September 16, 2025


Cooley Welcomes Back Former SEC Heavyweight Tejal Shah to Boost Litigation Team

Cooley LLP, a prominent global law firm, has announced the reappointment of Tejal Shah as a partner in its litigation department, marking her return after a 12-year tenure at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Her comeback is not just a homecoming but a strategic enhancement to Cooley's SEC enforcement practice.

Previously, Shah served Cooley from 2006 to 2014 before her significant stint at the SEC, where she ascended to the role of Associate Director in the New York office. During her time at the SEC, Shah was instrumental in leading a team of 150 staff members, spearheading investigations into critical areas such as insider trading, market manipulation, accounting fraud, and compliance failures. This formidable experience places her in an ideal position to navigate the complex waters of high-stakes litigation and regulatory enforcement.

Ian Shapiro, chair of Cooley’s global litigation department, expressed his enthusiasm about Shah's return, stating, “We could not be more excited to welcome Tejal home.” This sentiment was echoed by Patrick Gibbs, head of securities litigation and enforcement, who highlighted the unique insights Shah brings from her extensive regulatory background, enabling the firm to offer clients a deeper understanding of intricate investigations.

Shah herself is thrilled about reuniting with her former colleagues. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to reunite with my talented and collaborative former Cooley colleagues. I cannot imagine a better place to return to private practice and am looking forward to tackling the most complex challenges facing Cooley’s uniquely innovative clients,” she remarked.

Cooley LLP, with nearly 1,400 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Asia, and Europe, is renowned for its cutting-edge service in sectors like technology, life sciences, venture capital, regulatory enforcement, and litigation. The firm's commitment to addressing the sophisticated needs of leading-edge companies and investors is further bolstered by Shah's return.

This strategic move not only enhances Cooley's capability in handling SEC-related matters but also fortifies its position as a leader in securities litigation and enforcement. As regulatory landscapes continue to evolve, the firm is exceptionally positioned to navigate these complexities, safeguarding client interests and maintaining compliance amidst rigorous enforcement scenarios.