Thompson Hine LLP, a national law firm recognized for its innovation focus, is pleased to announce that Ernest E. Badway has joined as a partner in its Business Litigation practice in New York. He joins from Fox Rothschild LLP, where he was previously a co-chair of its Securities Industry, Private Equity & Investment Management and White-Collar Criminal Defense & Regulatory Compliance practices.
Badway, a former SEC enforcement attorney, focuses his practice on regulatory enforcement matters and criminal and civil litigation. He has extensive experience providing counsel on the formation and operation of cryptocurrency exchanges, alternative trading systems, broker-dealers, investment advisers, commodity trading advisers, futures commission merchants, introducing brokers, hedge and private equity funds, and commodity pool operators. His practice includes advising on compliance with regulatory requirements, including FinCEN, FINRA and Bank Secrecy Act regulations, cybersecurity demands and New York Department of Financial Services Cybersecurity Requirements, and Know Your Customer, anti-money-laundering and data privacy requirements. Badway also assists clients with using ICOs and SAFTs for fundraising, making investments in digital currency, obtaining BitLicenses and preparing for OCIE examinations.
“I found what I was looking for in Thompson Hine. It boasts a nationally acclaimed registered funds practice—a rarity—that will greatly benefit my clients by providing access to attorneys with specialized experience in broker-dealer operations, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, all of which are critical in the realm of financial services,” remarked Badway regarding his choice to join the firm. “However, what truly captured my attention was the caliber and collaboration focus of the lawyers—they are the pioneers and the propelling force behind the firm. The firm’s commitment to nurturing innovation is remarkable and is among the multitude of reasons that influenced my decision. Thompson Hine delivers a robust and comprehensive array of legal services, ensuring that clients are supported both effectively and efficiently.”
Badway joins on the heels of Brittain Shaw, a veteran prosecutor who joined the Washington, D.C. office last month from the Fraud Section of the U.S. Department of Justice. Along with Shaw, Badway’s extensive experience representing individual and corporate clients in internal investigations and civil and criminal proceedings bolsters the firm’s Business Litigation and Government Enforcement, Internal Investigations & White-Collar Defense practices. He has represented corporations, partnerships and financial institutions in SEC and SRO enforcement investigations, internal investigations, partnership and shareholder disputes, and officer/director and corporate governance compliance matters.
“Ernie has a solid securities and corporate governance background which fits well with our broker-dealer and securities and shareholder litigation practices,” said Todd Mason, Thompson Hine’s New York office managing partner. “There are multiple practice areas synergies, such as Investment Management and White-Collar Criminal Defense. Importantly though, he was a clear cultural fit and we are excited to welcome him to the firm.”
Badway received his B.A., magna cum laude, and his M.A. from Boston University, and his J.D. from Duke University School of Law. He is an adjunct Professor of Law at both Brooklyn Law School and New York Law School, where he teaches courses in securities fraud enforcement, commercial law and securities regulation.