Joan McKown, the longtime Chief Counsel of the Division of Enforcement for the SEC. is leaving the government agency to become a partner in the Washington office of Jones Day.
McKown served 24 years in the SEC. During that time she played a key role in establishing various enforcement policies at the agency and in reviewing proposed enforcement actions before they are recommended to the Commission for approval.
At Jones Day, McKown will serve as a partner in its securities litigation and SEC enforcement practice.
“Our clients will benefit immensely from her deep knowledge of the commission and federal securities laws,” said Mary Ellen Powers, partner-in-charge of the firm’s Washington office. “We’re delighted she’s chosen Jones Day for her career in private practice.”
As Chief Counsel at the SEC, McKown counseled SEC Commissioners about enforcement policies and practices, spearheaded the implementation of enforcement-related portions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and been involved in settlement negotiations of hundreds of SEC enforcement cases.
In 2004, McKown received the SEC’s Distinguished Service Award, which is the highest honor the agency bestows on an individual.
Jones Day has more than 2,500 lawyers in 32 offices around the world.