US Securities and Exchange Chairman Mary Schapiro has named David Becker, a partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, as chief legal officer and senior policy adviser, one of her first appointments since taking office.
Becker, 61, as general counsel will coordinate legal cases and advise on enforcement actions, and will have an additional role in developing and implementing SEC policies. He was SEC general counsel from 2000 to 2002.
Becker served as SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt’s chief lawyer and participated in policy and regulatory initiatives
Schapiro has asked Commissioner Elisse Walter, a Democrat, to seek candidates who may replace other senior managers at the agency, including Enforcement Director Linda Thomsen.
Schapiro earned a JD degree from George Washington University in 1980.