Overview

Brendan McHugh is a practical problem-solver and trusted advocate for a variety of clients facing exposure from high-stakes investigations and pending or anticipated litigation. He is trusted by clients across many sectors to handle some of their most complex business and commercial disputes, including matters related to securities, business torts, contract disputes and services provided by financial industry professionals. Brendan is known for his excellent rapport with clients and his dedication to achieving superb results.

Commercial Disputes

Skilled in all aspects of litigation, ranging from pre-litigation counseling to the courtroom, Brendan routinely leverages his experience at both the trial and appellate levels to advise his clients pragmatically and cost-effectively. He has significant experience defending the commercial practices of banks, broker-dealers, and investment companies in state and federal courts, as well as in various arbitration forums. Brendan also has meaningful practice before appellate courts, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and he has successfully resolved employment-related disputes for several clients.

Financial Services

With particular experience in the financial services industry, Brendan frequently represents clients in “industry” and “customer” arbitrations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and in successful mediations of such disputes. He successfully has defended his financial industry clients against allegations of unsuitable recommendations, investment losses, misrepresentations, conflicts of interest, fraud, and other violations of state and federal securities laws.

White Collar Defense & Investigations

Brendan has direct experience conducting internal investigations, as well as representing clients facing high-stakes government investigations, including investigations brought by the SEC and Department of Justice.

Prior Experience

Prior to joining the firm, Brendan excelled as a competitive swimmer at the collegiate and international level. He is a multiple-time member of the U.S. National Team and, as such, represented the United States in several international competitions. Among other things, Brendan is a former National Champion and National Record-Holder, multiple-time finalist at Olympic trials, and multiple-time All-American and Academic All-American at the University of Pennsylvania.

Personal Interests

Brendan enjoys exercise and fitness, trivia, and Philadelphia sports.

Related Industries

Credentials

Bar Admissions

New Jersey
Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Education

Washington and Lee University School of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Washington and Lee Law Review (lead articles editor) (2015)

University of Pennsylvania
B.A. magna cum laude (2012)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives

Firm Blog Contributions

  • LaborSphere – a resource providing coverage and insights on breaking cases, recently enacted legislation and a broad range of labor issues

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

Brendan maintains an active pro bono practice, for which he has been recognized by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and the firm.

Professional Associations

  • Philadelphia Bar Association — Young Lawyers Division

Civic Activities

  • Middle Atlantic Swimming — Board of Directors, 2011-12; Governance Committee, 2019-present
  • USA Swimming — Rules and Regulations Committee, 2022-present
  • University of Pennsylvania — Volunteer Swim Coach, 2015-17

Honors

  • Best Lawyers® — "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, 2022-24
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020-22
  • First Judicial District of Pennsylvania — Roll of Honor (Pro Bono Work), 2017
  • Washington and Lee University — Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society
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