Practices

Molly Rao is an associate in the Litigation & Investigations Group. She is an experienced first-chair litigator, who has represented multi-national companies in a wide variety of IP matters, complex commercial disputes, and internal investigations. Molly has handled all aspects of civil litigation at the trial and appellate level in federal and state courts, as well as in arbitrations. In particular, she has managed complex discovery matters, conducted direct examinations of an expert witness, taken and defended depositions, and worked with experts to develop reports and present hearing testimony. Molly also has extensive motion, trial, and appellate brief writing experience. She routinely counsels clients on regulatory matters and sensitive government investigations involving allegations of financial fraud, securities fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the False Claims Act.

Molly previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Susan Richard Nelson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Molly received her JD from Cornell Law School and a Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona.

Representative Experience
  • Drafted and argued dispositive pre-trial motion that led to a dismissal of the case after jury selection and a $1.7 million award of attorneys’ fees.
  • Defended generic pharmaceutical manufacturers in matters involving antitrust, federal and state false claims acts, and consumer protection laws.
  • Represented several multi-national companies in breach of contract actions in federal and state court.
  • Represented generic pharmaceutical companies in patent trials in the District of Delaware and Southern District of New York. Conducted direct examination of expert at trial.
  • Represented multi-national company in state consumer fraud investigation.
  • Represented lender in connection with SEC and DOJ Fraud investigations.
  • Represented government contractor in False Claims Act investigation.
  • Represented individual in DOJ fraud investigation of alleged price fixing of foreign exchange market.
  • Represented cosmetic company in contractual dispute against its supplier, obtaining an injunction mandating the supplier to continue manufacturing beauty products.

Pro Bono Experience

  • Drafted brief in Matter of Michael P. v. Admin. for Children’s Servs., 137 A.D.3d 499 (1st Dep’t 2016) on behalf of the New York City Law Department.
  • Represented client, in partnership with ACLU, alleging constitutional violations against the Lafayette Consolidated Government (Louisiana) and several officials arising from illegal arrest after a peaceful protest.