Elaine McChesney focuses her trial and appellate practice on commercial litigation, with an emphasis on banking, complex financial transactions, and commercial fraud. She represents financial institutions in a wide range of matters, including Articles 3, 4, 4A, 5, and 9 of the U.C.C., letters of credit, consumer class actions, credit card disputes, Ponzi and other fraudulent schemes, shareholder derivative suits, employment litigation, trust and fiduciary functions, tax litigation, and constitutional challenges to regulatory schemes.
In addition to her trial and appellate experience, Elaine is skilled in arbitration matters (ICC, AAA, JAMS, FINRA), litigates challenges to arbitral awards under both the FAA and state equivalents, and litigates issues regarding arbitrability of claims. Before joining Morgan Lewis, Elaine was a partner in the financial institutions regulatory, enforcement, and litigation practice at another international law firm.
Leading Lawyer, Dispute resolution: Financial services: litigation, The Legal 500 US (2021–2024)
Recommended, Dispute resolution: Financial services: litigation, The Legal 500 US (2018–2020)
Top Woman Lawyer, The Best Lawyers in America (2016–2018)
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, Boston (2014, 2015, 2017–2025)
Recognized, Massachusetts Super Lawyers (2004–2019)
Top 50 Women, Massachusetts Super Lawyers (2005–2006, 2013)
Member, American Bar Association, Labor Law Section (Subcommittee on Individual Rights in the Workplace) and Commercial/Financial and Banking Litigation Section (Subcommittee on Nominations)
Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
Member, Boston Bar Association, BBA Council (1994–1996), Law School Liaison Committee (1984–1985), Work/Life Balance Committee (2000–2004)
Member, BBA/MBA Joint Bar Committee on Judicial Nominations (1988–1990), Chair (1988–1990)
Women’s Bar Association, Editor, Calendar; Board of Directors (1990–2005)