Marc Berger Joins Latham & Watkins White Collar Team
Marc Berger, a prominent figure in the SEC's Enforcement Division and New York Regional Office from 2017 to 2021, is now part of Latham & Watkins LLP. He takes on the role of Global Co-Chair of the firm's White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice, lending his extensive expertise to the organization. Berger has an impressive background, having served as Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force in the Southern District of New York, which positions him as a key asset in the firm’s ongoing mission.
A New Chapter in White Collar Defense
Berger specializes in representing a diverse clientele, including companies, boards, financial institutions, asset managers, senior executives, and cryptocurrency market participants. His focus is on navigating government and internal investigations, regulatory enforcement matters, and resolving high-profile disputes. His career has seen him take on substantial responsibilities within the SEC's Division of Enforcement, impacting thousands of investigations and significant litigation across various securities issues.
Leadership and Impact at the SEC
During his tenure as Acting Director and Deputy Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement, Berger was key in overseeing critical investigations involving issuer disclosure, accounting violations, foreign bribery, and numerous other complex matters. Leading the New York Regional Office, he supervises compliance examinations of major investment entities and ensures adherence within the financial sector. His experience with the Department of Justice has further solidified his reputation, having prosecuted notable securities fraud cases.
Strengthening the Latham Team
Marc Jaffe, Office Managing Partner at Latham & Watkins, expressed excitement over Berger's addition to the legal powerhouse, stating that his extensive experience in high-stakes matters will enrich the firm's elite white collar team. The firm is positioned among the leaders in securities enforcement, and Berger's arrival highlights Latham's commitment to its growth strategy in New York.
Growing Demand for Expertise
Michele Johnson, Global Chair of Latham's Litigation & Trial Department, acknowledged that client demand for specialized guidance on enforcement and compliance issues continues to rise. Berger's breadth of experience is expected to support clients through their most complex SEC enforcement challenges, reinforcing Latham's standing in the legal community.
Marc Berger’s Professional Journey
Berger has a reputable educational background, holding a JD from the University of Virginia School of Law and a BS with distinction from Cornell University. His transition to Latham follows a tenure at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, during which he further honed his white-collar defense skills.
Acknowledging Client Needs
Kevin Chambers, Global Co-Chair of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice, emphasized that Berger's intellect and leadership qualities are significant assets, promising enduring success for the firm. His broad experience in the legal landscape will undoubtedly benefit clients seeking effective representation.
About Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins operates on a global scale to provide innovative legal solutions to complex business challenges. With a dedicated attorney team, the firm delivers counsel on significant transactions, high-stakes litigation, and regulatory issues. Latham's commitment goes beyond legal services, as it spearheads numerous pro bono initiatives and champions diversity within the legal field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marc Berger's new roles at Latham?
Marc Berger joins Latham as a Global Co-Chair of the White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice and as a member of the Litigation & Trial Department.
What experience does Marc Berger bring?
Berger has significant experience as a leader at the SEC, overseeing numerous investigations and litigations, along with a proven track record in securities enforcement.
How will Marc Berger enhance Latham's practices?
His extensive knowledge in regulatory matters and high-profile disputes will strengthen the firm’s ability to support clients facing complex enforcement challenges.
Why is Marc Berger's experience important to Latham?
Berger’s background in both the SEC and DOJ equips him with unique insights into regulatory compliance and enforcement, making him invaluable to clients navigating these areas.
What is Latham's focus moving forward?
Latham's focus is on expanding its expertise in securities enforcement while maintaining a commitment to client needs and high-quality legal representation.
