Ellen Connell’s practice focuses on complex securities enforcement matters and investigations. She has represented entities and individuals in investigations and enforcement proceedings before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and other governmental agencies and self-regulatory organizations. She has defended against allegations of fraud and corruption, including alleged violations of the US securities laws and regulations, environmental laws, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Ms. Connell joined WilmerHale after four years as an associate at another prominent law firm, where, among other matters, she conducted a cross-border internal investigation for an international auto manufacturer, represented a Fortune 500 retailer in multi-year DOJ and SEC FCPA investigations, and represented a client pro bono in a narcotics-related criminal case in the Southern District of New York.

Before attending law school, Ms. Connell worked for several years at the US Department of State as an Obama Administration appointee in the Bureau of Public Affairs and the Office of Global Women’s Issues. Ms. Connell also served as deputy press secretary in the House of Representatives for Congressman Edward J. Markey and as an aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Professional Activities

Ms. Connell represents WilmerHale as a member of the National Women’s Law Center’s Leadership Advisory Committee. Ms. Connell is also a member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association.