Seth Friedman

Seth Friedman, co-chair of Dechert’s accounting defense practice, represents U.S. and international accounting firms and individual accountants in connection with federal and state litigation; arbitration; and regulatory investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), state licensing authorities and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

In addition to litigation and regulatory investigations, Mr. Friedman regularly advises major accounting firms and other entities on state licensing, ownership and independence-related questions, PCAOB registration requirements and inspection matters, internal investigations and other risk-related issues. He handles matters for accounting and consulting firms that arise from engagements to perform attest functions (both public and private), tax advice and compliance functions, and consulting or advisory work.

Mr. Friedman also counsels accounting firms and private equity clients on regulatory issues arising from complex corporate transactions. He advises on applicable accounting laws and regulations, including the development and implementation of alternative practice structures and Employee Stock Option Plans, and advises firms and engages with the SEC and State Boards of Accountancy on auditor independence and other regulatory matters.

Prior to joining Dechert, Mr. Friedman co-led the accounting liability practice at other global law firms. He also previously served more than six years in the Offices of the General Counsel of two major U.S. accounting firms, first as an assistant general counsel with KPMG U.S. and subsequently as deputy general counsel at BDO USA.