Henry Brownstein’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country. He has represented hedge funds, private equity firms, financial institutions, individuals, and government agencies relating to complex financial products, financing, securities, and corporate governance. His recent representation includes the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”), as conservator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in several actions in federal court against numerous financial institutions arising out of defendants’ misrepresentations concerning residential mortgage-backed securities sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Henry’s practice also includes advising investment funds on potential litigation and other issues relating to their investments in complex financial products.
Notable Representations
A group of investment companies in an interpleader action arising out a junior noteholder’s attempt to purchase CMBS from a CDO.
Cornwall Capital (featured in Michael Lewis’s The Big Short) in litigation against HSBC arising out of an ISDA credit-default swap referencing Bear Stearns.
ACA Financial Guaranty Corporation, a monoline bond insurer, in litigation against Goldman Sachs & Co. in connection with a synthetic collateralized debt obligation known as ABACUS.
Fortress Investment Group in litigation against AIG concerning the purchase of a pool of mortgage loans.
A leading financial institution in an action against AIG concerning collateralization obligations under leveraged lease transactions.
Mill Financial, LLC in litigation against George Gillette and The Royal Bank of Scotland, plc arising out of secured lending transactions in connection with the purchase and sale the Liverpool Football Club.
A leading financial institution in connection with federal RICO and common-law fraud claims brought by a California corporation that promoted and arranged certain tax shelter transactions disallowed by the IRS. Henry helped achieve summary dismissal of all claims, which came after discovery and motion practice, two weeks prior to the start of trial.
