Karen M. Chau is an associate in the Litigation department of Hughes Hubbard & Reed’s New York office. She has experience representing clients in federal and state courts. Her practice includes work on complex bankruptcy matters and related litigation, including the Securities Investor Protection Act liquidation of the business of Lehman Brothers Inc., as well as experience with employee litigation and complex commercial actions before federal and state courts and FINRA arbitrators.
Karen also maintains an active and varied pro bono practice. She has defended pro bono clients in a variety of immigration and family court proceedings, as well as in civil rights actions in federal court.
Professional Activities and Recognition
• Member, Pro Bono Committee • Member, Federal Bar Council • Honorific Designation as Empire State Counsel by the New York State Bar Association (2015)
Court Admissions
• Southern District of New York • Eastern District of New York • Second Circuit Court of Appeals
Highlighted Matters
• Representation of the trustee of Lehman Brothers Inc. in investigating, litigating, and settling multiple unsecured general creditor claims. • Representation of the trustee of Lehman Brothers Inc. in litigation of employee claims for bonuses. • Representation of the trustee of Lehman Brothers Inc. in litigation of employee claims for restricted stock units and similar equity-based compensation. • Representation of the trustee of Lehman Brothers Inc. in litigation of employee claims for deferred compensation. • Representation of the debtors in the chapter 11 bankruptcy of CST Industries Holdings Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries in litigation of an equitable subordination and lender liability action. • Representation of the City of New York in litigation in federal court. • Representation of large financial institution in defense of raiding, tortious interference, and related claims in FINRA arbitration. • Representation of a defendant in a state court action involving allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duties. • Representation of the defendant in related proceedings in several states regarding tort and contractual issues. • Preparing amicus materials for the Second Circuit in a case involving questions of immigration and Constitutional law. • Pro bono representation of numerous undocumented immigrant children in immigration and family court proceedings. • Pro bono representation of clients in paternity, divorce, and other matters.
