Michael Charlson > Vinson & Elkins LLP > San Francisco, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP
555 MISSION STREET
SUITE 2000
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105
CALIFORNIA
United States
Michael Charlson photo

Work Department

Shareholder Litigation & Enforcement

Position

Partner

Career

Michael Charlson handles complex litigation matters across a range of substantive areas, although he focuses his practice on securities class action, corporate governance and shareholder derivative litigation and related counseling. For more than 30 years, Michael has represented corporations, officers, directors and other constituencies, usually in lawsuits and investigations related to allegations that they have issued false and misleading statements or mismanaged the company. His clients span industries, from the most cutting-edge biotech innovators to gravel pit operators, and everything in between. And they are often facing billions of dollars of damages and serious threats to the enterprise’s continued existence. Michael also co-led the team that secured a jury verdict for defendants (including his client, the former CEO) in In re JDS Uniphase Securities Litigation, one of only a handful of securities class actions that have gone to trial.

Michael has also represented companies and individuals on a range of matters before the Securities and Exchange Commission, including SEC investigations and enforcement proceedings involving allegations of insider trading (including tipper and tippee allegations), improper accounting, inadequate disclosure, improper supervision and books-and-records violations. In SEC matters, Michael has prepared Wells or pre-Wells submissions on behalf of some 20 clients; none has been charged.

Michael serves as Co-Chair of V&E’s Securities Litigation practice as well as Talent and Diversity Lead and Hiring Partner in the firm’s San Francisco office.

Lawyer Rankings

United States > Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense

Vinson & Elkins LLP represents issuers, underwriters, accounting firms, financial institutions, and directors and officers in securities fraud class actions and other claims associated with stock-price declines. Most prominent in the energy sector, the firm is increasingly involved in cases arising from a diverse range of industries, among them financial services. Michael Holmes in Dallas and Michael Charlson in San Francisco lead the securities and shareholder litigation and enforcement group. Clifford Thau in New York is currently acting for Stronghold Digital Mining, a bitcoin mining company. Also in New York, Lawrence Elbaum has ‘a calm, analytical demeanor coupled with astute business acumen’. He worked with Charlson on the defense of Genius Brands International in securities class actions alleging the company made materially false and misleading statements concerning the its business and business prospects. Dallas-based Craig Zieminski is a lynchpin of the practice. John Wander has left the firm.