About J Matthew W. Haws

Matthew Haws helps investment banks, brokers, trading firms and other financial service firms keep their business on track in the face of regulatory investigations and complex commercial litigation. A decisive advocate and effective problem solver, Matthew advises clients in complex regulatory environments and emerging areas of the law and leverages his experience and creativity to find solutions that fit the client’s business objectives.

A strong advocate for clients both in the courtroom and before regulators

When business disputes arise, Matthew is comfortable in any forum, including district courts and appellate courts, arbitrations and in front of regulatory bodies. He has represented broker-dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), investments banks, trading firms and individuals throughout the financial services industry in a variety of complex commercial disputes and regulatory investigations — including by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and other self-regulatory bodies.

Matthew has a wealth of experience defending financial institutions in litigation arising from Ponzi schemes and other types of fraud. He has successfully defended several broker-dealers and FCMs at both the district court and appellate level arising from Ponzi schemes perpetrated by a customer or third party, including suits and arbitrations filed investors, receivers or bankruptcy trustees.

As a former secondee at Morgan Stanley, Matthew knows first-hand the complex challenges financial institutions face during regulatory investigations and litigation, and his understanding of the industry allows him to position his clients for the best outcomes possible. Whether the client is navigating the financial, institutional or reputational risks of regulatory enforcement or litigation, Matthew makes sure his clients fully understand these challenges and potential pathways through them, so they can make an informed, strategic choice about how to move forward.

Matthew also keeps up an active pro bono practice primarily focused on assisting the LGBT+ community. His work includes, among other things, assisting members of the community to apply for asylum and prosecuting civil claims of housing discrimination on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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Practice Focus

  • Litigation
  • Securities and litigation enforcement
  • Product and tort liability litigation
  • Financial services litigation

Representative Experience

  • Defended a broker-dealer in FINRA arbitration brought by a receiver arising from a Ponzi scheme perpetrated by a third party.
  • Successfully defended an FCM in a lawsuit arising from a Ponzi scheme perpetrated by a former customer. Obtained summary judgment on all claims and an affirmance on appeal.
  • Defended a private equity firm in multiple RICO suits and a related bankruptcy proceeding.
  • Successfully defended the global head of metals trading at a large FCM in a commercial tort lawsuit filed by former traders. Obtained a dismissal of all claims and an affirmance on appeal.

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • University of Illinois College of Law, JD, magna cum laude
  • Boise State University, BS
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Court Admissions
  • US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • US District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Community Involvements
  • Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago
  • The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Thomson Reuters
    Stand-out Lawyer, 2024
Award Methodologies