National law firm Armstrong Teasdale is continuing to grow its presence in the securities regulation and financial services space with the addition of Partner Alexander Cohen in the firm’s New York office.

Cohen arrives at Armstrong Teasdale with over a decade of experience in securities enforcement defense and regulatory counseling, including practicing in a nationally recognized group ranked by Chambers USA and US News. He was previously seconded to the legal department of a leading broker-dealer and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Securities Docket. Having handled highly complex matters for large private corporations, publicly traded companies, financial institutions and affiliated individuals in securities investigations conducted by both the SEC and FINRA as well as high-stakes litigation in both state and federal courts, he will focus his practice on clients in the financial services industry and public companies as they navigate investigations, examinations, regulatory challenges and other related business disputes. Cohen earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law and his B.A., summa cum laude, in Political Science and Philosophy from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 

Cohen follows two recent additions to the firm’s securities capabilities, with Kameron Hillstrom joining as Senior Associate and Devon Goodall joining AT Government Strategies (ATGS), a subsidiary of Armstrong Teasdale, as Director of Regulatory Policy. The firm’s Securities Regulation and Litigation practice is led by Washington, D.C. Office Managing Attorney A. Valerie Mirko.

“Bringing Alex to the firm expands how we support clients navigating the regulatory and enforcement landscape, especially public companies and broker-dealers, clients with whom Alex has extensive experience,” Mirko said. “Our practice guides clients across industries through their most challenging securities enforcement and exam matters and internal investigations. We also have a deep understanding of the investment adviser and broker-dealer industry that allows us to effectively assist our clients in managing their regulatory risk. I take great pride in how our practice provides clear, pragmatic advice based on a nuanced understanding of our clients’ specialized industries and unique business models. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, we remain focused on helping clients manage risk, respond effectively to challenges and move forward with confidence.”

Hillstrom brings in-depth experience in private equity and hedge fund formation, and assists clients with U.S. regulatory issues related to fund structure and formation, derivatives, mergers and acquisitions, marketing, registration and filing requirements for U.S.- and non-U.S.-based investment advisers, exempt reporting advisers and broker-dealers. He has both regulatory and transactional experience and joins the Corporate Services Group as well as the firm’s Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice. Hillstrom was an attorney at the Washington, DC office of a global law firm and previously served as Assistant General Counsel for the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), also in Washington, DC. At NASAA, Hillstrom was a key contributor to regulatory initiatives relating to the intersection of corporation finance, technology and the federal and state securities law, including fintech and digital assets matters. He worked on the Electronic Filing Depository (EFD), used for state regulatory filings for private offerings. He earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and his B.A. in Finance from University of Washington Foster School of Business.

Goodall focuses her work at ATGS on clients in the securities industry by identifying and collaborating with clients on emerging legislative and regulatory public policy issues at both the federal and state levels. She provides guidance and analysis on industry issues and advocacy strategies. She previously worked as Associate Vice President and Senior Policy Director, Government Relations for a national wealth management and financial services firm, responsible for overseeing the firm’s advocacy agenda and policy priorities. She has experience directly advocating in multiple states, has worked on statewide political campaigns and has government experience working for former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, in addition to extensive securities industry experience and knowledge. Goodall earned her B.A. in Art History and Politics and International Affairs from Wake Forest University.

“Our securities capabilities represent a key growth area for the firm and meaningfully expand the services we provide to clients across the financial services, public company and emerging growth industry sectors” said Calvin Matthews, the firm’s Corporate Services Practice Group Leader. “We have made several highly strategic additions to the team, and continued investment in this area remains a priority as we respond to increasing client demand. I am thrilled to welcome Alex, Kameron and Devon as we continue to build and strengthen our securities platform.”

Armstrong Teasdale Managing Partner Richard Engel says these three lateral hires will help to strengthen the firm’s growing securities practice at a crucial time for many clients. “Securities regulation touches many of our clients in some way,” Engel said. “It is imperative that we continue to evolve and expand this portion of our practice to meet client demands. I am confident that bringing these talented team members on board furthers our ability to do that, and ultimately helps our clients continue to succeed in such a rapidly changing business environment.”