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Aaron Morris
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Aaron Morris

aaron@moka.law | 332.240.4024

Aaron represents investors and institutions in cases involving fiduciary misconduct, securities violations, control contests and shareholder rights, with a special focus on matters involving asset managers and activist opportunities.

He formerly defended financial services firms and public companies at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

Aaron maintains an active pro bono practice, and has represented clients from local pizza shops to non-profit board members.

He writes frequently about developments relating to investment funds and corporate governance.

Education
Indiana University, B.S.
Boston College Law School, J.D., cum laude
Admissions
State of New York
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State of Vermont
U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court, District of Vermont
Experience Representing Plaintiffs
Recovered residual assets of SPACs in multiple cases after attempted misappropriation by management
Recovered damages for shareholders in merger designed to unfairly increase insider control
Recovered losses for fund investors in connection with change of control transaction
Recovered losses for fund investors after the collapse of an overleveraged mutual fund
Recovered losses for fund investors harmed in fund complex restructuring
Recovered damages for a construction company after misstatements by management regarding profitability of key projects
Experience Representing Defendants
Represented financial services firm in connection with the collapse of the Falcon hedge funds
Represented asset manager in connection with exposure to the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme
Represented asset manager in victorious bench trial on Investment Company Act, Section 36(b) advisory fee claims
Advised asset managers and fund trustees on various issues under the Investment Company Act and Investment Advisers Act
Represented multiple underwriters in securities class actions in District of Massachusetts
Represented energy company in securities class action in the Northern District of California
Represented big four accounting firm, cloud storage provider, and biotech company in securities class actions in District of Massachusetts
Represented major pharmaceutical in FINRA inquiry
Pro Bono Representations
Helped pizza shop recover damages for hijacked website and domain name
Helped small restaurant owners take down infringing websites and recover hijacked domains
Defended volunteer, non-profit directors wrongly accused of wage and hour violations
Associations
American Bar Association, Class Action & Derivative Suits Committee
Federal Bar Association, Vermont Chapter
The Club at Spruce Peak, Board Member
Recent Articles
SEC’s Proposed Rules Should Also Address Phantom Indemnity
Meditations In A (Fund) Emergency: Practical Advice For Fund Trustees
Rulings Suggest Significant Risk In Implementing Control Share Measures Under The 1940 Act
A Short Take On The Fund Industry’s Sometimes Perverse View Of Trustee Oversight
SEC’s Proposed Rules Should Also Address Phantom Indemnity
Meditations In A (Fund) Emergency: Practical Advice For Fund Trustees
Rulings Suggest Significant Risk In Implementing Control Share Measures Under The 1940 Act
A Short Take On The Fund Industry’s Sometimes Perverse View Of Trustee Oversight
Ruling Shows That Boards Can’t (Always) Get Away With Doing Nothing
Excessive Fee Cases End With Little Benefit And A Legacy Of Faulty Legal Analysis
Two (Thousand) and Twenty: Developments in Asset Management Litigation
Chancery Court Awards Fees After “Wrongful” Refusal Of Inspection Demand
Massachusetts Case Exemplifies The Perils Of Defensive Bylaws In Closed-End Funds
Fund Directors Should Adjust Their Approach To Manager Mergers
Investors Continue To Deserve More From Boards And Courts
Beware Recent Advice On Board Minutes And Notes
Time To Demand Accountability Regarding Mutual Fund “Risks”
Second Circuit Confirms Private Right Of Action Under 1940 Act
MFDF’s Guidance On M&A Leaves Some To Be Desired
Second Circuit Rules Against Investors In Excessive Fee Case
New Decisions In Fee Litigation May Sharpen Focus On Board
An Update On Excessive Fee Litigation
Omnicare’s Distinction Without A Difference