Members of the securities industry will gather for the 31st Annual ASECA Dinner and William O. Douglas Award Presentation on March 19, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Grand Ballroom in Washington, DC. Hosted by the Association of Securities & Exchange Commission Alumni (ASECA), the event brings together SEC alumni and industry professionals to celebrate excellence, foster professional connections, and support initiatives that advance education and career development in securities law.
Representing VERTEX at the event is Jim Barratt, CPA, CFF, CCEP, Managing Director, Commercial Damages & Investigations, who will connect with peers and contribute to discussions surrounding issues impacting today’s financial and legal landscape.
The evening will also recognize Meredith B. Cross, Partner at WilmerHale, as the 2026 recipient of the William O. Douglas Award for her contributions to federal securities laws and service to the SEC community.
The event provides an opportunity for industry professionals to engage with leaders across the securities and regulatory space and exchange insights on evolving challenges and best practices. It also serves as a key fundraiser supporting scholarships, professional development programs, and initiatives that promote interest and advancement in securities law.
For more information about the event or to register, visit: https://aseca.memberclicks.net/annual-dinner-registration
To learn more about VERTEX’s Commercial Damages & Investigation (CDI) services, or to speak with an expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.
The Author
Jim Barratt
CPA, CFF, CCEP
Managing Director, Commercial Damages & Investigations
Jim applies his expertise gained as an independent auditor, internal audit director, chief compliance officer, and former SEC Enforcement accountant to provide clients with value-added solutions to critical problems. He assists law firms, companies, and board committees facing difficult issues involving financial fraud, SEC and DoJ investigations, internal controls and financial reporting issues and anti-bribery and corruption compliance and remediation.