Former SEC Chair Christopher Cox to Join Bingham McCutchen

Former top securities regulator Christopher Cox is to join Bingham McCutchen as a partner in the firm's Orange County, Calif., offices and a principal in its Bingham Consulting Group subsidiary.

Cox, who left his post as chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January, is a former Republican congressman from the area, notes Reuters.

The 56-year-old Cox will start Sept. 1. He is to focus his practice on corporate, securities and mergers and acquisitions matters.

The move is part of an effort by Bingham to build its presence in the area, as some competitors are reconsidering their troop deployment there, reports the National Law Journal.

"He brings a high level of talent and relationships and very strong background as a lawyer," says Rick Welch, the firm's Southern California regional managing partner.

The firm has about 130 lawyers in its three Southern California offices, notes a Boston Globe article on the move.

Earlier related coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Bingham McCutchen, McKee Nelson to Merge on Aug. 1"