Biography: Corporate Governance

Wayne Smith is a partner in the Orange County office. He serves as co-chair of the firm's securities litigation practice group.

Mr Smith specialises in commercial and business litigation. The cases he has tried have covered a broad range of issues, including securities fraud, common law fraud, contracts, federal tax laws, RICO, and constitutional law. Mr Smith frequently advises corporations about corporate governance issues involved in litigation, as well as prophylactic advice to avoid litigation. He has represented clients in a number of different industries in securities fraud cases involving alleged failure to disclose supposed illegal activities, failure to properly disclose financial results of trading, and failure to disclose true financial condition resulting in restatements. Additionally, Mr Smith has represented accounting firms alleged to have participated with their clients in securities frauds in the savings and loan, insurance, music club, auto parts and real estate industries. He has also represented special committees and boards of directors in derivative actions accusing them of breach of fiduciary duty.