Alexander Cohen Named SEC Deputy General Counsel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2006-185

Washington, D.C., Nov. 3, 2006 - The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today the selection of Alexander F. Cohen to serve as the agency's Deputy General Counsel for Legal Policy and Administrative Practice. Mr. Cohen will be joining Andrew N. Vollmer, Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Adjudication.

Mr. Cohen, 45, is a partner in the international law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP, and is Co-Chair of the firm's Corporate Finance Practice Group. He has particular expertise in advising non-U.S. issuers on a wide variety of matters under the U.S. securities laws. Mr. Cohen is currently a resident in Latham & Watkins' Hong Kong office and from October 2001-July 2006 was based in the firm's London office.

The SEC's General Counsel, Brian Cartwright, said, "Alex will be a tireless advocate for the individual investor. His deep knowledge of U.S. securities law, coupled with his on-the-ground experience with the European and Asian capital markets, will be invaluable as we seek to maintain the highest standards to protect our investors here at home while also assuring that our domestic markets continue to be the most competitive sources of capital and liquidity in the world. Alex also brings a strong management background to this position of leadership in the Office of the General Counsel. I am delighted he will be joining us."

Mr. Cohen said, "The SEC's mission of protecting investors, regulating the financial markets and facilitating capital formation has never been more critical to the United States. Practicing abroad has driven home to me the key role the SEC plays in the global capital markets. I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to work with the Commission and its superb staff, particularly at a moment when the Commission faces so many complex issues of both national and international scope."

Mr. Cohen began his legal career in 1988, after earning a J.D. from Yale University, where he was Articles Editor of the Yale Journal of International Law. From 1989-1990 he served as law clerk to the Hon. Wilfred Feinberg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Cohen received his M.A. from Yale University in International Relations in 1985, and his B.A. from Yale University in 1982. Mr. Cohen plans to join the SEC in mid-November.

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2006-185.htm