Trial in the SEC’s securities fraud action against several entities and individuals who managed the Reserve Primary Fund – the money market fund that “broke the buck” four years ago after Lehman Brothers announced its bankruptcy – is slated to begin on October 1, 2012. Earlier this week, in anticipation of the looming trial date, Judge Paul Gardephe issued a series of evidentiary rulings. They were a mixed bag for the parties. On the one hand, Judge Gardephe rejected the SEC’s attempt to prevent the Reserve Fund defendants from pursuing an advice of counsel defense. On the other, he ruled that two of defendants’ expert witnesses could not testify at trial. These rulings could have a substantial effect on the trial or on any settlement negotiations between the parties.
Continue Reading Judge Gardephe Allows Reserve Fund Defendants to Proceed with Advice of Counsel Defense