Celiza (Lisa) Bragança

Lisa Bragança is a seasoned attorney based in Evanston, Illinois, known for her commitment to protecting clients from misconduct by Wall Street and regulatory pressures. Her strategic approach involves engaging with securities regulators early in the process to influence decision-making before charges are finalized.

Previously, Lisa served as a Branch Chief in the Division of Enforcement at the Chicago Office of the Securities & Exchange Commission. During her tenure, she managed investigations into accounting fraud, Ponzi schemes, insider trading, churning, and unsuitability. She also collaborated with federal prosecutors on securities fraud cases involving major corporations.

After her time at the SEC, Lisa has represented a diverse clientele, including financial advisors, company employees, and executives, in SEC, FINRA, and state securities regulatory investigations and litigation. She assists clients in deciding whether and how to report securities law violations to the SEC Office of the Whistleblower and other agencies. Her efforts have resulted in recovering millions for investors through litigation and arbitration.

Lisa's academic credentials include a triple degree from the University of Chicago: a B.A. with honors, and a J.D./M.B.A. with honors and Order of the Coif. Her expertise is frequently sought by media outlets like CNBC, Fox Business News, and CoinDesk.TV for commentary on securities regulation.

She is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Women's White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA), the Public Investor Advocate Bar Association (PIABA), the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), and the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).