SEC Veteran Rejoins Schiff Hardin as Partner in D.C. Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 16, 2015 – Schiff Hardin LLP is pleased to announce that Mark M. Attar has rejoined the firm in its Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Financial Markets and Products group. Mark returns to Schiff Hardin from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Trading and Markets, where he most recently held the position of Senior Special Counsel in the Office of Broker-Dealer Finances.

Mark is a recognized authority on the financial responsibility rules applicable to broker-dealers, having served in the SEC’s Office of Broker-Dealer Finances for more than 12 years.

“Mark is an outstanding addition to the firm, and we are so pleased to see him return,” said Marci A. Eisenstein, the firm’s Managing Partner. “Given the ever-changing regulatory landscape, his familiarity with the SEC’s inner-workings provides our clients in the financial markets and products industry extraordinary perspective and counsel.”

During his most recent tenure at the SEC, Mark managed attorneys responsible for administering the SEC’s broker-dealer financial responsibility rules, including the net capital rule, customer protection rule, hypothecation rules, books and records rules, and financial reporting and risk assessment rules. He was involved in completing mandated rulemaking under the Dodd-Frank Act, relating to security-based swap dealer capital, margin and segregation, statutory and regulatory credit rating reference removal, broker-dealer reporting, audit and notification requirements, and rescission of the SEC’s investment bank holding company program. He also assessed potential Securities Investor Protection Corporation coverage under the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970 and served as a primary liaison on enforcement and examination matters involving broker-dealer financial responsibility.

“Mark possesses a depth of knowledge in securities regulation that few can match, particularly when it comes to issues that affect broker-dealers,” said Paul E. Dengel, head of Schiff Hardin’s Financial Markets and Products group. “As a former SEC regulator, his command of the net capital rule will be invaluable to our clients who are looking to make smarter decisions about their money.”

“I am excited to return to Schiff Hardin and work with both new and former colleagues, drawing upon my SEC experience to further expand the firm’s practice in financial markets and products,” said Mark.

Mark earned his J.D. from New York Law School, where he was an Articles Editor of the New York Law School Journal of International and Comparative Law. He earned his L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center focusing on Securities and Financial Regulation. He earned his B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College.

About Schiff Hardin LLP

Schiff Hardin LLP is a dynamic general practice law firm representing clients across the United States and around the world. We have offices located in Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Lake Forest, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Washington. Our attorneys are strong advocates and trusted advisers — roles that contribute to lasting client relationships.