WilmerHale has added former Securities and Exchange Commission senior enforcement official Sam Waldon as a partner in its Securities Litigation and Enforcement Group within the firm’s Securities and Financial Services Department.
Waldon will be based in Washington, D.C., and advise clients on SEC regulatory and enforcement matters, internal investigations, litigation and long-term risk mitigation through enhanced compliance programs and internal controls.
He spent nearly 15 years at the SEC across three periods of government service and held senior leadership roles in the Division of Enforcement under administrations of both political parties.
Waldon twice served as Acting Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement during the current administration.
As Acting Director, he managed more than 1,100 employees.
He also served as Principal Deputy Director of Enforcement and as the division’s Chief Counsel.
In the latter position, Waldon advised Enforcement leadership and staff on significant and complex legal issues involving federal securities laws, including the division’s legal interpretations, policies, procedures and internal decision-making.
His addition expands WilmerHale’s roster of former senior securities regulators.
Over the past year, the firm has also added Natasha Vij Greiner, former Director of the SEC’s Division of Investment Management, and Jason Burt, former Deputy Director of the Division of Enforcement.
Waldon earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Virginia Tech and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.
KEY QUOTES:
“Sam’s reputation as a trusted and pragmatic advisor on the securities laws and knowledge of the inner workings of the SEC fit perfectly with our Firm’s reputation with securities industry participants.”
Anjan Sahni, Managing Partner of WilmerHale
“Few practitioners are as experienced and knowledgeable as Sam in understanding the priorities and thinking of regulators today. He will be a most valuable asset to clients whether they are navigating enforcement investigations, enhancing compliance programs, or litigating securities matters.”
Susan Schroeder, Chair of WilmerHale’s Securities and Financial Services Department
“I am grateful for my time at the SEC and look forward to working with the incredibly talented team at WilmerHale to help clients achieve the best results possible in complex enforcement investigations and litigation and in managing other regulatory risks.”
Sam Waldon, Partner at WilmerHale
