David Meister

Ranked in 4 Practice Areas

Band 1

Derivatives

USA - Nationwide

5 Years Ranked

Band 1

Derivatives: Enforcement

USA - Nationwide

5 Years Ranked

Band 1

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

New York

9 Years Ranked

Band 3

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement

USA - Nationwide

9 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

Global 2025

About

Provided by David Meister

USA

Practice Areas

David Meister heads Skadden’s White Collar Defense and Investigations Group in New York and has more than 25 years of experience litigating enforcement and white collar crime matters from both the prosecution and the defense perspectives. He represents institutions and individuals in DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and other criminal and regulatory law enforcement investigations, and at trial. He also conducts internal investigations for boards of directors and corporate management.

Career

Enforcement Director, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (2011-2013), led CFTC's investigation and prosecution of first-ever Dodd-Frank Act charges; co-chair, Securities and Commodities Fraud Working Group of Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established by President Obama; Assistant U.S. Attorney, SDNY (Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force).

Personal

JD, Columbia University School of Law (Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar) 1987; Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware, 1984 (cum laude).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - New York

Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Meister brings his impressive government experience to bear in his handling of complex criminal and regulatory investigations, with matters often involving significant cross-border elements.

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Derivatives: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Meister comes highly recommended for his expert knowledge of enforcement actions as they relate to the derivatives market.

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Derivatives - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Meister comes highly recommended for his expert knowledge of enforcement actions as they relate to the derivatives market.

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Securities: Regulation: Enforcement - USA - Nationwide

Band 3

Individual Editorial

David Meister is particularly highlighted for his leading practice in CFTC enforcement actions and investigations. He also regularly acts on FINRA and SEC actions, representing leading public companies, investment banks and broker-dealers.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

David Meister is a great lawyer.

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

David is an excellent lawyer. He is creative and good on his feet.

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

David is a smart and practical lawyer.

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

David is an excellent attorney with a deep understanding of regulatory matters.

Derivatives: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

When it comes to his knowledge and ability to navigate the process, he is basically unmatched.

Derivatives: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

David is the creme de la creme white collar and securities defence lawyer. He is an engaging, bright and wonderful lawyer.

Derivatives: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA

David has a unique background and diverse experience. His experience and judgment is invaluable.

Securities: Regulation: Enforcement respondent
Chambers Guide to the USA