The SEC is seeking candidates for the key position of Chief Counsel in its Enforcement Division--a position that has not been available for 17 years. As previously discussed here, Joan McKown announced in July that she would be leaving the SEC to join law firm Jones Day as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. McKown, whose last day with the agency was July 30, had held the Chief Counsel position since 1993.

The Chief Counsel plays a key role in establishing enforcement policies at the SEC and in reviewing proposed enforcement actions before they are recommended to the Commission for approval. The position is described in detail in this job posting. In short, as described by the SEC,

the Chief Counsel of the Division of Enforcement serves as principal advisor and consultant to the Director, and other high ranking officials of the Division, on a wide range of matters including technical, and/or precedent-setting, aspects of the federal securities laws.

The SEC says that it is accepting applications for the position until September 15.