Manuel (Manny) A. Abascal

Manuel (Manny) A. Abascal is a partner in the Litigation & Trial Practice at Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles. He handles complex litigation, government investigations, white collar defense, securities matters, and M&A litigation. He represents clients in high-stakes matters across several industries, including financial institutions, healthcare, and life sciences.

Manny earned his JD from Yale Law School in 1992, where he served as Articles Editor of the Yale Law Journal. He earned his BA from Claremont McKenna College in 1987, graduating magna cum laude. He also served as Student Body President during his college studies and training.

Manny has received strong recognition for his legal work and service. Chambers USA ranked him Band 1 for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations in 2025. He also received the Judge Learned Hand Award from the American Jewish Committee, a professional achievement award, and a pro bono service award.

Manny has more than 20 years of experience at Latham. Before joining the firm in 2000, he served as an assistant United States attorney in Los Angeles. In that role, he prosecuted and tried many fraud cases, building trial skills that support his private practice and investigative work.

Manny has led major trial, arbitration, investigation, and enforcement matters. His work has included federal criminal trials, business control disputes, breach-of-contract arbitrations, FCPA investigations, SEC matters, and regulatory investigations. He has also represented clients before the US Department of Justice, FINRA, and state law enforcement agencies.

Manuel (Manny) A. Abascal also maintains an active pro bono and community service practice. He has represented victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. He has served on nonprofit boards and helped found Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, showing a long record of legal skill, leadership, and service.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Yale Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Claremont McKenna College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges