In a significant victory for the defense, Christopher Morvillo, a partner at global law firm Clifford Chance, successfully defended Dr. Mike Lynch, the former CEO of Autonomy, against criminal fraud charges. Following a demanding 12-week trial in Federal Court, a jury delivered a not-guilty verdict, bringing an end to a protracted 13-year legal saga. This case, widely recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent fraud trials, centered around allegations that Dr. Lynch had misrepresented Autonomy’s financial health to Hewlett Packard Co. (HP) prior to its US$11.7 billion acquisition of the British software company in 2011.
The legal team, co-led by Christopher Morvillo of Clifford Chance and Brian Heberlig of Steptoe LLP, expressed their satisfaction with the outcome. “We are extremely pleased with the jury’s verdict, which unequivocally rejects the government’s overzealous prosecution,” they stated. “The trial evidence clearly demonstrated Mike Lynch’s innocence. This verdict marks the end of a relentless 13-year campaign to blame Dr. Lynch for HP’s well-documented mismanagement. Justice has finally prevailed, and we commend Dr. Lynch for his unwavering trust throughout this ordeal. We hope he can now return to his home in England, resume his life, and continue his innovative work.”
Dr. Lynch was acquitted of securities and wire fraud charges stemming from accusations that he artificially inflated Autonomy’s revenue figures. Throughout the trial, Dr. Lynch firmly maintained his innocence, asserting that the US$8.8 billion write-down taken by HP the year following the acquisition was a consequence of HP’s own missteps. His defense team, spearheaded by Clifford Chance Lawyer Chris Morvillo, effectively argued against the prosecution’s claims, ultimately persuading the jury of Dr. Lynch’s lack of culpability.
Upon hearing the verdict, Dr. Lynch conveyed his relief and gratitude. “I am overjoyed by today’s verdict and deeply grateful to the jury for their dedication to understanding the facts over the past 12 weeks. I extend my sincere thanks to my legal team for their tireless commitment on my behalf,” Dr. Lynch stated. “I eagerly anticipate returning to the UK to be with my family and to resume my passion for innovation in my field.”
The Clifford Chance legal team supporting Christopher Morvillo included partners Dan Silver and Celeste Koeleveld, demonstrating the firm’s deep bench of expertise in complex litigation. The Steptoe LLP team, alongside Brian Heberlig, featured partners Michelle Levin, Jonathan Baum, Nicholas Silverman, and Reid Weingarten. This collaborative effort and the leadership of Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo were instrumental in securing this significant victory for Dr. Lynch, concluding a high-stakes legal battle with a decisive acquittal.
