Law360 Profiles Jonathan Uslaner as National Securities Litigation “Rising Star”

April 6, 2016

BLB&G partner Jonathan Uslaner was named one of nation’s “Rising Stars” in the class action category by Law360. For his role “in recovering over $3 billion for investors,” he was honored as one of the country’s “top class action attorneys under the age of 40.” His impressive track record includes a $2.43 billion recovery from Bank of America, a $150 million recovery from JPMorgan Chase, a $125 million settlement from Wells Fargo, and most recently, a $219 million settlement from Genworth Financial, the largest-ever recovery achieved in Virginia.

In Law360’s profile, Mr. Uslaner discusses his career achievements, and the important role his mentors have played in supporting him along the way. He credits being surrounded by great mentors willing to entrust him with greater roles of responsibilities in litigation early in his career.  In Genworth, for example, he was involved all the way through “from the investigation that led to the complaint accusing the insurer of making false and misleading statements…to the March settlement reached ahead of trial.”  Having been promoted to partner during this period, Mr. Uslaner asserts that “the fact that my partners entrusted me to do that at a young age gave me confidence and encouraged me to put my best foot forward.  It really is a workplace culture that is ideal for young attorneys.”  In Mr. Uslaner’s experience, “the partners go the extra mile to give mentoring.  I get to pick the brains of some of the most talented plaintiff’s attorneys in the industry.” 

Taking the deposition of Merrill’s banker and senior executive Peter Krause in Bank of America was another exciting opportunity for Mr. Uslaner, which he described as “pretty fantastic for a relatively junior lawyer.  I found it personally rewarding to expose that level of corporate greed.”

According to Mr. Uslaner, the greatest appeal of being a plaintiffs’ attorney is the ability to shed light on corporate misconduct and the chance to secure significant recoveries for shareholders.  “I have a lot more to learn, and I’m intent on learning it.  I’m hoping the best years are yet to come.