Demian Betz: Experienced Litigator Advocating for Clients with Industry Insight and Technology

Demian Betz, the founding attorney of Betz Law, is a pioneering financial services litigator with over two decades of experience handling complex commercial litigation, securities disputes, regulatory enforcement matters, and employment cases. With a proven ability to distill intricate legal challenges into compelling narratives, Demian consistently achieves favorable outcomes for his clients through strategic negotiation, meticulous case preparation, and persuasive advocacy.

Deep-Rooted Expertise:

• Assistant General Counsel at Wachovia Corporation
• Vice President and Senior Counsel at Wells Fargo & Company
• Of Counsel to a mid-sized litigation firm's Financial Services practice group
• Litigation Attorney supporting Fidelity Investments

Trial Ready:

• Seasoned trial attorney with 45 cases tried to conclusion before arbitration panels nationwide
• Crafts persuasive arguments that resonate with decision-makers
• Ensures clients are positioned for the best possible outcome

Legal Excellence:

• Extensive management of litigation teams from major law firms
• Direct collaboration with top litigation partners to develop sophisticated case management strategies
• Counseled senior-level legal and financial services executives on litigation, regulatory, operational, and reputational risks
• Contributed to cross-functional teams on internal legal, compliance, and regulatory initiatives

Innovation:

• Leverages cutting-edge technology and creative problem-solving
• Combines agility and personalized attention of a boutique firm with sophistication and resources of a larger practice
• Uniquely positioned to take on complex financial services disputes with unparalleled efficiency and effectiveness

Education:

• B.A., University of Michigan (1996)
• J.D., DePaul University College of Law (2002)
• Graduate, University of Virginia National Trial Advocacy College (2006)

Licenses:

• Virginia (2002) | Missouri (2009) | Florida (2011) | Michigan (2015) | North Carolina (2021)

Admissions:

• Southern District of Florida | Middle District of Florida | Eastern District of North Carolina | Middle District of North Carolina | Western District of North Carolina

Selected Publications and Speaking Engagements:

• Author, Overview & Observations Regarding FINRA's Latest Expungement Reform Proposal (September 21, 2022)
• Speaker, Litigation and Arbitration Trends, 2022 Charlotte SIFMA Regional Seminar (September 19, 2022)
• Speaker, Virtual War Room on Hybrid and Virtual Arbitrations, Charlotte International Arbitration Fall Symposium (October 21, 2021)
• Interview, Virtual Arbitration: Best Practices for COVID Times and Beyond, FINRA Neutral Corner (Volume 4, December 22, 2020)
• Speaker, In-House Pro Bono Program Panel, Pro Bono Institute Annual Seminar (March 22, 2018)

Leadership, Professional Activities, and Awards:

• North Carolina Bar Association
• Mecklenburg County Bar Association
• Member, Charlotte International Arbitration Society (2017 – Present)
• Pro Bono Attorney, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (November 2014-Present)
• Member, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Compliance & Legal Society (2004-Present)
• Chair, Legal Aid North Carolina Charlotte Local Advisory Council (July 2021 – December 2023)
• Chair, Wells Fargo & Company Legal Department Pro Bono Steering Committee (2018-2020)
• Local Pro Bono Coordinator, Charlotte Office, Wells Fargo & Company Law Department (2015-2018)
• 2018 Charlotte Business Law Journal Corporate Counsel Awards - Finalist, Pro Bono Service
• 2017 Outstanding Individual Pro Bono Service Award Recipient - Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
• Wells Fargo Ten Year Service Recognition Award (September 2012)
• Wells Fargo Fifteen Year Service Recognition Award (September 2017)

Personal Background and Interests

Before attending law school, Demian taught English in South Korea and Indonesia after graduating from the University of Michigan.  In his spare time, Demian is an avid cross-country mountain biker, runner, and off-road triathlete. A lifelong Michigan Wolverines football and basketball fan, he also enjoys photography, used record stores, live music, art museums, good books, and traveling to new places around the world with friends and family.