Melissa Hodgman, a seasoned attorney with nearly two decades of experience at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced her departure from the federal agency to join the international law firm Freshfields as a partner. The move marks a significant transition as Hodgman, who briefly served as the acting director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division in 2021, shifts to the private sector.
Hodgman’s decision comes at a time when numerous high-profile government attorneys are leaving their roles in anticipation of the incoming Republican administration of President-elect Donald Trump. She will be based in Freshfields’ Washington, D.C. office and will focus on handling a broad range of white-collar crime matters.
Having spent 17 years at the SEC, Hodgman played a pivotal role in some of the agency’s most high-profile enforcement actions. One of her notable achievements includes her involvement in securing a record $100 million settlement with Ernst & Young over allegations that its auditors had cheated on certified public accounting exams and misled investigators.
“I have always been passionate about enforcement, and I am excited to bring my experience and insights to Freshfields, where I can continue to work on high-impact, complex matters,” Hodgman said. She clarified that her decision was not directly influenced by the recent U.S. election but had been in the works for over a year.
Under her leadership at the SEC, the Enforcement Division brought forward over 2,400 actions, resulting in more than $20 billion in penalties and settlements. During this period, the agency tackled several high-profile sectors, including cryptocurrency regulation and Wall Street’s use of personal communication channels for business purposes.
As the SEC’s efforts continue to shape regulatory actions and responses in the corporate world, Hodgman’s extensive expertise in both government and corporate matters will bring valuable perspectives to Freshfields’ global client base. She will join an expanding team of attorneys handling white-collar criminal defense, corporate investigations, and compliance matters, further strengthening Freshfields’ reputation in the field of complex financial regulation.
In an era of evolving financial regulations and increasing scrutiny on corporate conduct, Hodgman’s arrival at Freshfields signals the firm’s continued commitment to providing top-tier legal counsel in an ever-changing legal landscape.
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