Christopher J. Porzio

What do you focus on?

I practice in three main areas.

Financial Services Litigation and Arbitration

I represent financial services firms in matters such as FINRA arbitrations and litigations involving employee (broker) compensation and actions alleging business related-torts and the violation of restrictive covenants. I also draft and negotiate employment contracts and evaluate litigation risk in connection with proposed terminations in the U.S. and internationally. I recently spent several years as general counsel at a broker-dealer focused primarily on the interdealer credit and equity derivatives markets, where I managed the firm’s global legal affairs.

Health Care Litigation

I represent health care entities, including hospitals, health systems, academic medical institutions and clinics in a broad array of matters with emphasis on internal medical staff fair hearings and related administrative and litigation matters, False Claims Act cases involving Medicare and Medicaid billing and federally funded research grants, discrimination actions and physician restrictive covenant cases.

Indian Law and Gaming

I play an integral role in developing and expanding the firm’s Indian Law and Gaming practice, primarily through the representation of the interests of non-tribal entities in negotiations and litigations involving Indian gaming initiatives and land claims. I have litigated matters involving land claims under the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act, issues of tribal sovereignty and immunity from suit, extinguishment of aboriginal title, the enforceability of local zoning codes on lands held in fee by tribes and the applicability of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

What do you see on the horizon?

Increased automation and use of technology in the financial services industry, combined with regulatory restrictions arising out of the Dodd-Frank Act, will continue to displace brokers, traders and other revenue producers, particularly those in higher risk markets and products. I expect to see an increase in the number of compensation-related claims these employees will bring against broker-dealers and am looking at new strategies to help my clients anticipate and respond to these claims.

Publications and Presentations

• “Risk Management in Medical Staff Matters,” Stony Brook School of Health Technology and Management’s Patient Safety and Management of Risk course, September 2014 (Presenter)