Heather Shaffer
About Heather Shaffer
Heather Shaffer is a Senior Counsel in the Asset Management Unit of the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where she has worked since 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School.
Current Role at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Heather Shaffer serves as Senior Counsel in the Asset Management Unit within the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. She has held this position since 2021, contributing to regulatory enforcement and compliance in the asset management sector. Her role involves overseeing investigations and ensuring adherence to securities laws.
Previous Experience in Legal Practice
Prior to her current position, Heather Shaffer worked as Counsel in the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2019 to 2021. She also held the role of Senior Investigative Counsel in the Oversight and Investigations Unit at the New York City Council for 10 months in 2019. Her experience includes significant roles at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, where she worked as an Associate from 2006 to 2015 and as Counsel from 2016 to 2018.
Educational Background
Heather Shaffer earned her Doctor of Law (JD) degree from The George Washington University Law School, completing her studies from 2003 to 2006. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and Spanish from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied from 1998 to 2002. Additionally, she attended Stuyvesant High School from 1994 to 1998.
Membership and Bar Admissions
Heather Shaffer is a member of the New York State Bar, allowing her to practice law in New York. She is also admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which further extends her legal qualifications and capabilities in federal appellate matters.
Early Career Experience
Heather Shaffer began her legal career as a Paralegal in the Appeals Bureau at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office from 2002 to 2003. She also gained experience as a Summer Associate Law Clerk at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP for three months in 2005, which provided her with foundational skills in legal research and analysis.