JD, magna cum laude, Texas Tech University School of Law, 2010
BA, magna cum laude, Political Science, Austin College, 2007

Ceren is a member of the Order of the Coif, and was the Comment Editor for the Texas Tech Law Review.

Ceren is licensed to practice in Texas and the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas.

• Texas State Bar

Ceren Ünal is a disputes and investigations lawyer based in Dallas. She has worked with Norton Rose Fulbright since January 2011. Ceren's practice focuses on commercial litigation, arbitration and regulatory investigations, particularly with respect to companies and individuals in the financial services industry. Her regulatory work includes securities sales practices, compliance with recordkeeping requirements, allegations of misconduct, and assisting clients in the financial services industry prepare for examinations by US regulators. Her recent work has included advising one of the largest independent broker-dealers in relation to a FINRA arbitration concerning broker supervision, as well as advising a large national broker-dealer in relation to a widespread internal investigation into the firm's compliance with various FINRA and SEC regulations.  Some of her other notable work in the financial institutions industry includes:

• Seconded to global financial institution where she worled as in-house regulatory counsel, managing all state, federal and FINRA regulatory matters in several national US markets.
• Represented independent directors of former publically traded company in multi-year dispute involving a company SEC fraud investigation and three separate litigations against the independent directors: a federal class action and separate federal matter alleging claims that included violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other state securities laws; and an negligence action in Nevada. Obtained final dismissal of independent director clients in all three litigation matters.
• Handled internal investigation and represented clients in investigations brought by self-regulatory organizations, federal agencies, and state agencies concerning wide range of topics, including sales practice and regulatory issues.
• Advised global broker-dealer on multiple FINRA investigations related to customer complaints related to various actions by securities brokers and supervisory staff involving recommendations for unsuitable investments, investment mismanagement, and failures to supervise.
• Represented independent broker-dealer in multi-million dollar arbitration dispute before FINRA related to various employment claims by former supervisor for improper termination and defamation based on mandatory regulatory disclosures on individual's Form U5.
• Represented Canadian broker-dealer in FINRA arbitration related to purchase and sale of pre-ipo securities, resulting in settlement for client of less than 3% of arbitration demand.
• Represented broker-dealer targeted in an industry-wide sweep by FINRA related to potential violations regarding institutional trade reporting.  All targets of the sweep agreed to a fine, some up to eight figures; our client received a no-action letter and paid nothing.
• Assisted clients in financial services industry in preparing for examinations by regulators.
• Advised global independent investment and advisory institution regarding multiple requests and investigations by FINRA into potential insider trading practices and the company's compliance with FINRA and federal securities rules and regulations.
• Assisted in defending global financial institution related to various fraud claims related to the purchase and sales of mortgage-backed securities.
   

In addition to her work in the with financial institutions clients, Ceren has also assisted and advised a number of clients in the fields of technology, real estate, products liability, and health care.  Her recent representative experience in those areas includes:

• Represented a fuel-loyalty company in a three-week jury trial in state court in Dallas, Texas.  The company was pursuing a fraud claim against its minority owner and defending claims of breach of fiduciary duty.  The jury awarded compensatory and punitive damages to the client and found that it had not breached any fiduciary duties.
• Obtained summary judgment dismissal of fraud and Deceptive Trade Practice claims against foam insulation manufacturer for allegedly allowing its product to emit dangerous levels of volatile organic compounds into complaintants' home.
• Obtained complete defense verdict and dismissal for Indian parent of energy company on speal appearance grounds for lack of personal jurisdiction.  Representation included argument before state district court as well as handling the full appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.
• Defended military-defense contractor in breach of contract action brought by subcontractor related to manufacture of night-vision goggles for the U.S. Army.
• Taken the lead and argued numerous pre-trial matters before state and federal courts (including jurisdictional challenges, motions for summary judgment, challenges to expert testimony, motions in limine, and discovery motions).  Outside of the courtroom, Ceren has taken or defended numerous depositions and has experience managing large-scale document reviews, including management of contract-review teams of over 25 lawyers.  
• In addition to her work for firm clients, Ceren has tried over 15 bench trials on behalf of the City of Plano through the firm's loan-a-lawyer program and represented multiple pro bono clients through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (such as in divorce, custody proceedings, and property disputes).

• State Bar of Texas
• Dallas Bar Association
• Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
• Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inn of Court (2012)

• French
• Turkish