By any standard, David Kessler is a worldwide leader in securities litigation. His reputation and track record earn instant credibility with judges and bring opponents to the bargaining table in complex, high-stakes class actions. David has been recognized for excellence by publications including Benchmark Plaintiff and Law Dragon.
As co-head of the firm’s securities litigation practice, David has led several of the largest class actions ever brought under the federal securities laws and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Since the financial crisis began in 2008, he has helped recover well over $5 billion for clients and class members who invested in financial companies such as Wachovia, Bank of America, Citigroup and Lehman Brothers. Prior to 2008, David guided some of the largest cases both in size—including allegations of a massive scandal regarding the unfair allocation of IPO shares by more than 300 public companies—and in notoriety—including the Tyco fraud and mismanagement litigation that resolved for over $3 billion.
David brings his background as a certified public accountant to bear in actions involving complex loss causation issues and damages arising from losses in public offerings, open market purchases, and mergers and acquisitions. As head of the firm’s settlement department, David also has extensive experience in mediation, settlements, claims administration and distributions.
A sought-after lecturer on securities litigation issues, David has been invited to speak by plaintiffs’ firms, defense firms, mediators and insurance carriers on a variety of topics related to securities class actions. He recently assisted in authoring a chapter on mediations in a publication soon to be released by a federal mediator.
Awards/Ranking
Benchmark Litigation Stars, 2020
Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer, 2019
Law Dragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in America (2013 & 2014)
Benchmark Plaintiffs’ Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Plaintiff Firms & Attorneys (2012)
The American Lawyer’s Litigator of the Week – December 8, 2011
Community Involvement
Emory Law School Board of Advisors
Kessler Family Diversity Scholarship – Emory Law School
Congregation Or Ami Board of Trustees
Abrahmson Cancer Center Board of Trustees
Topaz-Kessler Cancer Center Equipment Fund
The William Penn Charter EITC Financial Aid Program