Benefits
- Proactive portfolio monitoring to identify potential securities fraud losses
- Expert legal counsel in complex securities fraud litigation
- Record recoveries for investors (over $25 billion)
- Enforcement of fraud liability beyond corporate management to third parties (accountants, attorneys, investment banks)
- Implementation of corporate governance reforms through litigation
Who Is It For
- Institutional investors
- Public pension plans
- Other significant investment entities in North America and abroad
Securities Fraud Litigation
BLB&G is widely recognized as a leading law firm worldwide advising institutional investors on issues related to corporate governance, shareholder rights, and private and class action securities litigation. The firm monitors the portfolios of, and is retained as securities litigation counsel for, many of the most significant and respected public pension plans and institutional investors in North America and abroad. Since its founding in 1983, BLB&G has been entrusted as lead counsel in some of the most complex, high-profile securities fraud actions in history, and has recovered over $25 billion on behalf of investors. The firm has helped to enforce fraud liability beyond corporate management to third party defendants such as accountants, attorneys and investment banks, and has used the litigation process to create sweeping corporate governance reforms.
- Successfully prosecuted many of the largest and most complex securities cases on record, including:
- WorldCom Securities Litigation (over $6.19 billion in total recoveries)
- Cendant Securities Litigation (nearly $3.2 billion settlement for plaintiffs)
- Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Merger Litigation (over $2.425 billion in total recoveries)
- Nortel Networks Corporation Securities Litigation (over $1.3 billion for investors)
- Merck & Co. Securities Litigation (over $1.06 billion recovered for plaintiffs)
- McKesson HBOC Securities Litigation (over $1.05 billion in recoveries for investors)
Portfolio Monitoring and Case Evaluation
Our clients often request that the firm proactively monitor their investment portfolios to determine whether a loss in value is due to fraud. Our portfolio monitoring team carefully researches and analyzes all market data to advise our clients on whether a viable claim exists.
Practice Contacts
Contact information for key partners in the Securities Fraud Litigation practice.
- Hannah Ross, Partner, 212.554.1411, hannah@blbglaw.com
- Gerald H. Silk, Partner, 212.554.1282, jerry@blbglaw.com
- Avi Josefson, Partner, 312.373.3880 / 212.554.1493, avi@blbglaw.com
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Defense Track Record
Investor Recovery Results
Integration of Legal Expertise
Investor Services
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLPCompany Information
Description
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is a leading plaintiffs' law firm, specializing in securities fraud, shareholder rights litigation, and complex class action cases. The firm has a distinguished track record, securing over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases in 2024 alone.
What They Do
Represent plaintiffs in complex class action lawsuits, primarily related to securities fraud and shareholder rights.
Who They Serve
Investors and shareholders involved in class action litigation.
Key Value Propositions
What Customers Say
"formidable bench of advocates with an impressive record"
— Chambers USA
"excellent honorable counsel"
— Honorable Mark L. Wolf
"aggressive, tenacious and in a league of its own"
— The Legal 500
"absolute best in class legal service"
— Benchmark Litigation
"masters of the courtroom"
— The National Law Journal
"extraordinary"
— Hon. Melinda Harmon et al.
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Summary
Robbins Geller is a leading plaintiffs’ class action firm with a nationwide securities practice, frequently pursuing Section 11/12 claims tied to IPO/SPO offering documents. The firm is known for record-setting investor recoveries and large, dedicated resources.
Key Features
- Proprietary software and expert staff
- 100% in-house management
- Comprehensive analysis of international claims
- Timely and diversified reporting
- Tracks securities transactions
- Analyzes losses
- Alerts clients to potential fraud or violations
Key Benefits
- Comprehensive monitoring of securities, bonds, and other investments
- Timely alerts when losses may be attributable to fraud or securities law violations
- Enables timely, well-informed decisions to optimize recoveries
- Global solutions for securities litigation in the US and internationally
- Complimentary (no cost) service
Who Is It For
- Institutional investors
- Sophisticated institutional investors
Portfolio Monitoring Program®
Robbins Geller developed the first-of-its-kind portfolio monitoring service for institutional investors. Managed by an in-house team of professionals, including analysts and accountants, the complimentary service provides comprehensive monitoring of securities, bonds, and other investments. The Portfolio Monitoring Program® tracks securities transactions, analyzes losses, and alerts clients promptly when losses may be attributable to fraud or other violations of securities laws. The program provides comprehensive global solutions for sophisticated institutional investors, and enables clients to make timely, well-informed decisions about how to optimize recoveries for losses suffered in connection with securities litigation in the United States and around the world.
