Attorney

Lucas T.
Ritchie

Attorney

303.292.7957

luke.ritchie@moyewhite.com

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Luke Ritchie is a partner in the Trial Section and focuses his litigation and trial practice on representing financial services clients and other companies and individuals in regulatory investigations and complex commercial litigation. His experience includes prosecuting and defending claims involving federal and state securities laws, fraud, corporate governance, business torts, and business "divorce." Over the past fifteen years, Luke has gained extensive lead-counsel experience representing businesses, investment companies, boards of directors, and individuals before federal and state courts, in private arbitration proceedings, and before federal, state, and private regulatory authorities including the SEC, FINRA, and state attorneys general.

Additionally, Luke is currently serving his second term as Co-Chair of the Colorado Bar Association's Securities Law Subsection, his first term as Vice Chair of the CBA's Litigation Section, his first term as a member of the CBA’s Board of Governors, and he sits on the Executive Council of the CBA's Business Law Section.  Outside of his practice, Luke also sits on the Boards of various community organizations.

Representative Matters

Represented mutual fund’s management and Interested Trustee in defending SEC enforcement proceeding alleging 1940 Act claims - obtained SEC “no action” letter.

Represented mutual fund's former Trustees in defending SEC enforcement proceeding alleging 1940 Act claims - negotiated agreeable settlement terms and administrative order.

Represented municipal funds and former trustees in defending seven consolidated securities class action lawsuits in U.S. District Court.

Represented registered investment advisor and its president in defending SEC enforcement proceeding alleging claims of improper registration and material misstatements - negotiated agreeable settlement terms and administrative order.

Represented brokerage firm in defending customer dispute alleging state and federal securities fraud and breach of fiduciary duty claims - negotiated “walk away” settlement on the eve of FINRA arbitration hearing, which enabled brokerage firm to avoid Central Registration Depository reporting.

Represented defrauded investor in prosecuting claims for securities fraud and other business torts against local promoter of a business scheme - obtained judgment for damages including return of investment, statutory interest and reasonable attorney fees.

Represented local nonprofit entity and its Executive Director in defending against a wrongful termination action filed by a former employee - obtained a full defense verdict.

Represented startup contract carrier operation in contested application proceeding before the PUC - prevailed at hearing and obtained Interim Order and subsequent Commission Order granting requested authority over intervenor’s objection.

Represented a regional vocational college in defending against Title VII racial discrimination claims asserted by a former employee - obtained summary judgment, dismissal of subsequent appeal and denial of subsequent petition for a writ of certiorari

Represented seller of local business in defending against claims brought by potential purchaser and in prosecuting counterclaims and cross-claims against multiple parties - obtained full dismissal after first week of trial.

Represented a local business in the satellite TV industry in prosecuting claims for breach of distribution agreement - obtained six-figure arbitration award.

Represented a regional business in the nutraceutical industry in defending against claims and in prosecuting counterclaims in commercial contract dispute - obtained six-figure jury verdict.

Publications and Articles

Contributing Author
"Evidence in Colorado: A Practical Guide (2018 1st ed.),"
Colorado Bar Association, April 2018

Speaking Engagements and Presentations

Moderator
“Annual Check-In with SEC’s Regional Director, Denver Regional Office”
CBA Securities Law Subsection, CBA/CLE, Financial Services and Securities Lawyers, March 15, 2019

Faculty/Moderator
“Maintaining Civility in the Most Heated of Situations”
1st Annual Colorado Litigators Summit, October 26, 2018

Faculty/Panelist
“Ethical Issues for Securities Industry Professionals”
50th Annual Rocky Mountain Securities Conference, May 7, 2018

Panelist
“The Life and Death of an LLC: Formation, Operations, and Dissolution (a Litigator’s Perspective on LLC Divorce)”
CBA, CLE Business Law Institute, September 16, 2016

Moderator
“Hot Topics for Public Companies in 2016: The General Counsel’s Perspective”
Securities Law Subsection of the CBA Business Law Section, February 16, 2016

Presenter
“What to Do If the SEC Comes Knocking”
Denver Business Journal - Managing Enterprise Risk for Your Company Series, October 13, 2015

Panelist
“Civil Litigation for Young Lawyers”
Denver Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2014

Areas of Concentration
Education
  • University of Denver, J.D.
  • University of Colorado, B.A., cum laude, Presidents' Leadership Class, Scholar
  • University of Colorado Rugby Team, Member
Credentials
Affiliations
  • Colorado Bar Association, Business Law Section, Executive Council; Litigation Section, Executive Council; Securities Law Subsection, Co-Chair
  • Denver Bar Association
  • The Colorado Lawyers Committee Board of Directors, Director
  • The Logan School for Creative Learning’s Board of Trustees, Trustee
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado, Faculty of Federal Advocates
  • WeeCycle Colorado, Liaison to Colorado Bar Association
Admitted
  • Colorado
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. District Courts - District of Colorado
  • U.S. District Courts - Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Courts - Western District of New York
  • U.S. Supreme Court
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