DLA Piper adds SEC trial attorney to its Boston office

DLA Piper is expanding its Litigation practice with the arrival of Eric Forni, former senior trial counsel at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, as partner in the firm’s Boston office. Forni also previously served as a Special Assistant US Attorney in the Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

As a trial and enforcement attorney with the SEC, Forni has extensive experience leading litigations – including conducting several federal trials – and enforcement investigations involving complex securities fraud, securities registration violations and broker-dealer or investment adviser rules. Forni has developed his knowledge in a variety of areas, including digital asset-related securities registration rules and life-science company disclosure obligations.

He has also led pre-litigation investigations, leading teams of other attorneys and forensic accountants; coordinated parallel investigations with agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and worked on matters with the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Additionally, Forni was a member of the SEC’s Market Abuse Unit, focusing on matters related to complex insider trading, broker-dealer and hedge fund conduct and market manipulation.

“Eric is an accomplished investigator, litigator, and trial attorney, having tried both civil and criminal cases. He also has extensive experience within the SEC and US Attorney’s Office, giving him a deep understanding of the laws they enforce,” said Loren Brown, DLA Piper’s US vice chairman and chair of the firm’s US Disputes Practice. “He will be a great resource to our clients as they navigate this changing landscape.”

During his time at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts in Boston, Forni conducted federal jury trials in cases concerning conspiracy; securities, mail and wire fraud; witness tampering; false statements; and structuring. He also worked on all aspects of criminal prosecutions, including grand jury investigations and plea negotiations.

Forni is a recipient of the Paul R. Carey Award, a national award by the SEC recognizing individuals with exceptional personal commitment and effectiveness, unquestioned integrity, unlimited enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to the protection of the individual investor.