Robert Ritchie
Trammell Crow Center
2001 Ross Avenue
Suite 3900
Dallas, Texas 75201
Robert is an experienced lead litigator who focuses his practice on high-stakes civil class action litigation under the federal securities laws, stockholder activism litigation, and corporate and fiduciary duty disputes in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
In federal securities class actions, Robert has extensive experience preparing and presenting motions to dismiss, managing discovery, and opposing class certification. Robert also regularly defends the firm’s public M&A clients against lawsuits brought to challenge proposed transactions. Robert has successfully defeated pre-closing motions to enjoin such transactions and post-closing motions seeking attorneys’ fees following supplemental disclosures. In addition to his class action and M&A litigation experience, Robert also represents clients in foreign discovery proceedings under 28 U.S. Code § 1782 and has significant experience litigating legal malpractice and commercial litigation of all types in state and federal court.
Experience Highlights
Secured complete dismissal of securities fraud class action filed after business disruption related to the Boeing 737 MAX, the announcement of a material weakness related to financial reporting, and executive departures. Meitav Dash Provident Funds & Pension Ltd. v. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., 79 F.4th 1209 (10th Cir. 2023)
Obtained denial of emergency motion to enjoin $4.8 billion merger of two of the largest public companies in the mineral and royalty sector. Zalvin v. Brigham Minerals Inc., et al, Case No. 2022-78029 (Harris Cnty, Tex. Dec. 27, 2022)
Achieved complete dismissal of securities fraud class action filed after a pipeline leaked oil in the Pacific Ocean; Plaintiffs challenged the pipeline company’s disclosures regarding its operations and maintenance efforts; the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal. In re Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. Sec. Litig., 307 F.Supp.3d 583 (S.D. Tex. 2018), aff’d, 777 Fed. Appx. 726 (5th Cir. 2019)
Lead trial counsel for publicly traded pharmaceutical company and its directors in defeating preliminary injunction and subsequent claims at trial by activist investor challenging issues relating to director elections. Hammann v. Adamis Pharms. Corp., No. 2021-0506-PAF (Del. Ch. Aug. 23, 2023)
Obtained complete dismissal of breach of contract action brought by financial advisor against satellite and space technology company alleging that a preliminary term sheet entitled it to a multi-million dollar engagement on a subsequent M&A transaction. Foros Advisors LLC v. Digitalglobe, Inc., 333 F. Supp. 3d 354 (S.D.N.Y. 2018)
Obtained partial denial of motion for class certification in securities fraud class action, on the ground that plaintiffs had failed to show price impact as to several alleged corrective disclosures. Allegheny Cnty. Emps.’ Ret. Sys. v. Energy Transfer LP, No. 20-200 (E.D. Pa. Aug. 23, 2022)
Obtained favorable settlement following discovery in securities fraud class action brought against a global technology company and its officers and directors alleging that the company misled investors about its sales forecasts. Rougier v. Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., No. 4:17-CV-2399 (S.D. Tex. 2020)
Representing defendants in class action litigation alleging novel “greenwashing” allegations under the federal securities laws. Fagen et al v. Enviva Inc. et al, No. 8:22-cv-02844-DKC (D. Md.)
Defending officers and directors of E&P company in putative securities class action under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act. City of Warwick Retirement System v. Concho Resources, et al., No. 4:21-cv-03574 (S.D. Tex.)
Defending officers and directors of alternative energy production company in putative securities class action under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act. Davis v. Keppler et al, No. 8:23-cv-02474-MJM (D. Md.)
Defending payroll software company and its officers and directors in putative securities class action under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act. Ventrillo et al v. Paycom Software Inc et al, 5:23-cv-01019-F (W.D. Okla.)
Represented two hedge funds in an expedited nine-witness trial in the Delaware Court of Chancery over a disputed multi-billion dollar stock authorization by a public company. Texas Pacific Land Corporation v. Horizon Kinetics LLC, et al., No. 2022-1066-JTL (Del. Ch.)
Obtained complete denial of a post-close application brought by plaintiffs’ attorneys seeking fees in connection with supplemental disclosures made to moot action seeking to enjoin a public M&A transaction. Topley v. Semgroup Corp., No. 19-CV-9630 (RA) (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 29, 2021)
Obtained favorable settlement of Delaware appraisal action following merger of publicly traded satellite and space technology companies. In re Appraisal of DigitalGlobe, Inc. Common Stock and Preferred Stock, Consol. C.A. No. 2017‑0810 (Del. Ch. 2018)
Obtained order vacating a prior ex parte order and denying foreign litigant’s right to seek discovery from client under 28 U.S.C. 1782. In re Atvos Agroindustrial Investimentos S.A., 481 F. Supp. 3d 166 (S.D.N.Y. 2020)
Obtained reversal of order granting right to seek discovery under 28 U.S.C. 1782 in an appeal presenting an issue of first impression to the Fifth Circuit. Banca Pueyo S.A. v. Lone Star Fund IX (U.S.), LP, No. 21-10776 (5th Cir. Dec. 13, 2022)
Obtained take-nothing summary judgment for AmLaw 100 law firm in legal malpractice action and affirmance of this judgment on appeal to the Texas Supreme Court. Rogers v. Zanetti, 518 SW 3d 394 (Tex. 2017)
Credentials
- Harvard Law School, J.D.
- Texas Christian University, B.S., Economics and B.B.A., Finance and Accounting
- Legal 500 U.S., Dispute Resolution: Securities Litigation: Defense, 2024
- Texas
- Rankings & AwardsJune 12, 2024
- InsightJanuary 12, 2024
V&E Securities Litigation Update
- Deals & CasesSeptember 15, 2021
News & Insights
V&E Securities Litigation Update