Mr. Perlis joined the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1974 and, since that time, has consistently been engaged in securities-related litigation. During his six and one-half years at the SEC, Mr. Perlis investigated and prosecuted a wide range of cases, including insider trading matters, foreign payment cases, financial fraud cases, and cases relating to organized crime involvement in legitimate business. In addition, Mr. Perlis assisted in the Commission’s investigation of the financial affairs of New York City and participated in preparation of the Commission’s report to Congress, which ultimately resulted in the enactment of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Subsequent to entering the private practice of law, Mr. Perlis continued his involvement in securities litigation from the defense perspective. Since 1980, he has defended numerous class actions, derivative actions and SEC investigations and proceedings. In these matters, he has represented directors, officers, corporations, accountants, and directors and officers liability and comprehensive general liability insurance carriers. He also has represented special committees of boards of directors in connection with derivative matters. In addition, he has represented various persons and entities including investment banking and brokerage firms in SEC investigations and litigation.

From the insurance perspective, Mr. Perlis frequently represents, in connection with securities class actions and other litigation, both directors and officers liability insurance carriers and comprehensive general liability insurance carriers. Specifically, Mr. Perlis has represented the interests of those carriers in monitoring securities litigation and participating in settlement efforts; defending such carriers when sued by insureds and/or third parties; and has litigated disputes between D & O insurers and their reinsurers relative to settlement of D & O claims. In addition, Mr. Perlis has represented the interests of D & O carriers in bankruptcy proceedings relative to issues of policy cancellation and claims.

Mr. Perlis frequently lectures and has written extensively on various topics relative to officer and director liability, complex business litigation, the federal securities laws, the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Activities

Securities and Exchange Commission, Division of Enforcement: Assistant Director, 1977-1980; Branch Chief, 1975-1977; Staff Attorney, 1974-1975

Adjunct Faculty Member, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, 1979-1980

Admitted to Practice

Washington, D.C., 1971

California, 1980

New York, 1994

Education

J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 1971; Law & Policy in International Business: Member, 1969-1970; Research Editor and Executive Board Member, 1970-1971

B.S.F.S., magna cum laude, Georgetown University, 1968