Ben Sweeney

Ben concentrates his practice on complex business litigation, with a focus on commercial disputes, securities, antitrust and appeals. He represents clients of all sizes at all stages of litigation, from pleadings challenges through trial and appeal. He also frequently advises clients on contract disputes and other pre-litigation matters. Ben maintains an active pro bono practice, with a particular interest in civil rights litigation.

Ben’s representative matters include:

• Securing the complete dismissal of securities fraud claims brought against a software as a service (SaaS) leader in critical event management under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)
• Representing the former CEO and chairman of a publicly traded social media platform in connection with numerous nonparty subpoenas issued pursuant to 28 US Code § 1782
• Advocating for several large California-based real estate developers in disputes over control and corporate governance, involving claims for breach of contract and fiduciary duty
• Defending an industry-leading biopharmaceutical company against a securities class action brought under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act
• Protecting a post-IPO home goods brand against a securities class action brought under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933
• Representing an early-stage ecommerce company and its founders in a breach-of-contract dispute with a former employee
• Achieving a substantial settlement for a pro bono victim of wrongful eviction and civil rights violations as part of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Justice Lab program
• Representing a publicly traded sports and entertainment company in a dispute with a National Basketball Association franchise and a municipality over a proposed arena development*
• Attaining the dismissal for an electronics manufacturer of class action antitrust claims related to the sale of high-capacity computer chips*
• Representing a Major League Baseball player agent in a dispute with the players’ union*
• Advocating for a major telecommunications and entertainment company in the trial defense of a proposed merger challenged on antitrust grounds by the US Department of Justice*
• Defending a major drug manufacturer through trial against personal injury claims related to a widely prescribed antipsychotic medication*
• Protecting an international financial institution against fraud and negligence claims brought by a former National Football League star arising out of embezzlement by a third party*

* Representation handled prior to joining Cooley

Before joining Cooley, Ben was a law clerk to Judge Harris L Hartz on the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He also worked as an associate in the Century City, California, office of a US-based international law firm.

While in law school, Ben served as submissions editor for the Yale Journal on Regulation and as co-president of the Yale Entertainment and Sports Law Association.