Nepp, Douglas E.

Michael is a member of the Professional Liability Department and focuses his practice on the defense of claims made against brokers and broker-dealers throughout the United States, concentrating primarily on matters before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Michael’s background includes relevant experience as a licensed professional in the securities industry.  He has experience as a general securities representative/broker (Series 7 License), securities agent and investment advisor representative (Series 66 License) and life, accident and health insurance producer (Pennsylvania Insurance Producer’s License).  Michael also has significant financial planning experience. 

Michael’s former securities and financial services experience gives him a unique perspective into the defense of financial institutions and investment professionals and an understanding of numerous facets of the securities industry and financial markets. As well, Michael’s familiarity with multiple types of investment and insurance products allows him to efficiently and effectively handle matters involving these issues.

In 2003, Michael graduated from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania, magna cum laude, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with dual concentrations in finance and business management, and with a minor in philosophy. 

Michael then earned his J.D. at Duquesne University School of Law in 2008, where he served on the Business Law Journal, first as an associate editor then as an executive editor.  Michael is the recipient of the prestigious Gerald K. Gibson Memorial Award for Excellence in Bankruptcy Law, and he is also the recipient of CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in both Securities Regulation and Family Law.

During law school, Michael was a Certified Legal Intern for the Securities Arbitration Practicum at Duquesne University, where he acquired experience representing parties in securities arbitration and procured additional training in securities law and regulation.  Michael served as a law clerk for the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and he also worked for a Pittsburgh-based law firm working on matters involving complex insurance and securities disputes.

Michael is a member of the Board of Directors of Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP), a local non-profit organization.  He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for 2012 and in 2011 served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors Executive Committee.