Nexus Sea, Esq.

Partner at O’Melveny

Alma Mater: Rutgers University School of Law, Newark

nsea@omm.com | 212.326.2262

 
Nexus has extensive financial services litigation and white-collar experience, including the representation of individual and corporate clients. This includes conducting internal investigations on behalf of financial institutions, including helping to lead an internal investigation of a fund of fund relating to alleged “cross-trades”; participating in the successful prosecution of a FINRA action on behalf of an international Fortune 500 bank; and the representation of numerous individual foreign claimants in connection with allegations of foreign government corruption and alleged money laundering in the largest civil forfeiture action brought under the United States Department of Justice’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. In addition, Nexus played a prominent role as part of the court-appointed counsel team to the Securities Investor Protection Act Trustee for the global liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, one of the largest financial frauds in history. Nexus has also played key roles on various trial teams and has served as lead trial counsel on behalf of a significant client, including in relation to a high-profile preliminary injunction matter. Nexus has also played key roles in the successful representation of a multinational Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company against failure-to-warn and product defect claims, a Fortune 500 bank and premises owner in more than 340 toxic tort personal injury suits arising from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and successfully advocated for cable and elevator manufacturers in response to asbestos-related product liability matters. Combining courtroom prowess, people skills, and business acumen, Nexus has helped clients achieve exceptional results in a variety of matters. Recognizing the importance of community, Nexus is a founding member of “1844” – an association of nearly 60 African American male attorneys – created as a vehicle to promote collaboration, business development, and mentorship among BigLaw attorneys of color. Nexus is also a member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and mentors college and law students who are interested in private practice. Nexus served as President of the Nigerian Lawyers Association from 2014-2016, where he promoted building strong, diverse communities at home and abroad.  

Nexus is also an active member of AIPAC’s progressive outreach efforts (“AIPAC Connects”), which focus on recruiting and building professional communities where Jewish and non-Jewish stakeholders can work hand-in-hand in support of the U.S.- Israel relationship and AIPAC’s mission of bipartisanship.

Get to Know Nexus

Serving as a moderator at an 1844 Summer Associate Panel

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 21-year old self?

To ignore the voice in the back of my mind that constantly made me question the decisions I was making and made me doubt whether I was “smart” enough or had the proper skills to succeed in law school. And, to pay more attention in my writing seminars! I never would have thought that I would spend the majority of my time writing and re-writing legal documents.

Attending an 1844 Networking & Mentorship Event

Aaron after getting sworn into the bar.[/caption]

If you weren’t in your current job, what would be your dream job?

Since I started a record label in college, probably running a successful record label with a panel of successful artists. 

What about your upbringing contributed to your success as an attorney?

I recently found a newspaper clipping of an interview that I gave my senior year of high school where I attributed a lot of my success to the closeness of my family. Twenty years later that still rings true. Although neither of my parents went to college, they were always there for me as a sounding board throughout college and law school. Whenever I got caught up in my head with doubts or reasons why I couldn’t do something, my parents were there to remind me of my character and strength and supported me through the ups and downs of my career. The examples that they set through hard work and commitment continue to inspire and push me every day. 

Excluding legal/academic accomplishments, what is your proudest achievement?

Being a mentor to middle and high school students. It is such a critical time in a person’s life and also a wonderful time to get to know someone as they discover who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Giving back to my community has always been a priority and I hope that through my mentorship I’ve been able to make an impact on my mentees’ lives the way that my mentors impacted my life. 

Aaron after catching his first (and only) foul ball.

List one show you “binge-watched” recently and what was it about the show that captivated your attention?

Altered Carbon – I love all things space and tech.

Name one song you listened to on repeat during the past 12 months and provide some insights about why you couldn’t get enough of it? 

The Weeknd – I Feel It Coming. I love feel-good music. 

What is your favorite quote and what makes it so meaningful to you? 

“All that is gold does not glitter.” I know there are many variations of this quote, but the one from Tolkien’s Fellowship of the Ring always spoke to me and challenged me to look beyond appearances and first impressions to find the true meaning of things. Over the years, the quote has taken on different meanings but it is always a good reminder, especially while living in NYC, to not get caught up in shiny distractions and to stay true to myself!