As senior partner in DLA Piper's Litigation practice group, Michael S. Poulos has substantial first-chair trial experience in state and federal courts throughout the United States. He concentrates his practice in areas of complex litigation relating to such matters as consumer fraud, securities, insurance, and professional malpractice litigation, as well as various forms of governmental investigations by the SEC, US Attorney's office, and other agencies. His clients range in size from several Fortune 500 clients to small closely-held corporations. In fact, Mr. Poulos has been approved by American International Group, Inc., as one of the few lawyers in the Midwest to represent directors and officers in securities and other complex litigation matters.

Mr. Poulos' many accomplishments include recently obtaining a trial verdict in favor of the board of directors in a complex securities case. The claims asserted by investors related to millions of dollars raised in a series of private placement offerings, and including both federal and state securities fraud claims. After a lengthy trial with Mr. Poulos serving as lead trial counsel, a verdict was rendered in favor of all directors and officers as to all counts.

Mr. Poulos also is lead trial counsel in the widely publicized "tax shelter" litigation brought against one of the largest and leading accounting firms in the world. In his capacity as lead trial counsel, he has coordinated the defense of civil actions filed by taxpayers throughout the United States.

Mr. Poulos is a member of DLA Piper's US Executive Committee.

Examples of First-Chair Experience

• In re Granada Securities Litigation, MDL No. 837 (W.D. Mich.): First-chair responsibility in a securities class action in which the plaintiffs sought in excess of one billion dollars in damages from a law firm and an accounting firm. Experience involved all aspects of pre-trial litigation, including class-action evidentiary hearing and bar-order fairness hearing.
• Cordial v. John Gianola, et al., No. 92-C-B930 (Cir. Ct. Kanawha Cty., West Virginia): Action by Department of Insurance of West Virginia against accounting firm seeking in excess of $95 million in damages in connection with the failure of Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia.
• R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. v. Dibrell Inc., No. 90 CVS 7007 (Forsyth Cty., North Carolina) and No. 90 CV D058B (M.D.N.C.): Actions filed in federal and state court by R.J. Reynolds (and others) seeking in excess of $50 million damages in connection with the sale of an affiliate to a third-party buyer.