Tara A. LaClair

Tara is an experienced trial lawyer, in the firm’s Financial Institutions Practice Group.  Her practice focuses on arbitration, litigation, and enforcement actions in the securities and financial services industry.  She represents banks, broker-dealers, investment advisors, registered representatives, financial planners, money managers and individuals in investment related sales practice and employment disputes involving federal and state securities laws and regulations.

Tara also regularly advises clients on the resolution of pre-litigation disputes, internal investigations and employment matters. She also represents financial institutions in connection with subpoenas and investigations by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and state securities and insurance agencies.

In addition to her securities practice, she defends bad faith litigation, class actions and professional liability matters, conducts internal investigations and advises on digital assets, helping clients to navigate the developing regulatory landscape.

It is Tara’s willingness to take matters to trial or to a hearing on the merits, as well as her dedication to preparation, that allows her to achieve favorable results for her clients – including cost-effective resolutions before, during and after trial. She has tried more than thirty-five cases to conclusion across the country, appearing in more than forty states and North America.

Tara serves as a FINRA arbitrator and is a frequent speaker and author on securities, employment, and dispute resolution issues. She is licensed to practice in California, Michigan and Oklahoma, and earned her LL.M in Securities & Financial Institutions regulations from Georgetown University Law Center, her J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law, and her B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University.

Experience

• A. Thoracic & Cardiovascular Found. v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.: Trial counsel in nine-week arbitration involving claims of elder abuse, breach of contract, fiduciary duty, negligent investigation and fraud. Damages claimed at hearing in excess of $100 million. RESULT: After closing arguments, obtained favorable resolution for less than two percent of damages sought. Orange County, California.
• Hermetic Flower Company v. Hawthorn Garden Co.: Trial counsel for Plaintiff, an organic, medicinal cannabis grow facility, in a jury trial involving breach of warranty / defective product claims against a commercial grow light manufacturer. RESULT: Jury returned a verdict for Plaintiff, awarding cost of the defective lights, cost of replacement lights, lost revenue, replacement of lost plants, cost of removing the lights and attorney fees.
• Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated v. Whitney et a: Trial and Appellate counsel/Related FINRA arbitration in case involving fiduciary duty claims and beneficiary issues. RESULT: After a full hearing on the merits, all claims denied and attorney fees awarded to Respondent; Upheld on appeal. Tenth Circuit.
• Ellen L. Brown v. Neuberger Berman et al: Trial counsel in securities fraud and other misconduct case. RESULT: After a full hearing on the merits, obtained a full defense verdict. Los Angeles, California.
• RBC Dain Rauscher, Inc. v. Morgan Stanley DW, Inc. et al: Trial counsel in FINRA employment arbitration, involving raiding claims; RESULT: After a three-week hearing, obtained full defense verdict. Dallas, Texas.
• Rabin Nouranifar v. East El Paso Physician’s Medical Center: Served as lead trail counsel in AHL arbitration involving securities fraud claims against Hospital. RESULT: Obtained full Plaintiff award for client, including attorney fees and costs. AHLA Arbitration in Dallas. Texas
• Thomas DeBacco v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated: Trial counsel for Respondent in case involving allegations related to settlement and clearing of a trust preferred security. RESULT: After a full hearing on the merits, obtained full defense verdict. FINRA Arbitration in Kansas City, Missouri.
• Korbelik v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated: Trial counsel in a securities fraud case alleging more than$6 million in damages. RESULT: After a three-week hearing on the merits, obtained a complete defense verdict, with costs assessed against claimants. FINRA arbitration in Denver, Colorado.
• Pana Merchant v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.: Served as lead trial counsel in a case involving assets pledged to secure interests in Lloyds of London; RESULT: After a full hearing on the merits, the Panel found in favor of Respondent, denying all claims. FINRA Arbitration in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Epworth Villa Litigation Trust v. Homeland Insurance Company of New York, et al.: Represented insurance company in +$100 million bad faith trial. RESULT: After a mistrial was declared on day three, obtained a favorable settlement for our client. District Court of Oklahoma County Case No. CJ-2015-6795
• Schlanger Insurance Trust v. John Hancock Insurance, Inc., et al.: Trial counsel in variable life insurance policy case. RESULT: On the first day of trial, obtained favorable resolution. USDC Northern District of OK Case #10-CV-576-TCK TLW
• Hoi Ming Michael Ho v. Duoyuan Global Water, Inc. et al. Case No. 1:10-cv-07233(GBD): Defense counsel in nationwide class action alleging violations of federal securities laws. RESULT: Our client’s motion to dismiss was granted in part, narrowing the claims and allowing for a favorable resolution for our client. Southern District of New York.
• Perry v. Duoyuan Printing, Inc., Case No 10-cv-7235: Defense counsel in class action and securities fraud case. RESULT: Obtained dismissal at the trial court level, and while on appeal, the parties resolved the case without payment by our client. Southern District of New York.

News & Alerts

Speaking Engagements & Events

Articles & Publications

Professional Affiliations

• FINRA Dispute Resolution Arbitrator
• Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA)
• American Health Lawyers Association
• ABA Fellow

Civic Involvement

• Oklahoma Conservation Leadership Academy
• Leadership Oklahoma City (Class XXXVI)
• Oklahoma City Beautiful (board member)

Awards & Honors

• The Journal Record 50 Making a Difference Honoree (2019)
• Named Top 25 Women Super Lawyers in Oklahoma (2022)
• Listed in America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators (2017)
• Super Lawyers®, Securities Litigation Law, Business Litigation Law, Employment Litigation:
• Defense Law, Energy & Natural Resources Law, Oklahoma City, OK (2013-2014, 2017-2023)
• Super Lawyers Rising Stars®, Securities Litigation Law, Business Litigation Law, Employment
• Litigation: Defense Law, Energy & Natural Resources Law, Oklahoma City, OK (2008-2009)
• Certificate of Special Tribute from the State of Michigan