Perkins Coie announced today that Jose Lopez has joined the firm’s Chicago office as Partner in the Securities Litigation practice. Previously, he served as Partner at Schopf & Weiss and prior to that was a Senior Attorney at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Enforcement.

“The addition of Jose marks a period of major growth in our Chicago office. Jose brings extensive knowledge of securities law, superior analytical capabilities and excellent client service to our firm and will be a tremendous asset to us,” said Chris Wilson, Chicago Managing Partner and fellow Securities Litigation partner.

Lopez focuses his practice on complex business litigation with an emphasis on securities litigation. He represents clients involved in investigations by the SEC, Department of Justice (DOJ), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and other regulatory agencies.

Lopez earned his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and his B.A. from DePaul University. He was named an Illinois Super Lawyer in Securities Litigation from 2005-2008. He served as Regional Chair of the Association of SEC Alumni and was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to an annual term as a member of one of its hearing panels on contested cases, which makes recommendations regarding discipline of lawyers charged with misconduct by the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois. 

He joins a growing Securities Litigation, Corporate Governance & Professional Liability group in Chicago with extensive experience defending companies and their officers and directors, as well as investment advisors, underwriters, attorneys and other professional services firms, in matters involving securities fraud claims, shareholder derivative actions and professional negligence litigation. The group also assists corporations and executives with internal and external investigations involving the SEC and other securities regulatory agencies.

Perkins Coie is celebrating 10 years in Chicago and in addition to Lopez has recently added Jim Carroll, Partner in Finance; Dan Coyne, Partner in Finance; Matthew Shebuski, Partner in Real Estate; Christine Biebel, Of Counsel in Finance and Deborah Gutfeld, Of Counsel in Bankruptcy.