In what can be analogized as the drafting of seasoned generals into a formidable army, McGuireWoods LLP announced on Wednesday a major bolster to its securities enforcement and regulatory counseling unit in New York. This enhancement came with the enlistment of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) enforcement department's chief counsel and a prominent attorney from a capital markets powerhouse.

The Two Titans: Beaton and Mannarino

Todd Beaton, who once waved the flag at FINRA for three groundbreaking years, now allies himself with McGuireWoods. Beaton recollected his collaboration with McGuireWoods’ stalwarts - Washington, D.C., managing partner Elizabeth Hogan and the chair of the white-collar litigation department, Noreen Kelly. He vividly remembered their meticulous, yet vibrant approach to enforcement.

Conversely, Andrew Mannarino, previously the deputy chief compliance officer and deputy general counsel at the mighty Citadel Securities, steps into McGuireWoods armed with a blend of deep securities industry wisdom and technological prowess. The depth and detail McGuireWoods displayed, particularly in technological nuances, were what captivated Mannarino.

Diverse Expertise: From Brokers to Investment Banks

Both Beaton and Mannarino champion the causes of broker-dealers and investment advisers, with Beaton casting his net wider to encompass investment banks. Mannarino, with his bursty energy, also advises a range of financial giants, from swap dealers to proprietary trading firms.

Lauding their strategic inclusions, Todd Steggerda, McGuireWoods’ deputy managing partner for litigation, emphasized that their collective experience intensifies the firm's national stature in securities enforcement defense and regulatory counseling.

FINRA Attorneys Join McGuireWoods : A Glimpse into Their Illustrious Past

During his tenure at FINRA, Beaton orchestrated rigorous investigations into potential breaches by broker-dealers and individuals. Before FINRA, Sidley Austin LLP benefited from his expertise, which notably involved defending Macquarie Capital (USA) against trade data discrepancies levied by FINRA.

Mannarino, a regulatory wizard, not only advises on enforcement matters but was instrumental in pioneering an electronic trading compliance program in his industry, shedding light on his technological agility.

Their academic accolades? Mannarino is a proud alumnus of Pace Law School, while Beaton’s legal knowledge springs from Albany Law School.

FINRA Attorneys Join McGuireWoods : New York - A Stronghold Strengthened

Jeffrey Chapman, the managing partner for McGuireWoods' New York office, celebrated the arrival of Todd and Andy, envisioning them as key players in augmenting the firm’s expansive client service offerings in the Big Apple.