Keisha O. Coleman

Partner

Atlanta

Tel 678.420.9320
Fax 678.420.9301

As an experienced trial lawyer, Keisha Coleman knows that the first step is to define what it means to win, whether that means early resolution, a jury verdict, or something in between. She is known for striking the right balance: between efficiency and high-quality work; pressing hard for the client and integrity toward everyone else involved in the case; and mastery of the legal issues and staying focused on the common-sense, practical effects of each action.

She uses her courtroom experience and broad litigation and investigatory capabilities to focus on complex financial services, business, securities, and white-collar criminal litigation and investigations. She has tried federal white-collar criminal cases and has brought several high-profile securities matters involving the SEC, FINRA, and the DOJ to successful resolution.

Services

Experience

Representative Matters

Won jury verdict for factoring company in case alleging fraud and negligence against account debtor.
Won jury verdict for Fortune 50 financial institution in case involving alleged unauthorized transfers.
Won summary judgment for Fortune 500 financial institution in case alleging fraud and negligence against firm and its financial advisor.

Obtained highly favorable settlement for insurance company against executives who joined competitor in violation of noncompete covenants.
Obtained highly favorable settlement of securities class action alleging control-person liability in connection with investments in an inverse long-bond fund.
Won early dismissal of claims (eliminating 90 percent of damages sought) for Fortune 25 financial-services company in case alleging violation of the EFTA.
Obtained termination of an SEC investigation of a large-scale, international farming operation.
Won appeal of summary judgment in financial institution’s favor in a case alleging fraud against a financial institution.
Won not only early dismissal but also an official recantation of medical malpractice claims brought against national hospital network and doctor.
Obtained favorable early dismissal of general manager of hedge fund in securities class action.
Won judgment for all claimed damages and attorneys’ fees, as trial counsel, for a biotech company in a suit involving claims of Lanham Act violations and breach of distributorship agreement.
Trial counsel, through two federal criminal trials, for a doctor facing charges of healthcare and tax fraud
Trial counsel for pressure-gauge manufacturer in a suit involving claims of unfair and deceptive trade practices and false advertising under the Lanham Act.
Trial counsel for landowners prosecuting CERCLA Superfund litigation. Trial counsel for national construction company in a contract dispute.
Won early dismissal of a federal patent infringement and breach of contract lawsuit against a top-tier university.
Won early dismissal of lawsuit alleging food-labeling violations and various state tort claims against Fortune 200 packaged-foods company.
Won summary judgment and reinstatement of a large grocery store chain to the state’s supplemental nutrition program.
Obtained EEOC "no cause" letters on behalf of a Fortune 150 company facing various, separate claims of employment discrimination.
Obtained favorable settlement—on eve of oral argument before appellate court, following submission of briefs—for a major insurance company appealing a trial verdict.
Represent Fortune 500 financial services companies in interpleader actions in various states.

Professional Highlights

Pro Bono Experience

Keisha maintains a robust pro bono practice. Recently, she handled a habeas corpus action in a high-profile matter that required top-secret security clearance, represented victims of domestic violence, and helped overturn the suspension of a sixth-grader who unknowingly tried to pay for his school lunch with a counterfeit bill.

Professional Activities

Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association

Southeastern Women in Financial Services

State Bar of Georgia General Litigation Section

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, "Data Protection: Navigating the New Data Privacy and Information Landscape," Schwab Compliance Solutions National Conference, April 4, 2019

Publications

Co-author, “COVID-19: ‘Force Majeure’ and the Coming Wave of Litigation,” US Chamber of Commerce Litigation Blog, April 16, 2020

Related Insights

Credentials

Education

The University of Georgia School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2009)

Auburn University (B.A., summa cum laude, 2002)

Admissions

Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia