Washington, D.C., July 21, 2010 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that David W. Blass has been named an Associate General Counsel for Legal Policy in the agency's Office of the General Counsel.
Mr. Blass, who has prior experience both at the SEC and in private practice, will provide legal and policy advice to the Commission on a wide range of matters, with particular emphasis on investment management, trading and markets, and international matters.
Mr. Blass most recently served as Special Counsel in the Asset Management Group at Willkie Farr & Gallaher LLP. Mr. Blass previously worked at the SEC from 2003 to 2008, first as a Branch Chief and Special Counsel in the Division of Trading and Markets, and later as an Assistant Director in the Division of Investment Management. He also practiced securities and corporate law at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP prior to his first stint at the SEC.
"David has distinguished himself for his judgment and strong ability to analyze complex legal matters," said SEC General Counsel David Becker. "His depth of experience at the Commission and in private practice will enable him to make immediate contributions to the work of the Commission and to the Office. I am delighted that he is rejoining the Commission."
Mr. Blass said, "I'm honored to be able to contribute to the Commission's vital efforts to protect investors. I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the superb lawyers in the Office of the General Counsel as well as the professionals throughout the SEC who dedicate themselves to the agency's mission."
Mr. Blass, 39, was a recipient of the SEC's Law and Policy Award in 2005. He earned his JD from Columbia University, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and Executive Editor of the Columbia Journal of Transnational Law. Mr. Blass earned his BA, magna cum laude, from the University of Alabama, where he was Phi Beta Kappa.
# # #