Margaret A. Tough

Margaret Tough is an experienced civil and criminal trial lawyer. Her practice focuses on protecting individuals and companies facing complex attacks on multiple fronts by plaintiffs, regulators, and prosecutors. She has been recognized among the top women lawyers in California by the Daily Journal and as a “notable practitioner” who is "quick on the uptake, and unrelenting in formulating and then executing actionable plans to defend and protect her clients” by Chambers USA.

Ms. Tough has been trial counsel in very significant trials, including:

• United States v. Pacific Gas and Electric: Core member of team in a series of matters (civil, regulatory, and criminal) arising from a tragic natural gas pipeline rupture in San Bruno, California. Tried a rare corporate criminal case in a two-month jury trial in federal court in San Francisco, reducing the company’s exposure by more than 99%: from over US$1.1 billion to just US$3 million.

• Confidential insurance arbitration: Lead trial counsel representing client to a complete victory in an international arbitration against an insurer, resulting in an eight-figure recovery.
• Økokrim v. Vilhelmsen: On Norwegian/US trial team, which won a full acquittal of an investor charged with money laundering offenses in Norway.
• Jasmine v. Marvell: Defended Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. in a trade secrets misappropriation trial, which was named California defense verdict of the year.
• SEC v. Jasper: Defended a former technology company CFO against stock options backdating charges.
• United States v. Larson: Defended a private investment banker against complex tax shelter charges in a months-long trial in the Southern District of New York.

In addition to her trial work, Ms. Tough has also successfully defended many clients facing complex civil cases and government investigations, and has conducted numerous internal investigations in the United States and around the world.