Partner
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
Speaking Engagements
Active Investment Company Alliance, 2024 Fall Roundtable, Activism in Closed-End Funds
Activist Investor Conference 2024, Is the End Near for Section 16(b)?
