Accountants Liability and Securities Litigation

SEC and PCAOB Defense Practice

Expert Defense Against SEC, PCAOB, DOJ, and Regulatory Enforcement Actions

At Briglia Hundley®, we represent clients facing complex criminal and regulatory matters involving accounting fraud, bank fraud, false public statements, false claims, insider trading, and other securities law violations. Our attorneys have deep experience as former regulators, prosecutors, and trial lawyers, giving us the insight to effectively defend clients in investigations and enforcement proceedings by the SEC, PCAOB, DOJ, and other agencies.

SEC and PCAOB Defense — Protecting Accounting Professionals, CPAs, and Public Companies

Defending against investigations and enforcement actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) requires specialized expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of complex regulatory environments. At Briglia Hundley®, our securities defense attorneys represent accounting professionals, certified public accountants (CPAs), and public companies throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., as well as before federal regulators nationwide.

Our practice focuses on the full spectrum of SEC and PCAOB matters, from initial investigations through formal enforcement proceedings, appeals, and related civil litigation. We understand that regulatory scrutiny can threaten careers, reputations, and business operations, and we are committed to providing aggressive, knowledgeable defense tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Areas of Representation

Professional Discipline and Regulatory Proceedings

We defend CPAs, auditors, and accounting firms in disciplinary actions and regulatory proceedings before professional licensing boards, the AICPA, and state CPA societies.

Accounting Malpractice Defense

Our attorneys represent accounting professionals in malpractice lawsuits, helping to protect professional reputations and limiting financial exposure.

Private Securities Litigation

We handle complex securities litigation matters involving allegations of financial reporting violations, auditing failures, and other securities law claims.

Wells Notice Responses

When clients receive Wells notices indicating potential SEC enforcement action, we craft strategic response letters designed to persuade the Commission not to pursue charges.

Investigation Defense

We guide clients through the investigative process, advising on document production, witness interviews, and strategic considerations to minimize exposure.

Enforcement Action Defense

When formal charges are filed, we provide vigorous representation in administrative proceedings and federal court litigation, working to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Compliance and Risk Management

We help clients develop robust compliance programs and internal controls to prevent future regulatory issues.

Services We Offer

  • Strategic defense against SEC and PCAOB enforcement actions
  • Professional discipline and regulatory proceedings representation
  • Wells notice response and pre-enforcement advocacy
  • Complex securities litigation defense
  • Accounting malpractice and professional liability defense
  • Regulatory compliance and risk management counseling
  • Crisis management and media relations support
  • Appeals of adverse regulatory decisions

Meet our Accountants Liability and Securities Litigation Attorney

Raymond Starks-Taylor

Associate
View Raymond Starks-Taylor’s Profile >

Ready to Get Started?

Contact our accountants liability and securities litigation team today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your legal needs.

Call us today on 703.883.0880

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Under Virginia law, accountants can be held liable for professional negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, or fraud when their work falls below the accepted standard of care and causes financial harm. Common claims involve negligent audits, misstated financial reports, or a failure to detect fraud. Virginia generally limits third-party claims through privity requirements, though exceptions apply when an accountant knows a specific third party will rely on the work.

Securities litigation in Virginia often involves broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, Ponzi and other investment fraud schemes, and failures to disclose material information to investors. Claims may be brought in state or federal court, or through FINRA arbitration, depending on the nature of the dispute.

Deadlines vary by claim type. Virginia treats professional malpractice claims, including accounting malpractice, as breach of contract claims rather than personal injury claims, so they are generally governed by Virginia’s contract statute of limitations (typically five years for a written engagement, three years if unwritten) running from the date of the negligent act, not a discovery-based deadline. Securities fraud claims may be subject to separate state and federal deadlines. Because the applicable deadline depends heavily on the specific facts, it is important to consult an attorney promptly to avoid missing a filing window.

Possibly. Investors in Virginia may recover losses through FINRA arbitration or civil litigation if a broker or advisor breached their fiduciary duty, made unsuitable recommendations, engaged in unauthorized trading, or failed to disclose a conflict of interest. Recovery depends on the specific facts and the advisor’s registration status.

Preserve all relevant records, including statements, correspondence, and contracts, and avoid further transactions until you have consulted an attorney. An experienced securities litigation attorney can evaluate the claim, identify the appropriate forum, and advise on applicable filing deadlines.