Securities Law Career Guide
Revised December 2023
Books & Narratives
Securities Law and Practice Deskbook, 6th ed., by Gary M. Brown, New York: Practising Law Institute, 2012.
This book contains a chapter titled "Business Context of Securities Act Registration" that includes a section describing the functions a securities law firm usually performs.
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Databases & Websites
WESTLAW: West Legal Directory
You can search this directory by practice area and state.
Chambers Associate
Website affiliated with the Chambers USA directory. Easier to search for firms nationwide by practice area, including securities law. Includes articles describing what work in different practice areas is like, alternative careers. Includes helpful tips for job seekers as well.
martindale.com - Securities Law Firms
Martindale.com has listings for attorneys, firms and corporate legal departments located in the United States.
Securities and Exchange Commission, Employment with the SEC
Lists current job openings at the SEC. Also has information on a SEC program for students and recent graduates.
Journal and Website Articles
Carannante, Jerry, "10 Things to Know about Capital Markets and Corporate Governance Practice", Above the Law (May 24, 2016).
Attorney describes the type of work a laywer in the field of capital markets and corporate governance will encounter. He also discusses what life in the practice is like and the traits a good attorney in the field should have.
Chambers Associate. "Banking & Finance", "Capital Markets", and "Securities Litigation Overview" (last visited Nov. 11, 2021).
These articles summarize the type of work normally performed in the banking/finance and capital markets, and securities litigation fields, as well as projections for the fields' future.
Germaine, Carmen, "5 Ways to Kick-Start Your Securities Law Career", Law360 (May 17, 2016).
Securities law attorneys offer advice to law students and lawyers who would like to get into the field. Lexis ID+password required to access article.
Kane, Sally, "Securities Law Job - Legal Description", The Balance Careers (last updated Apr. 21, 2019).
Briefly describes the type of work an attorney practicing securities law might encounter.
Attorney describes the usual working day for a lawyer dealing in securities litigation and enforcement. He also talks about the type of work the field involves, the working atmosphere, and the qualities a good candidate for the practice should have.
Periodicals
Bloomberg Law News: Securities Law News
Available through Bloomberg Law (Bloomberg Law ID+password required).
Organizations
The following organizations are active or maintain an interest in securities law. They offer membership opportunities, information on the industry, and possible employment opportunities. Most of them sponsor seminars or conferences on relevant topics.
American Bar Association Section of Business Law
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
website: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law.html
Association for attorneys and law students. Offers law students articles and information regarding careers in securities law and business law.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
1700 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
phone: (301) 590-6500
website: http://www.finra.org
Formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), an association for and regulator of brokers and dealers. Provides education to industry professionals and investors. Website also has a career center with job listings and information on internships.
International Organization of Securities Commissions
General Secretariat
International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)
C/ Oquendo 12
28006 Madrid
SPAIN
phone: 011-(34) 91 417 55 49
website: http://www.iosco.org
Promotes a united effort to establish high standards of regulation and the exchange of information to assist in the development of domestic markets.
NASDAQ
World Headquarters:
151 W. 42nd Street
New York City, NY, 10036
Phone: (212)-401-8700
website: https://www.nasdaq.com
Facilitates a fair and efficient securities market. Website has a career center with job listings and related news.
National Association of Bond Lawyers
1775 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Suite 950
Washington, DC 20006
phone: (202) 503-3300
website: https://www.nabl.org
Lawyers who provide legal advice and legal opinions with respect to state and local debt offerings. Website includes job bank.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
website: https://www.theice.com/index
Owns the New York Stock Exchange and other securities exchanges worldwide. Website has a career opportunities page.
North American Securitites Administrators Association (NASAA)
750 First Street, NE, Suite 990
Washington, D.C. 20002
phone: (202)-737-0900
website: https://www.nasaa.org
Association for securities administrators who are responsible for efficient capital formation and investor protection. Site contains an employment opportunities page, along with model rules, briefs, proposals, statements of policy, and a State Representative List of NASAA Members.
Photo: Associated Press