Securities class action lawsuits are filed on behalf of investors who claim they’ve suffered an economic loss as a result of financial misrepresentation, fraudulent stock manipulation or other violations of federal or state securities law. And the number of cases is on the rise. 2017 saw more securities class action lawsuits filed than any other year in nearly two decades. But critics allege that the majority of securities class action claims are meritless attempts to shake down businesses that will settle the cases with big payoffs to the class action lawyers but no benefit to investors.

Are the critics right? Do most securities class actions involve dubious claims that deliver no real benefits to shareholders? Or are they an essential tool for keeping businesses honest? Our panel of experts discussed and debated the value of securities class action litigation.

This Congressional Civil Justice Academy briefing featured:

Andrew J. Pincus
Partner, Mayer Brown LLP

Steven J. Toll
Managing Partner, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC

J.W. Verret
Associate Professor, George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School