Photo Credit: The U.S. Securities and Exchange CommissionFormer SEC General Counsel David Becker passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2026, at the age of 78.
David served as SEC General Counsel from January 2000 to May 2002, after joining the Commission as Deputy General Counsel in 1998. He later returned to the SEC as General Counsel from 2009 to 2011.
David also served as a Trustee of the SEC Historical Society from 2005 to 2008, generously sharing his wisdom and guidance with the organization.
In his SEC Historical Society oral history, David reflected on a range of issues, including auditor independence, the SEC’s response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, reforms to the enforcement program, and the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
In November 2025, David participated in a Society program highlighting the work of the SEC’s Office of General Counsel over the years. Access the program.
David also participated in the Society's September 11th 20th Anniversary Leadership Lessons panel.
To learn more about David Becker’s distinguished career at the SEC, search our Virtual Museum of Securities Regulation to explore his oral history, photographs, and papers.
Many of us had the privilege of working alongside David during his tenure as General Counsel of the SEC and as a Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. His wry sense of humor, brilliant insights, and enduring friendships were hallmarks we will always treasure.
- SECHS President Elizabeth Gray
For so many of us at the SEC, David was more than a colleague; he was a trusted adviser, a problem-solver, and a friend. And also, one of the best securities lawyers I’ve known.
- SECHS Chair Lori Richards
It’s impossible to capture all that made David so special. I will forever treasure his kindness, brilliance, and dedication to his friends.
- SECHS Immediate Past Chair Meredith Cross
David Becker was a brilliant lawyer and a wise and pragmatic counselor. He contributed immeasurably to the work of the Commission. Equally important, he will be remembered for his infectious wit and generous spirit.
- SECHS 2021 Chair Annette Nazareth
