Tell us about your biggest client wins this year. In addition to securing 12 securities class action settlements, including helping obtain the fifth-largest securities class action recovery of all time against Petrobras, Labaton Sucharow's most significant win last year was representing the whistleblower that tipped off the [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission] on the long-running misconduct at Merrill Lynch. The case resulted in a historic $415 million enforcement action against the bank and a record-breaking $83 million award from the SEC to our clients.

What's the best lesson you learned as a young lawyer? Overprepare. The court may ask only one question, but it's almost never the question you think it will ask.

What's been the most significant change in your practice area, and how have you adjusted? Securities fraud cases have become increasingly complex and Labaton Sucharow's deep bench of experienced litigators has positioned the firm well to provide the sophisticated representation investors need.

Share an interesting fact about your firm that few know. Labaton Sucharow's Women's Initiative event focused on promoting diversity in institutional investing was recognized as one of the best gender diversity initiatives in the country.

Submitted by Christopher Keller, Labaton Sucharow chairman and partner.