Greg Lawrence Contributes to The Bond Buyer Article Discussing SEC’s “Open Jacket” Policy

Womble Bond Dickinson partner Greg Lawrence recently shared insights with The Bond Buyer on the SEC staff’s announced “open jacket” policy, which aims to enhance transparency in enforcement investigations. Under this policy, defense attorneys would gain broader access to case files during the Wells Process.

Lawrence, who formerly served as Senior Counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, welcomed the policy as a positive shift. He cited remarks made at the Practicing Law Institute’s “SEC Speaks 2025” conference, where enforcement staff echoed Chairman Paul Atkins’ longstanding support for full disclosure in enforcement proceedings.

Lawrence and other members of the defense bar view this as a welcome development to bring transparency and fairness to the charging process—one that aligns with principles of due process by allowing defense counsel to review the evidence the SEC holds against and in favor of their clients.

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