Washington, DC (Oct. 27, 2026) - Venable LLP announced today that Susan Poklemba has joined as counsel in the firm's Government Division, further strengthening its securities and financial regulatory capabilities.
Ms. Poklemba brings nearly a decade of federal financial regulatory experience, including service as a senior special counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). She advises financial services clients on securities regulation and market policy, with experience in market structure, broker-dealer and exchange regulation, clearing, alternative trading systems, digital assets, privacy and cybersecurity, and international financial regulation.
Ms. Poklemba will work closely with Venable's securities and financial regulatory attorneys, including Caroline A. Crenshaw, who recently joined the firm after serving as an SEC commissioner. Their combined government experience enhances the firm's ability to advise financial institutions, market participants, fintech companies, and other businesses navigating evolving regulatory, policy, and enforcement priorities.
"Susan's arrival represents another important investment in our securities and financial regulatory capabilities," said Larry Norton, chair of Venable's Government Division. "Her extensive SEC experience and understanding of how securities regulation is developed and implemented will be a significant asset to our clients. Together with Caroline and our broader regulatory team, Susan adds further depth to the sophisticated counsel we provide to clients operating in highly regulated markets."
"I look forward to working with Susan and Caroline as we continue expanding the firm's financial services capabilities," said Megan Barbero, a former SEC general counsel and chair of Venable's Administrative and Regulatory Litigation Group.
"Susan brings significant firsthand experience with the regulatory and policy issues shaping today's securities markets," said Ms. Crenshaw. "Having worked closely with her on complex market structure and regulatory issues at the SEC, I know the value her perspective will bring to clients. I look forward to working with Susan again as we continue to build Venable's securities regulatory capabilities and help clients anticipate and respond to an evolving regulatory landscape."
During her government service, Ms. Poklemba worked on major securities rulemakings and initiatives involving Treasury clearing, the Consolidated Audit Trail, exchange listing standards, trade reporting, privacy and cybersecurity requirements, securities lending, and a variety of other agency actions. Her experience also includes international standard setting, financial services provisions in trade agreements, foreign investment reviews, and cross-border regulatory coordination.
"Venable offers a compelling combination of sophisticated regulatory experience and an integrated national platform," said Ms. Poklemba. "I'm excited to join the firm and work alongside Caroline and colleagues across the firm to help clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment."
Ms. Poklemba earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where she was a UCLA-RAND Empirical Legal Scholar. She received her B.A. in classical languages and literatures from the University of Maryland and is admitted to practice in New York.