Former CFTC, SEC Counsel Joins Fulbright’s Energy Practice

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission undergo significant regulatory transformation and establish a closer working relationship, Michael Loesch, an attorney who held leadership positions at both commissions, has joined Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.

“Michael gained exceptional experience while working at the CFTC and SEC and his knowledge will be of great benefit to our clients who must navigate significant regulatory changes”

Loesch joins Fulbright after serving at the CFTC as chief of staff and chief operating officer for Acting Chairman Walter Lukken and later as counsel to Commissioner Lukken. Prior to joining the CFTC in 2007, Loesch spent seven years at the SEC, serving in the Division of Enforcement and ultimately as counsel to Chairman Christopher Cox for enforcement matters.

“Michael gained exceptional experience while working at the CFTC and SEC and his knowledge will be of great benefit to our clients who must navigate significant regulatory changes,” said Peggy Heeg, co-head of Fulbright’s Corporate Governance Practice. “As the CFTC focuses on energy markets and the SEC reinvigorates its enforcement program, Michael’s experience working on federal investigations and regulatory issues enhances our experienced energy and enforcement defense teams. Michael’s addition will ensure that our clients continue to have first-rate representation in defending government enforcement matters. Michael is a great addition.”

Loesch will work as part of the firm’s energy and securities practices. The firm’s securities and enforcement practice regularly represents clients during investigations and enforcement proceedings conducted by the SEC, the DOJ, and other regulatory authorities, as well as during internal corporate investigations. In addition to energy transactions and litigation, lawyers in Fulbright’s energy group regularly assist clients with regulatory matters, dispute resolution, intellectual property and environmental issues. The firm has served the energy industry for more than 70 years.

During his tenure at the CFTC, Loesch advised the Acting Chairman on legal, regulatory and policy matters before the Commission, including energy market oversight, enforcement investigations, futures market surveillance, derivatives clearing, and litigation. While at the SEC, Loesch advised the Chairman on Commission enforcement and compliance matters. He also served as a branch chief in the SEC’s Enforcement Division, where he supervised investigations of federal securities law violations including matters involving insider trading, market manipulation, accounting fraud, and broker dealer conduct.

Prior to joining the SEC, Loesch served as counsel to the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Governmental Affairs and as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran.

“I have been impressed with the depth of experience at Fulbright and the diverse client base it serves,” said Loesch. “The firm’s history serving those in the energy industry made it an ideal fit for me as I move into the private sector. I am excited to be part of such an outstanding team.”

Loesch received his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and his B.A. from Pennsylvania State University. He is only licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. While his application for admission to the District of Columbia Bar is pending, Loesch’s practice will be supervised directly by principals of the firm licensed to practice in the District of Columbia.

“Having Michael positioned to work with our clients as they attempt to deal with an increasingly complicated regulatory environment is important,” said Joseph T. Small, Jr., the head of Fulbright’s Washington, D.C. office. “Our goal is always to offer our clients the best and most comprehensive service possible. The talented team we have assembled is prepared to do just that.”

Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

Founded in 1919, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. is a leading full-service international law firm, with nearly 1,000 lawyers in 16 locations in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Denver, Dubai, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Munich, New York, Riyadh, San Antonio, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Fulbright provides a full range of legal services to clients worldwide.

The 2009 BTI survey of FORTUNE 1000 general counsel chose Fulbright as "The BTI Client Service 30" and Corporate Board Member magazine named Fulbright among the top 20 corporate law firms in the U.S. in their survey of board members of public companies. For more information, please visit: www.fulbright.com.