As special counsel in the firm’s Litigation & Arbitration Group in New York, John Hughes’s practice covers a wide range of matters, including market manipulation, securities fraud, commodities, and criminal defense and investigation matters. He has significant experience in class action lawsuits, commercial litigation, and regulatory and criminal matters, as well as significant experience with trials and appeals.
Contact
New York
Primary Focus & Experience
Mr. Hughes has represented several clients in class action and individual litigation involving market manipulation claims under the Commodity Exchange Act, antitrust claims, and securities fraud claims. Several of the cases he has handled were dismissed prior to discovery, and in one major litigation, the lead plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was denied.
Additional prior representations includes government investigations involving the US Department of Justice, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and federal and state banking regulators on matters related to sanctions, money-laundering and terrorist financing, as well as matters involving potential accounting fraud.
Mr. Hughes’s trial experience include being one of three trial lawyers representing a defendant in a jury trial in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. He cross-examined a witness and prepared post trial briefs that resulted in the defendant’s acquittal on all charges. Mr. Hughes also worked on a bench trial in New York State involving a multibillion-dollar restructuring transaction, and has successfully argued cases on appeal.
Recognition & Accomplishments
Mr. Hughes is a recommended white collar attorney in Legal 500 USA’s 2024 edition, with a client saying he is “an excellent counsel” (Legal 500). He earned his J.D. from Yale Law School and his B.A. from Northwestern University. He clerked for Judge Debra A. Livingston in the US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (2008-2009) and Judge Stephen F. Williams in the US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit (2009-2010).
Mr. Hughes has also performed pro bono work for several nonprofit organizations and the City of New York.
Additional Details
Education
- Yale Law School, J.D.
- Northwestern University, B.A.
Admissions
- New York
- US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- US District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- US District Court for the Southern District of New York
Clerkships
- Honorable Stephen F. Williams in the US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit (2009-2010)
- Honorable Debra A. Livingston in the US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit (2008-2009)
