Our Leadership Team
This section provides an introduction to the accomplished partners who lead our firm with expertise and dedication.
JORDAN GRAHAM
FOUNDING PARTNER
Jordan Graham, a named partner at Graham and Nesbick, serves as counsel in the Asset Management Department at the Washington office. With over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry—including roles in prominent law firms, as in-house counsel, and at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—Jordan brings a wealth of expertise to the firm’s leadership and practice.
Jordan advises investment managers, broker-dealers, and financial institutions on compliance with federal securities laws. His extensive experience includes working with private investment funds, such as hedge funds, mutual funds, and institutional and retail separate accounts. He provides strategic counsel on the development and implementation of compliance policies and procedures, SEC registration and disclosure requirements, regulatory examinations, and contractual matters.
As a key leader in the firm, Jordan has significant experience advising mutual funds on organizational, governance, disclosure, and compliance issues. He frequently assists clients in navigating exceptions and exemptions under the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act. Additionally, Jordan represents firms seeking no-action or exemptive relief from the SEC, ensuring clients achieve regulatory compliance with efficiency and precision.
Jordan’s deep understanding of the investment management field and his commitment to client success make him a cornerstone of the firm’s practice.
Samantha riggs
MANAGING PARTNER
Samantha Riggs, a partner at Graham and Nesbick, is a key member of the firm’s Litigation Department and specializes in the ERISA Litigation Group. Based in the firm’s Chicago office, Samantha represents plan sponsors, plan fiduciaries, and third-party administrators in a wide array of ERISA-related matters in federal courts across the country.
Samantha’s practice focuses on litigation involving employee benefit claim denials and breaches of fiduciary duty on behalf of ERISA plan defendants. She has defended plan fiduciaries in class actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and prohibited transactions related to the management of retirement plans. Samantha has also successfully represented large corporations in class actions and individual claims concerning the reduction or denial of retiree health benefits. Additionally, she has extensive experience representing life insurance companies and plans in disputes involving competing claims for death benefits.
Beyond her litigation work, Samantha provides strategic counsel on benefit claim administration, claims review procedures, fiduciary governance, COBRA compliance, and benefit plan design. Her dedication to the field is further demonstrated through her leadership roles in industry organizations and her contributions to publications on employee benefits and ERISA law.
Samantha’s extensive experience and commitment to achieving successful outcomes make her an invaluable asset to Graham and Nesbick and a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex ERISA matters.
Bryan S. Kopski
Partner
Bryan S. Kopski, a partner at Graham and Nesbick, is a distinguished member of the firm’s Corporate & Financial Services Department and serves as Co-Chair of the Project Finance & Investment Practice Group. Bryan’s practice spans the development and financing of energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure projects, as well as public infrastructure initiatives and complex multi-tranched corporate and hybrid debt financings through bank and capital markets.
In addition to his expertise in corporate and project finance, Bryan has extensive experience in inheritance law, estate planning, and immigration matters. He has guided clients through intricate cross-border inheritance challenges, created tailored estate plans to meet diverse client needs, and provided strategic immigration counsel to support seamless international transitions for individuals and businesses.
Bryan advises host governments, regulators, sponsors, contractors, off-takers, export credit agencies, and lenders on the structuring, financing, and restructuring of projects within the public and social infrastructure sectors.
With over two decades of experience, Bryan is highly regarded for his strategic approach to complex legal challenges and his deep understanding of emerging markets.
Bryan’s wide-ranging expertise and commitment to excellence make him a valued partner at Graham and Nesbick and a trusted advisor to clients across industries and borders.
jason philippe
PARTNER
Jason Philippe, a partner at Graham and Nesbick, serves as European Counsel in the Tax Department, where he focuses on the tax aspects of IPOs, LBOs, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate reorganizations.
Jason provides expert guidance on complex tax issues related to mergers, acquisitions, and high-profile transactions. His extensive experience includes tender offers, stock and asset purchases, and private securities offerings. With a profound understanding of international tax considerations, Jason ensures seamless execution of complex deals, making him an invaluable advisor for clients tackling the financial and legal challenges of global transactions.
Jason regularly advises on complex tax issues associated with mergers, acquisitions, and high-profile transactions. His extensive experience spans tender offers, stock and asset purchases, and private securities offerings. Jason’s deep understanding of international tax considerations ensures seamless execution of intricate deals, making him a key resource for clients navigating the financial and legal complexities of global transactions.
Trusted Associates on Your Side
This section highlights the skilled associates who bring diverse expertise and drive to our firm’s dynamic team.
Rajesh Adani
Associate
Rajesh Adani, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, specializes in mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and corporate finance. With over a decade of experience, he advises on venture capital, deal structuring, and fundraising initiatives across industries such as media, energy, technology, and cryptocurrency. Rajesh also supports private fund managers on fund formation, co-investments, and regulatory compliance.
michael clark
Associate
Michael Clark, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, specializes in intellectual property law, with a focus on patent and trademark litigation. Michael works with clients in technology, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment to protect their innovations and intellectual assets. He provides advice on patent prosecution, trademark registration, and IP licensing agreements to ensure comprehensive IP protection in global markets.
OLIVIA WRIGHT
Associate
Olivia Wright, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, focuses on tax law, particularly in corporate taxation, mergers, and acquisitions. She helps clients navigate complex tax regulations related to business restructuring, cross-border transactions, and compliance. Olivia’s expertise also includes advising on tax-efficient strategies and optimizing tax liabilities for multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals.
luca moretti
Associate
Luca Moretti, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, specializes in environmental law with a focus on the intersection of sustainability and the financial sector. He advises clients in industries such as cryptocurrency, financial services, and blockchain on regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessments, and sustainability initiatives. Luca helps clients navigate complex environmental regulations at local, national, and international levels, while ensuring their operations align with emerging environmental standards in the evolving crypto and financial landscapes.
EMILY LAWSON
Associate
Emily Lawson, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, focuses on commercial litigation, representing clients in high-stakes disputes. With experience in complex contract disputes and class actions, she provides strategic counsel in navigating litigation risks. Emily also advises on arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods, helping clients resolve conflicts efficiently and effectively across various sectors.
sophia martinez
Associate
Sophia Martinez, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, focuses on real estate law, advising developers, investors, and landlords in commercial and residential real estate transactions. She has experience in property acquisitions, leases, zoning issues, and environmental compliance. Sophia works closely with clients to navigate complex real estate regulations and ensures smooth closings for all types of property deals.
david lee
Associate
David Lee, an associate at Graham and Nesbick, specializes in labor and employment law, advising employers on compliance with federal and state regulations. He assists clients with employee relations, workplace investigations, wage disputes, and employment contracts. David also defends businesses in employment-related litigation, ensuring that employers remain compliant and minimize legal exposure in the workplace.