Fenwick today announced Benjamin Kingsley has joined the firm as a partner in its securities litigation & enforcement practice, with a focus on government investigations, regulatory enforcement matters, and complex civil litigation. He is based in the firm’s San Francisco office.
With more than 15 years working as an attorney in government service, Kingsley brings a breadth of experience leading complex government investigations, as well as civil and regulatory litigation. Drawing on his over 11-year tenure at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, Kingsley is adept at handling investigations and the prosecution of high stakes securities fraud, white collar crime, public corruption, and civil rights matters across highly regulated and national security-intensive industries. At Fenwick, he will assist cutting-edge technology and life sciences companies navigate compliance and enforcement priorities within a complex regulatory landscape.
“We are delighted to welcome Ben to Fenwick. His distinguished career in public service, combined with his sharp intellect and foresight, make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Richard Dickson, firmwide chair of Fenwick. “As we continue to tackle some of the most complex legal challenges in the tech and life sciences sphere, Ben's contribution will be instrumental.”
“With Ben joining our ranks, we are adding a wealth of experience and exceptional regulatory acumen to our litigation and trial teams,” added Litigation Chair Jedediah Wakefield. “His deep knowledge on regulatory matters and substantial expertise in handling sophisticated investigations will greatly benefit our clients, particularly those at the forefront of emerging technologies. We look forward to leveraging Ben's strong relationships and insights to further expand our government investigations practice.”
Before joining Fenwick, Kingsley served as Chief of the Special Prosecutions Section and Chief of the Oakland Branch as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the USAO where he led investigations, prosecutions, and trials of white collar, national security, cybercrime, public corruption, and civil rights cases. Ben joined the USAO as an AUSA in the Economic Crimes and Securities Fraud Section, where he investigated, prosecuted, and tried complex corporate crime and securities fraud matters. As an AUSA, Ben regularly partnered with the DOJ’s National Security Division, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Fraud Section, federal investigative agencies, and other federal regulators. During his time at the USAO, Ben was recognized with the Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention for his role in the investigation of an American multinational financial services company.
“Fenwick has long held an impressive track record for driving innovation in the tech sector and I am thrilled to be a part of that legacy,” said Kingsley. “I believe that my tenure in government service will provide valuable insight in the complex landscape our clients navigate, and I look forward to joining this talented team and applying that experience to enhance our offerings in this space.”
Kingsley began his career through the Department of Justice Honors Program in Washington, D.C., on the appellate staff of the Civil Division, where he briefed and argued cases as lead counsel across the federal circuit courts and in two state supreme courts, working closely with Civil Division components, the Office of the Solicitor General, and other federal agencies. He also served as Counsel to two Assistant Attorneys General of the Civil Division and to the Associate Attorney General, the Department’s third highest-ranking official. Ben was recognized with the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service for his work for the Department on the successful challenges to the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that prohibited the U.S. government from recognizing same-sex marriages. Kingsley received his J.D., summa cum laude, from New York University School of Law, and his A.B., summa cum laude, from Princeton University.
Kingsley’s arrival furthers Fenwick’s continued investment in its regulatory enforcement and compliance capabilities. Over the last several years, the firm has welcomed trade and national security partners Melissa Duffy and Robert Slack, antitrust partners Tom Ensign and Steve Albertson, government contracts partners Joyce Tong Oelrich and Zohra Tejani, and privacy and cybersecurity partner Michael Sussmann in the D.C. office; healthcare regulatory partner Jennifer Yoo in Santa Monica; and corporate regulatory and insurtech partner Heidi Lawson in New York.
About Fenwick
Fenwick is a leading law firm, purpose-built to guide visionary tech and life sciences companies and their investors through every stage of growth, from startups securing their first round of funding to leading publicly traded global enterprises. As one of Silicon Valley’s original legal practices, today we have over 500 lawyers, patent agents, engineers, and scientists serving clients from seven offices located in innovation hubs across the United States and China. Named 2023 Life Sciences Practice Group of the Year by Law360, we are consistently ranked a Chambers first-tier firm for delivering the deep experience and technical skill that help innovators at the forefront of their industries redefine what’s possible. Visit www.fenwick.com to learn more.