Paul A. Straus

• Won the dismissal with prejudice of a Section 10(b) complaint against automotive transportation and logistics provider Jack Cooper Holdings and two of its officers by an alleged purchaser of $28 million of the company’s senior secured notes (see River Birch Capital, LLC v. Jack Cooper Holdings Corp. et al., 2019 WL 1099943 (S.D.N.Y. March 8, 2019)
• Defended Jean-Marie Messier, the former Chairman and CEO of Vivendi Universal, S.A., in the jury trial of In re Vivendi Securities Litigation (S.D.N.Y.), said to be the largest federal securities class action trial in history. The plaintiff class claimed billions of dollars in damages arising from the company’s allegedly false or misleading financial statements and public disclosures. After a four-month trial, the jury found in favor of Mr. Messier on all claims.
• Defended and favorably settled a $120 million securities fraud action against a private equity firm arising from the sale of a natural gas storage facility.
• Defended the former chairman and CEO of At Home Corporation in Leykin v. AT&T Corporation (S.D.N.Y.), a shareholder class action alleging securities fraud against the company’s officers, directors and controlling corporate shareholders based on alleged misrepresentations concerning the company’s proprietary technology, revenues and growth projections.
• Won the dismissal of multiple securities fraud class actions against an investment advisor arising out of $325 million in losses suffered by closed-end investment trusts investing in mortgage-backed securities and other instruments.
• Won the dismissal of all claims against the former CEO of Just For Feet, Inc., in an action by purchasers of $200 million in notes (see AAL High Yield Bond Fund v. Ruttenberg, 00-C-1404-S, 2001 WL 34372980 (N.D. Ala. Sept. 30, 2001)).
• Defeated an application for a TRO against an internet retailer in an action by short sellers alleging that the company was conspiring with its market maker to manipulate the market in the company’s stock.
• Favorably settled a securities fraud class action against an underwriter alleging fraud in the issuer’s financial statements.
• Has represented financial institutions, accounting firms and other clients in investigations by the SEC and other government agencies.
• Has represented accounting firms in investigations by the SEC, the New York Attorney General and other agencies.
• Defended an accounting firm in a consolidated federal securities class action brought by shareholders of a Bermuda reinsurer with over 25 million shares outstanding during the class period (see Schnall v. Annuity and Life Re (Holdings), Ltd., 3:02 CV 2133 (EBB), 2007 WL 2936242 (D. Conn. Oct. 5, 2007)).
• Defended an accounting firm in a New York state court action alleging fraud, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting.
• Won the dismissal of all claims against an actuary in a breach of fiduciary duty suit brought by trustees of major New York pension funds (see New York District Council of Carpenters Pension Fund v. Savasta, No. 99 CV 11362 (GBD), 2005 WL 22872 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 4, 2005)).
• Defended and favorably settled a federal action against a major U.S. bank alleging breach of a standby letter of credit.
• Regularly counsels commercial real estate lenders in connection with troubled loans, workouts, inter-creditor issues and disputes with borrowers and guarantors, often outside of litigation.
• Won the dismissal of all claims against global real estate company Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. in New York City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez et al. v. Deputy Inspector Edward Winski et al., Civ. No. 12 CIV 3389 (NRB) (RLE).
• Successfully opposed a motion for a preliminary injunction against a real estate investment company in connection with the sale of a downtown Manhattan office building.
• Defended and favorably settled a breach of contract action against a Luxembourg SICAV brought by a putative securities purchaser.
• Defended a global corporate trade credit firm in an action by a major U.S. insurance company arising out the issuance of insured corporate trade credits.

Paul Straus is a seasoned litigator with over 30 years of experience representing clients in securities and commercial disputes, focusing in particular on financial and real estate matters, Paul has earned a reputation for outstanding client service by being available on demand and sensitive to clients’ business concerns. Paul delivers excellent value by striving to win early victories that spare his clients the distraction and expense of protracted litigation. 

Paul’s practical, business-minded approach helps his clients manage risk, avoid disputes when possible, and resolve them decisively when needed.  He regularly advises on disputes arising during transactions, clearing obstacles to closing and heading off litigation before it starts.

When trial is the right strategic approach, Paul is prepared to try cases. He second-chaired the trial defense of Jean-Marie Messier, the former Chairman and CEO of Vivendi Universal, S.A., in In re Vivendi Securities Litigation (S.D.N.Y.), said to be the largest federal securities class action trial in history. After a four-month trial, the jury found entirely in favor of Paul's client.

Paul has represented clients in cases pending in federal and state courts in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and throughout the United States.  He has represented clients in investigations by the SEC, the New York State Attorney General, the New York Inspector General and other government authorities.

Paul frequently writes and speaks on securities, commercial litigation and lender liability.