Joseph D. Watkins

With experience at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in private practice, Joseph has investigated and litigated a broad range of matters involving federal securities laws, including insider trading, cryptocurrency fraud, broker-dealer compliance, and municipal bond market abuse. As a member of the SEC’s Public Finance Abuse Unit and the Rocky Mountain Affinity Fraud Taskforce, he played a key role in uncovering fraudulent conduct and promoting investor education and protection.

Prior to his time at the SEC, Joseph advised clients on securities regulations, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and startup structuring at prominent law firms in Salt Lake City. His work included public offerings, private placements, and public company compliance with the ’33 and ’34 Acts. He also represented clients in securities enforcement actions, internal investigations, and white-collar defense matters. Joseph holds an LL.M. in Taxation and Securities from Georgetown University Law Center and is admitted to practice in Utah, Arizona, and before multiple federal courts.