In the latest growth move for its global capital markets, government investigations and regulatory platform, SNR Denton today announced that Robert Bostrom, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Freddie Mac, is joining the firm as partner and co-head of its global Financial Institutions and Funds sector. Bostrom joined Freddie Mac in 2006 and directed its legal strategy through the financial crisis and recovery. He is scheduled to join the firm in mid-August.
Bostrom is one of the premier banking lawyers in the US, especially in the areas of risk management and compliance, regulatory affairs, litigation, and internal and government investigations. His decision to join SNR Denton follows the rapid expansion of the firm’s capital markets, financial services and regulatory practices. Bostrom previously had served as executive vice president for legal, compliance and regulatory affairs at National Westminster Bancorp, which during his tenure controlled one of the 25 largest banks in the US. In addition to managing litigation and regulatory matters, he helped structure NatWest’s sale to Fleet Financial Group in 1996 for $3.6 billion. Prior to Freddie Mac, he spent nine years as head of the Financial Institutions Practice at Winston & Strawn, where he also served as managing partner of the New York office and a member of its executive committee. Earlier in his career, he was a lawyer with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
“The arrival of Bob Bostrom is a milestone for our Financial Institutions and Funds sector and validation of the strategy we have set out as a new global law firm,” said SNR Denton Global Chief Executive Elliott Portnoy. “Bob has worked at the highest levels of leadership in the banking sector, in private legal practice and inside a government-sponsored corporation during a period that gave rise to unprecedented business, legal and reputational challenges.
“Bob is among an elite group of general counsel who have played a pivotal role in navigating a gauntlet of investigations, enforcement actions and litigation during the financial crisis,” Portnoy added. “We are delighted that our clients worldwide will benefit immediately from his crisis and risk management experience and corporate governance talents.”
Bostrom counseled Freddie Mac’s board of directors and senior management through the appointment of a conservator and advised on the creation of a new corporate governance structure. He oversaw Freddie Mac’s response to numerous inquiries and investigations initiated by Congressional committees, the US Securities and Exchange Commission and other federal regulators, as well as to securities class and derivative actions. Bostrom also advised on implementing a critical $100 billion senior preferred stock purchase agreement with the US Department of the Treasury.
The National Law Journal recently selected Bostrom among Washington’s most influential in-house counsel. Corporate Counsel magazine recognized Freddie Mac, under Bostrom’s leadership, among the Best Legal Departments of 2011. Bostrom has also become one of the most sought-after speakers on best practices in corporate compliance and governance issues. Among a long checklist of honors, he chaired the Association of Corporate Counsel’s 2010 Chief Legal Officer Think Tank, addressing the topic: “Navigating Your Client through Multiple Congressional, Government and Civil Proceedings.” Bostrom also participated in the 2010 Corporate Board Member General Counsel Forum held at the New York Stock Exchange addressing the topic: “When Government Agencies Come Knocking: Mitigating Risks for Investigations.”
“I am very proud of what we accomplished at Freddie Mac, but felt this was a good time to transition back into private practice and client service, which remain great passions,” Bostrom said, adding: “SNR Denton has built one of the most complete, 360-degree legal practices within the financial services arena. Top tier in securitizations and other capital markets transactions, the firm is a recognized leader in government affairs, public policy and congressional investigations, financial institutions regulation and compliance, real estate finance and mortgage securitization and servicing, litigation and government investigations, state Attorney General actions, as well as civil and criminal defense work. The firm is operating right at the nexus where financial markets meet regulation and enforcement, making it a perfect spot for me to provide counsel. I am looking forward to contributing my talents and experience in furthering SNR Denton’s leadership within the financial community.”
At SNR Denton, Bostrom will share leadership of the global Financial Institutions and Funds sector with partner Jana Cohen Barbe, and by extension will lend his experience to the firm’s Financial Regulatory Reform special situations team which helps clients navigate the sweeping changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. “Bob’s arrival reflects our growing prominence at the juncture between capital markets, banking and financial regulation.” Bostrom also will help lead the firm’s multidisciplinary corporate governance crisis management team, which draws together the talents of the firm’s white collar, internal and governmental investigations, public policy, capital markets, SEC enforcement, corporate governance, and state Attorneys General lawyers and professionals. SNR Denton’s unique presence in Washington, D.C., New York, London and other financial centers enables it to offer these capabilities on an international level.
Bostrom complements a group of more than 60 new partners, principals and senior advisors who have joined SNR Denton worldwide since the combination that created the firm nine months ago. Among recent additions are former five-term US Congressman and former Assistant United States Attorney Artur Davis, former Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, and former Indiana Attorney General Jeff Modisett, each of whom, along with other partners and professionals joining, offer clients crisis management and investigations expertise in matters of the highest profile worldwide.
Bostrom received his J.D. in 1980 from Boston College Law School. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and had enrolled in its Ph.D. program before attending law school. He received his B.A. in History in 1974 from Franklin & Marshall College.
