Celiza (Lisa) has successfully represented whistleblowers, cooperating witnesses, and others in investigations by the SEC and other government agencies, often coordinating with counsel in parallel criminal investigations. Lisa has convinced the SEC and other government agencies not to prosecute her clients in numerous cases. She has represented individuals and businesses in recovering millions of dollars of investment losses from brokers, investment advisers, and insurance companies.
Education
University of Chicago, A.B. 1984, with honors, Economics
University of Chicago Law School and Booth Graduate School of Business, J.D./M.B.A. 1992, Order of the Coif, Honors
Representative Matters
Represented officers and directors in numerous Securities & Exchange Commission investigations, including representation of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Controller, and founder/proprietor of options trading firm
Represented individuals in numerous insider trading investigations by SEC including identifying potential criminal liability and coordinating with criminal defense counsel
Represented directors and officers in financial and securities litigation, including securities class actions, breach of fiduciary duty actions, and related bankruptcy investigations
Recovered tens of millions of dollars in investment losses from financial services firms through FINRA arbitration and court actions
Obtained record Wisconsin federal jury award of punitive damages for bad faith denial of insurance claims
Prior Experience
Branch Chief and Enforcement Attorney, Securities & Exchange Commission, Chicago, Illinois (1999-2002)
Supervised team investigating and bringing enforcement actions against major accounting firms, subprime lender, telecommunications companies, broker-dealers, public companies, individuals involved in trading, and others
Partner and Associate, Sperling & Slater, P.C. Chicago, Illinois (2004-2011)
Legal Director, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (2011-2013)
Associate, Jenner & Block, Chicago, Illinois (1994-1999)