Securities litigator joins Skadden as partner in Palo Alto

Skadden has welcomed Mark Foster back to the firm, as a partner in the litigation group in the Palo Alto office. Foster was previously a co-chair of the securities litigation, enforcement and white collar defense group and co-head of the San Francisco litigation department at Morrison Foerster, where he spent 18 years. His practice focuses on representing public companies — and their officers and directors — in securities fraud class actions, shareholder derivative lawsuits, shareholder demands and related investigations.

Foster rejoins Skadden where he began his legal career as an associate, working primarily on securities litigation matters.

Foster defends clients against investor lawsuits that allege violations of federal and state securities laws. He also represents companies and directors and officers in connection with breach of fiduciary duty and insider trading allegations, and routinely counsels on disclosure issues, including those related to adverse events and corporate governance matters.

Foster has represented entities in numerous sectors, such as life sciences, retail, manufacturing and technology. He has advised boards of directors in connection with demands for action and investigations, as well as books and records..

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark back to the firm, where his practice will complement the high volume of securities litigation work handled by partners Peter Morrison and Virginia Milstead in California,” said Jay B. Kasner, head of Skadden’s nationwide securities litigation practice. “Mark’s extensive experience defending corporations and individuals in high-stakes shareholder litigation will enhance our capabilities in the Northern District of California, which is one of the busiest jurisdictions in the U.S. for securities litigation filings.”

Launched in 1987, Skadden’s West Coast litigation practice handles “bet-the-company” securities-related claims ranging from novel issues arising in the fintech and digital assets spaces, to event-driven class action litigation, to representing directors and officers in their defense of derivative actions.

“I am excited to rejoin the firm as part of its renowned securities litigation group, and to collaborate with colleagues in Palo Alto and around the globe in advising clients on their most challenging legal issues,” said Foster.