Timothy Katsiff is Leader of the firm's Class Action Litigation Team. He represents companies, as well as directors and officers, in securities class actions, derivative actions, and merger litigation. He represents audit and special committees of boards of public companies, broker-dealers, and individuals in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and self-regulatory organization proceedings.
Tim also handles business torts, trade secrets and patent suits, and environmental, insurance, and banking cases. He has defended public companies in merger-related shareholder suits in California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. He has represented major financial institutions in various matters. His experience also includes defending a major energy company in a large commercial contract dispute and representing a defense contractor in various contract disputes.
At Ballard Spahr, Tim is a member of the firm's Litigation Department and its Securities Enforcement and Corporate Governance Litigation Group.
Experience
Representative Matters
Represented Twitter in its successful enforcement of Elon Musk’s obligation to complete his acquisition of the company for $54.20 a share, an aggregate price of $44 billion. After signing a merger agreement, Mr. Musk reneged, raising various explanations for his refusal to close. Twitter brought an action for specific performance in Delaware’s Chancery Court. Working with Twitter’s lead counsel, Ballard Spahr’s team pursued discovery against more than 100 third-party witnesses, including Mr. Musk’s equity investors and attorneys. Shortly before trial, Mr. Musk announced he would go forward with the deal and obtained a stay of the litigation. On October 27, 2022, Mr. Musk closed the acquisition in accordance with the terms of merger agreement.
Professional Highlights
Judicial Clerkships
Hon. John P. Fullam, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Professional Activities
American Inns of Court
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
Recognition & Accomplishments
Benchmark Litigation, "Litigation Star," Securities, 2010-2024
Legal 500, Securities Litigation: Defense, 2023
Lawyer on the Fast Track Award, American Lawyer Media, 2005
Board Memberships & Community Service
Trustee, BalletX, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Former Trustee and Board Chair, George School, Newtown, Pennsylvania
Former Trustee, Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Credentials
Education
Cornell Law School (J.D. 1994)
Articles Editor, Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy
University of Chicago (B.A. 1991, With Honors in the College and Special Honors)
Admissions
Pennsylvania
U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fifth, and 11th Circuits
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania