Paul C. Curnin, Global Co-Chair of the Firm’s Litigation Department, is a nationally-recognized litigator who routinely handles complex government and internal investigations, securities and derivative matters, corporate control litigations and corporate governance matters, on behalf of companies, boards and individuals.
Recent public representations include:
- PAAMCO and Prisma in dismissal of Kentucky Retirement Systems derivative litigation;
- Valeant Pharmaceuticals in federal securities and RICO class actions;
- The Board of a Fortune 50 company in connection with shareholder derivative demands regarding oil reserves;
- The Board of Pacific Gas & Electric in litigation arising out of wildfires in Northern California;
- Leading asset managers in state court litigation regarding the Kentucky pension crisis;
- The Board of the Wounded Warrior Project in an investigation of use of donor funds;
- AIG’s Board of Directors in actions brought by the former CEO of AIG arising out of the subprime crisis and federal bailout;
- L3 Technologies in an SEC investigation concerning accounting issues;
- Hain Celestial in connection with an SEC investigation into accounting issues; and
- The Board of Microsoft in connection with an internal investigation.
Paul has been consistently recognized as a leader in both government investigations as well as securities litigation by Chambers USA, where sources describe him as “a top-flight lawyer”; “a very impressive presence”; “a brilliant strategist with impeccable judgment and great client service”; “one of the finest lawyers on the planet”; and “someone who is very effective and extraordinarily decent”; and as someone who “knows how to handle litigation but is also very good at navigating crisis situations.” Sources also highlight his “fantastic demeanor, great communication skills and fantastic analytical skills” and his “unparalleled judgment on really difficult issues that have litigation implications.” He is also consistently recognized by The Legal 500 where sources describe him as “an outstanding litigator with an excellent case-management ability.” In addition, he is recognized as a National and New York “Litigation Star” in Securities Litigation by Benchmark Litigation, and was named a BTI Client Service All-Star by in-house counsel for outstanding client service. Earlier in his career, he was named one of the top “45 Lawyers Under 45” in the United States by The American Lawyer.
Paul is also the Chairman of the Second Circuit Committee on Admissions and Grievances. Prior to joining the Firm, Paul was a trial attorney with the Federal Defenders for the Southern District of New York and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Roger Wollman of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the late Honorable Lloyd F. MacMahon of the Southern District of New York.
Paul received his B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1983 and his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1987. Paul joined Simpson Thacher in 1990 and became a Partner in 1995.
Updated Sep 2021
