Global law firm Goodwin announced today that Jonathan Hecht, former assistant chief counsel and acting co-chief counsel in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, joined the firm’s Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice as a partner, resident in the Washington, D.C. office.
“Over the past five years, Jonathan advised on hundreds of recommendations the Enforcement Division made to the Commission to commence and settle matters, and provided input on countless investigations,” said Deborah Birnbach, co-chair of Goodwin’s Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. “Jonathan will utilize his unique experience gained during his decade-long tenure at the SEC, his extensive knowledge of the federal securities laws, and his practical approach when advising clients on SEC-related matters. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on our team, adding to the unparalleled bench of former government officials comprising our Public Company Advisory and Government Investigations and Enforcement practices.”
As assistant chief counsel, Hecht provided guidance and counsel to senior Division leadership, managers, and staff on novel questions of law, investigative practice, and SEC policy. He also advised on investigation, settlement, and litigation strategies and helped craft and present recommendations to the Commission.
Hecht also served for more than six months as the Enforcement Division’s acting co-chief counsel, a key legal and policy advisor to the Enforcement Division’s Director and Deputy Director and the Division more generally. In this role, he oversaw all aspects and functions of the Office of Chief Counsel, and was responsible for making key assessments and providing guidance to new senior leadership of the Division on critical legal and policy determinations at issue in high-priority investigations and litigations.
Prior to his over 10 years at the SEC, Hecht spent over 11 years at global law firms, practicing securities law and litigation. In private practice, he developed significant experience dealing with investigations by various government authorities, including the SEC, CFTC, FINRA, DOJ, and congressional committees.
Goodwin’s litigation department is highly ranked by leading industry publications including The American Lawyer, Benchmark Litigation, Daily Journal, Chambers, Legal 500, and U.S. News — Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The firm’s Public Company Advisory lawyers are routinely recognized for excellence in capital markets transactions, SEC reporting and compliance, shareholder activism and takeover defense, public company M&A, and corporate and securities litigation. Most recently, FactSet and Refinitiv ranked Goodwin in the top five for shareholder activism defense and U.S. equity & equity related transactions, while Refinitiv once again ranked Goodwin as the number one firm for Global M&A in the Q3 2022 league tables.