Spencer Fane is pleased to announce Brent Baker and Michael MacPhail’s inclusion on Securities Docket’s Enforcement Elite 2025 list. Both attorneys have achieved this honor for the second consecutive year.
The annual Enforcement Elite list celebrates “the best securities enforcement defense counsel in the industry,” identifying defensive specialists who adeptly navigate and resolve high-stakes matters involving complex government investigations. Honorees are chosen based on peer nominations, research, and industry renown from among leading attorneys across the nation who devote at least 50% of their practice to SEC enforcement defense work.
At Spencer Fane, Brent advises global companies, board committees, executives, and registered entities in complex criminal and civil investigations and litigation related to public and private securities regulation and compliance, employing previous experience as senior special counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to form robust defense strategies and curate a track record of success. He vigorously represents clients navigating all stages of disputes, from responding to regulatory and criminal subpoenas to preparing clients for investigative testimony to defending SEC Wells Notices of projected charges. He also handles private shareholder litigation and matters involving investment advisors, broker-dealers, and accounting firms. In addition, he handles complex criminal matters, and other cases involving the FINRA, the PCAOB and anti-money laundering issues.
Michael represents securities industry clients in a variety of high-stakes disputes involving regulatory, shareholder and insolvency-related claims. His clients include publicly traded corporations and their boards of directors, investment advisors, broker-dealers, transfer agents, accounting firms, law firms, licensed individuals, and shareholders. Mike handles disputes involving civil and criminal investigations, enforcement actions, and private litigation. He also represents clients in parallel criminal investigations by federal grand juries, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Read the full list of 2025 Enforcement Elite honorees here.