- Proprietary Software and Expert Staff
- 100% In-House
- Comprehensive Analysis of International Claims
- Timely and Diversified Reporting
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Defense Track Record
Investor Recovery Results
Integration of Legal Expertise
Our Ranking Methodology
How we rank these offerings
We ranked these Prospectus Liability Firms in USA using a weighted scoring formula: Defense Track Record (40%), Integration of Legal Expertise (35%), Investor Recovery Results (25%). N/A values receive 0 points. Latham & Watkins LLP scored highest with 93.5 due to tier-1 defense wins, top integration of legal expertise, and no N/As. Companies without investor recovery data were capped at a score of 75.
Ranking Criteria Weights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the typical costs and pricing models for prospectus liability defense in the USA?
- The costs for defending prospectus liability cases can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of the case. Firms like Latham and S&C often use a combination of hourly billing and flat rates for pre-defined services, such as motion filings or initial assessments, given their expertise in managing large, complex litigation. Davis Polk may offer blended rates that integrate trial and appellate work, focusing on cost efficiency by leveraging their cross-forum capabilities. Additionally, for similar high-stakes cases, the use of Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFAs), such as contingency fees or success-based fees, might be negotiated, especially in plaintiff-side practices like BLB&G.
- What are the key selection criteria and considerations for choosing a prospectus liability firm in the USA?
- When selecting a firm for prospectus liability cases, decision makers should consider the firm's track record in handling Sections 11 and 12 cases, which are critical for IPO and SPO claims. For instance, Latham's reputation for early-dismissal strategies and major IPO case defenses is a promising consideration. The firm's ability to deliver precedent-setting results like those seen with S&C can also be pivotal. Equally important are the firm's cross-border capabilities, integrated trial and appellate skills as demonstrated by Davis Polk, and their capacity to manage complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation.
- What industry standards and compliance requirements are crucial in prospectus liability defense?
- Firms defending against prospectus liability claims must adhere to strict securities regulations under Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933. Compliance with these regulations is paramount, and firms like Davis Polk emphasize strengthening these compliance efforts through detailed knowledge of SEC rules and enforcement procedures. Industry standards also mandate a thorough understanding of both federal and state court processes, as S&C demonstrates with their cross-border expertise. Comprehensive risk assessments and the adoption of early-dismissal strategies, as seen with Latham, are also considered industry best practices.
- What implementation challenges and solutions exist for managing prospectus liability cases?
- One of the key challenges in prospectus liability cases is managing the multi-forum nature of litigation, which can involve federal, state, and even international courts, as seen with S&C's cross-border capabilities. A solution employed by firms like Davis Polk is integrating trial, appellate, and enforcement experience to efficiently navigate through complex legal landscapes. Latham's approach of deploying early-dismissal strategies and precise motion filing can significantly minimize long-term resource allocation. Additionally, robust client communication and regular updates are essential for maintaining transparent and informed litigation processes.
- How do prospectus liability firms deliver ROI and value to their clients?
- Firms like Latham and S&C deliver ROI through strategic defense techniques that aim for early dismissals, reducing long-term legal expenses. Their success in precedent-setting cases often results in favorable outcomes, potentially saving millions in potential liabilities. Davis Polk's integration of SEC/enforcement knowledge and litigation expertise ensures comprehensive coverage, thus reducing exposure and enhancing client confidence. Plaintiff-side firms such as BLB&G focus on obtaining record-setting recoveries for investors, providing significant financial returns and illustrating effective advocacy in the securities domain.
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