Former Securities and Exchange Commission Counsel Joins Drinker Biddle & Reath

Drinker Biddle & Reath announced today that Marc Leaf, former Counsel to Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has joined the firm as a partner in the New York office and as a member of the firm’s Corporate Practice Group.

Since 2011, Mr. Leaf served as Counsel and senior advisor to Commissioner Aguilar on matters involving rulemaking, accounting, auditing and enforcement.  He held primary responsibility for legal and policy analysis for all rulemaking matters under the Division of Corporation Finance and related enforcement actions recommended by the Division of Enforcement.  He advised on a wide range of issues, including those involving the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), the Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).

Prior to serving at the SEC, Mr. Leaf was a partner in the corporate group of Baker Botts L.L.P.  He began his career as an associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

Mr. Leaf represents companies in the technology, media and telecommunications sector, as well as other industries.  His focus is on corporate finance, securities law, regulatory strategy and compliance, mergers and acquisitions and venture capital investments.

“Marc brings unique experience and perspective as both a well-respected M&A lawyer and an SEC advisor,” says Alfred W. Putnam, Jr., Chairman of Drinker Biddle.  “Our clients will benefit from his insights gained at the SEC and working with organizations such as the PCAOB and FASB.  We are very glad to have him join our growing New York office.”

“We are thrilled to add a lawyer of Marc’s caliber to our group,” said Robert C. Juelke, Chair of Drinker Biddle’s Corporate Practice Group.  “Marc’s arrival adds to our already strong securities team, and we look forward to utilizing his extensive knowledge to help advise our clients in New York and nationally.”

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve at the SEC during a period of extraordinary activity,” said Mr. Leaf, “and I have great respect for the talent, energy and character of each of the Commissioners and my colleagues on the staff.  Now I look forward to a return to private practice, helping clients succeed and grow in today’s complex regulatory environment.  I am particularly pleased to be joining my new partners at Drinker Biddle & Reath, which is well known for high quality and extraordinary client service.”

Mr. Leaf is a graduate of Harvard College and Duke University School of Law.   He is admitted to practice in the State of New York.