Formerly of the world’s leading derivatives exchange, Michelle Tanney has a broad securities, derivatives and compliance practice focused on representing public companies and corporate executives in complex civil and regulatory enforcement actions before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). She also provides counsel on compliance issues and remedial measures to mitigate financial or reputational risk, including those concerning evolving financial regulations and corporate management. Michelle’s experience also includes providing counsel to emerging companies, including scalable startups, on issues related to blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital assets.
Leveraging her knowledge of financial markets and complex financial instruments, Michelle serves as a lead attorney on significant matters in connection with BakerHostetler’s role as court-appointed counsel to Irving Irving H. Picard, SIPA Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC. She is a frequent writer and commentator on regulatory, compliance and enforcement related matters involving the SEC, DOJ and Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is consistently recognized as a “Top Woman” in the New York Metropolitan Area for her securities litigation practice.
Michelle is also active in BakerHostetler’s inclusion and diversity efforts and serves as pro bono coordinator in the New York office, where she leads numerous cases seeking equal rights for underserved and underrepresented communities.
Securities Investigations and Enforcement
- Represents individuals and companies in SEC investigations and actions, resulting in the government closing investigations without charges.
- Represented former executives of multimillion-dollar healthcare company in connection with SEC investigation alleging material omissions in required disclosures and government filings.
- Represented retail investor in SEC investigation alleging misappropriation of funds.
Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance
- Conducts independent and internal investigations for senior executives and management to provide recommendations relating to legal and regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
- Provides investment funds and managers with insight on regulatory and compliance issues, including review and analysis of corporate governance documents.
BLMIS Recovery Initiative
- Leads legal teams litigating actions involving feeder funds and other institutional investors to recover billions in fraudulent conveyances in connection with BakerHostetler’s role in representing Irving H. Picard, Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.