L.A. Attorney Named SEC General Counsel

As expected, Los Angeles attorney Brian Cartwright was named general counsel of the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday, becoming the first senior-level staff appointee of SEC Chairman Christopher Cox.

The Los Angeles Times on Tuesday reported the anticipated appointment of Cartwright, 58, who led the public company practice at law firm Latham & Watkins.

"Brian Cartwright will be a relentless and powerful champion for investors," Cox said in a statement. "His talent, tenacity and insight will serve the commission, the capital markets and investors well."

Cartwright will replace Giovanni Prezioso, 48, who is leaving the agency.