Overview
Raphael Larson focuses his practice on the representation of US and international accounting firms and accountants in connection with regulatory and enforcement matters before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and other regulatory and licensing bodies, as well as in federal and state court litigation. He is experienced in corporate governance, securities regulation, commercial and civil litigation, due diligence and fraud matters, and advises a variety of entities in financial statement and securities-related matters.
Raphael was a member of the PCAOB’s Division of Enforcement and Investigations for more than 12 years, and served as an Associate Director. While with the PCAOB, he handled numerous enforcement investigations and disciplinary proceedings against domestic and international accounting firms and auditors, including matters involving the Big Four US accounting firms and their international affiliates.
Results
- Led investigation of Big Four international affiliate’s audits of a major Indonesian cellular company that resulted in charges and sanctions against the international affiliate, the engagement partner and the global firm’s Asia-Pacific Professional Practice Director*
- Successfully litigated and ultimately settled matter involving Big Four audit firm and four of its partners for audit violations in connection with audits of a pharmaceutical company*
- Led the investigation of a Las Vegas-based audit firm that resulted in the first ever Rule 10b-5 charge brought by the PCAOB against an audit firm and audit partner for fraudulently issued audit reports*
- Led investigation and subsequent litigation concerning an audit of water treatment company and its use of transactions with special purpose entities to improperly boost reported revenue resulting in significant sanctions against the audit engagement partner*
- Led investigation of global audit firm’s audit of a software company’s revenue recognition practices resulting in sanctions against the engagement partner and audit manager*
*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott.
Credentials
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, JD, 1999
Portland State University, BS, with honors, 1996
Admissions
District of Columbia
Maryland
Courts / Agencies
US District Court for the District of Columbia
US District Court for the District of Maryland
