Stephanie Avakian has been named deputy enforcement director of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Avakian moves to the SEC from the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, where she is a partner in the New York office and a vice chair of the firm’s securities practice.

Avakian previously worked in the SEC Enforcement Division as a branch chief in the New York Regional Office, and later served as a counsel to SEC Commissioner Paul Carey.

“Stephanie is widely respected because of her intelligence, her pragmatic approach, and her excellent judgment,” said Andrew J. Ceresney, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.  “I am delighted that she is rejoining the agency and look forward to partnering with her to build on the many successes of our enforcement program.”

Avakian said that she was “honored and excited to return to the Commission.”

“I am looking forward to working with all of the dedicated staff in the Division of Enforcement to carry out the SEC’s mission to protect investors,” Avakian said.

At WilmerHale, Avakian represented public companies, boards, and individuals in a broad range of investigations and other matters before the SEC and other agencies.

She obtained her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from the College of New Jersey, and her law degree magna cum laude from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.

Avakian plans to begin her new role in late June.