In a boost to its securities enforcement and regulation practice, Baker McKenzie is adding expertise for financial industry clients, including in the investment adviser and broker-dealer space.

Quartet

Baker McKenzie has added four new partners to its North America litigation and government enforcement practice: Amy J Greer, based in New York and Washington, DC; Jennifer L Klass, based in New York; Peter KM Chan, based in Chicago; and A Valerie Mirko, based in Washington DC. The first three of the quartet join the firm from Morgan Lewis, while Ms Mirko was previously general counsel at the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). Ms Greer and Ms Klass will co-chair the firm’s financial regulation & enforcement group. The firm says this new practice will offer Baker McKenzie clients “a truly novel and fully integrated” approach to challenges presented by developing new products and offering financial services in rapidly changing regulatory environment, while simultaneously assessing and minimising potential enforcement exposure. “We are excited to build an integrated and dynamic practice that reflects how our clients conduct business and evaluate risk,” said Ms Klass. Ms Greer added, “Baker McKenzie’s forward-looking, truly collaborative approach to client service was the perfect match to our vision for this practice.”

Go-to team

Amy and Jen complement each other perfectly in their practices and in serving clients. Amy is a leading SEC enforcement litigator and Jen is a recognized and respected advisor on complex regulations and innovative advice," said Peter Tomczak, chair of Baker McKenzie's North America litigation & government enforcement practice. “Along with Peter and Valerie, and building on our recent growth in Los Angeles, we’re adding a high-calibre team.” Ms Greer’s practice focuses on securities enforcement and litigation matters with extensive experience representing a broad array of clients in the financial industry. Ms Klass is an experienced investment management lawyer with broad expertise in investment adviser regulation and a focus on the convergence of investment advisory and brokerage services. Mr Chan counsels public companies and financial services firms in litigation and regulatory investigations and actions. A Valerie Mirko has substantial experience in advising clients on federal and state securities laws and regulations impacting the financial and brokerage industries. “Amy, Jen and the team are go-to counsel for the most high-profile securities matters in the financial services sector,” said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie's North American chief executive officer.