David Becker

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David M. Becker Occupation Senior Counsel Employer Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Location Washington, D.C. Website https://www.clearygottlieb.com/ David M. Becker is an American attorney and partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, recognized for his expertise in securities regulation, corporate governance, and his prior service as general counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under multiple administrations. Background Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Becker is currently senior counsel (and former partner) at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in Washington, D.C., advising companies, boards, and senior officers on U.S. securities laws, regulatory issues, and corporate governance. His practice has included representing clients in SEC enforcement proceedings, internal investigations, and matters involving corporate governance and financial regulation. Public Service at the SEC Becker served as general counsel and senior policy director for the SEC twice (2000–2002 and 2009–2011). In this role, he was the agency's chief legal officer, advising on all regulatory and enforcement matters, as well as leading implementations of major reforms such as the Dodd-Frank Act. He also played a major role in shaping the SEC’s responses to critical events—including the post-September 11 crisis and the Madoff investment scandal—before returning to private practice. Chief Legal Officer at Och-Ziff Capital Management Between 2014 and 2017, Becker served as chief legal officer at Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, a global hedge fund, overseeing legal, compliance, and regulatory matters during a period marked by intensified global enforcement scrutiny. Early Career at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering Earlier in his career, Becker spent two decades at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (now WilmerHale) as an associate and then partner, focusing on securities law and financial regulation, representing clients before the SEC and in high-stakes litigation. He was also involved in internal investigations and compliance counseling for major financial institutions. Clerkships and Professional Recognition Becker clerked for Judge Harold Leventhal of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and for Associate Justice (retired) Stanley Reed of the U.S. Supreme Court. His contributions to the SEC included materiality guidance (SAB 99), auditor independence rulemaking, and crisis response in the aftermath of major policy and market events. Education Becker holds a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Columbia Law Review. Risk management Throughout his work at the SEC, Och-Ziff, and in private practice, Becker oversaw risk management related to regulatory compliance, crisis response, and corporate governance. He contributed to the SEC’s regulatory reforms and was recognized for his counsel on market stability and director fiduciary obligations. Controversies While at the SEC, he became involved in controversy over the Madoff bankruptcy investigation due to a family account he had inherited and invested with Madoff, which he disclosed to senior officials, but that nevertheless led to a referral to the Department of Justice. No criminal action resulted, and Becker testified before Congress regarding his conduct and the agency's protocols during the matter. Becker’s involvement in SEC discussions on the Madoff matter, despite a personal financial connection, attracted scrutiny from the SEC Inspector General and Congress. Becker argued that he had made relevant disclosures and acted in accordance with agency guidelines, and despite significant political discussion. References

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