Meagan A. Farmer

I like keeping corporations honest and transparent. Particularly in derivative actions, and because boards of directors are often given great deference, I relish playing the role of “detective,” sleuthing to uncover any inappropriate self-serving acts and then telling that story.

Overview

Offering more than 20 years’ experience, Meagan Farmer focuses primarily on shareholder derivative litigation, bankruptcy-related litigation, consumer class actions, and securities fraud litigation.

When Meagan served as lead counsel to stockholders of McKesson Corporation seeking to hold McKesson’s board of directors liable for their failure to exercise proper oversight of the company’s distribution of opioids that contributed to the national opioid epidemic, she secured one of the largest settlements for a shareholder derivative action ($175 million).

“Public watchdog” cases, which address financial or other harm resulting from fraud, false advertising or unfair business practices, are another type of case Meagan particularly enjoys handling. These types of claims, arising under state law, have finely tuned her New York state court practice and procedural experience.

Drawn to litigation for the opportunities it provides her to be creative and strategic, Meagan has a knack for crafting novel arguments and then arguing their merits persuasively—and often successfully.

Meagan has lately also expanded her practice to include corporate bankruptcy-related matters, bondholder litigation and cases involving malicious prosecution. Prior to joining G&E, Ms. Farmer was a partner at a New York law firm where she litigated stockholder and consumer protection matters.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
Benjamin Franklin

Experience

A $124 million settlement in the stockholder derivative action against the board of directors of Cardinal Health, Inc. for violations of the Controlled Substances Act, representing one of the largest derivative recoveries ever on behalf of an Ohio corporation.
A $61 million settlement members of General Electric’s 401(k) retirement plans, representing the largest ERISA class action recovery ever for improper use of proprietary funds in a 401(k) plan.
A $34.5 million recovery in the ground-breaking case on behalf of bondholders – of Caesars Entertainment Operating Corporation.

Sole lead counsel in Orlander v. Staples, a consumer class action against Staples, which Ms. Farmer revived after successfully arguing an appeal before the Second Circuit, which resulted in a decision that not only bolsters consumer rights by establishing that the “price premium” theory applies to consumable goods claims and establishes “injury” under New York consumer protection laws, but also set a precedent for the interpretation of contractual ambiguities in favor of consumers, ensuring greater accountability for businesses in their service offerings and representations. Shortly thereafter, Ms. Farmer obtained a $3.95 million cash recovery for consumers who bought extended warranty plans.
Represented investors in UBS Funds exclusive to Puerto Rico residents in a shareholder derivative action in Puerto Rico state court. Casasnovas v. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a landmark case that established that Puerto Rico law does not require a shareholder to make a demand on the board of directors of a company prior to filing a shareholder derivative action. The litigation is also precedential in that, on appeal, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico adopted for the first time a fiduciary exception to the attorney-client privilege outlined in Garner v. Wolfinbarger, 430 F.2d 1093 (5^th Cir. 1970).

Outside the Office

In my spare time, I like to sew. While my grandmother taught me when I was a girl, I picked it up in earnest again—and bought a sewing machine—during COVID. I take all my old rock tee shirts and cut off the sleeves and tailor them. I also make things like pillowcases and even stuffed animals and pillows for my kids.

Credentials

Overview

Experience

Outside the Office

Credentials

Education

Admissions