WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Barclays Plc (>> Barclays PLC) has tapped the law firm WilmerHale to help the bank defend itself against allegations that it deceived investors in its "dark pool" trading venue, according to people familiar with the matter.

Among the attorneys working with Barclays is Matthew Martens, a former top litigator at the Securities and Exchange Commission who is perhaps best known for leading the SEC to victory in its high-profile civil fraud trial against former Goldman Sachs (>> Goldman Sachs Group Inc) Vice President Fabrice "Fabulous Fab" Tourre, the sources said.

New York's attorney general filed a fraud lawsuit against Barclays this week, alleging its LX Liquidity Cross dark pool venue was misleading investors and giving an unfair advantage to high-frequency traders.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Susan Heavey)

By Sarah N. Lynch

Stocks treated in this article : Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Barclays PLC
Valeurs citées dans l'article : Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Barclays PLC