Matt Williams is an associate in Dechert’s Securities and Complex Litigation group. Mr. Williams has a broad litigation practice that includes securities matters, consumer class actions, shareholder litigation, antitrust proceedings, investigations and white collar defense. He frequently leads teams of associates and other attorneys, and serves as a key contact for clients on significant matters.

Mr. Williams has experience litigating every stage of difficult matters, including fact gathering, case evaluation and strategy, coordination of proceedings, directing e-discovery teams, motion practice, witness development, taking and defending depositions, expert work, trial preparation, evidentiary hearings, emergency relief, arbitration, mediation, and appeals. He specializes in assisting foreign and out-of-state clients navigate California’s federal and state courts systems. Mr. Williams also defends clients against criminal and regulatory enforcement actions, and assists with internal investigations. In addition to litigation work, his practice includes proactive counseling regarding sensitive transactions, risk management and regulatory compliance. Mr. Williams is also advising Dechert on methods to incorporate generative AI into the firm’s practices.

Mr. Williams is committed to pro bono work and has represented clients in high-profile voting rights cases, international human rights matters, asylum appeals and Section 1983 civil rights actions. Prior to joining Dechert, he was an associate at the San Francisco office of a national litigation firm.

    • Defending a leading investment advisor against fiduciary-duty claims in a class action before the Delaware Court of Chancery.
      • Representing a consumer goods manufacturer in multi-jurisdiction consumer class actions concerning “natural” representations.
      • Representing a healthcare insurer in several antitrust proceedings relating to out-of-network reimbursement rates and related issues; successfully moved to compel arbitration in San Francisco Superior Court.
      • Advising the owner of nuclear and conventional power facilities on a merger transaction, including defense of shareholder inspection demand and negotiations over commercial terms.
      • Representing the US-based subsidiaries of a Chinese drone manufacturer in multiple class actions regarding compliance with federal aviation regulations and marketing practices.
      • Representing local NAACP affiliate in voting-rights lawsuit; co-counsel with ACLU.
      • Assisting a California-based electric vehicle manufacturer in responding to subpoenas and other matters.
      • Advising a foreign, nonparty witness in high-profile fraud prosecution in the Northern District of California.
      • Defended a foreign developer against high-profile criminal charges relating to benefits provided to San Francisco city officials; assisted in obtaining deferred prosecution agreement for company chairman.
      • Represented a private equity firm, its former portfolio company, and subsequent acquiror in multiple securities-fraud actions filed by former executives and employees.
      • Represented the Asia-based owner of a global apparel brand in commercial litigation pending in California and investigation into misconduct by former executive.
      • Represented investment fund in responding to subpoena issued in shareholder litigation pending in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
      • Advised a South Korean infrastructure firm in strategic transactions with a California renewable energy company.
      • Represented a gaming technology company in multiple class actions regarding marketing practices.
      • Advised a trading platform on regulatory risks following volatility in the cryptocurrency markets.
      • Bar Association of San Francisco
      • Defense Research Institute – Young Lawyers Steering Committee (2022-2023)