Harpen, Shawn M.

Shawn Harpen represents both companies and individuals in securities, merger, and complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis on the defense of securities class and derivative actions. She also assists clients in the prosecution and defense of private shareholder litigation, including matters involving considerable cross-border work in international financial communities. She uses her experience to advise companies on the development and implementation of corporate governance policies and procedures and to assist special litigation committees in evaluating shareholder demands.

Shawn has represented clients involved in various industries, including investments and financial markets, technology, spirits, nutraceuticals, health care, gaming, auto racing, energy, fashion, and entertainment. These clients include public and private corporations with national and international operations, as well as locally owned companies, officers, directors, and entrepreneurs. Her current litigation matters include the defense of class actions in federal court brought under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, specifically claims of fraud, misrepresentation, and insider trading, as well as shareholder derivative causes of action in state court for breach of fiduciary duties and related claims.

Shawn has been a speaker and contributing author for programs on corporate compliance, securities litigation, professional responsibility, and ethics. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers, the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Orange County Bar Association.