Joseph Watkins
About Joseph Watkins
Joseph Watkins is a Staff Attorney in the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, currently based in the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area. He has a diverse background in law and business, having worked in various legal roles and completed advanced studies in taxation and securities law.
Work at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Joseph Watkins has been serving as a Staff Attorney in the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since 2023. In this role, he is involved in legal matters related to securities regulation and enforcement, contributing to the agency's mission of protecting investors and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets.
Current Position at Parsons Behle & Latimer
Since 2021, Joseph Watkins has worked as an Attorney at Parsons Behle & Latimer in the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area. His responsibilities include providing legal counsel and representation, focusing on various aspects of law that align with the firm's practice areas.
Education and Expertise
Joseph Watkins earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Brigham Young University—J. Reuben Clark Law School, completing his studies from 2015 to 2018. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation and Securities Law from Georgetown University Law Center, which he completed in 2019. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Utah Valley University, studying from 2005 to 2010.
Previous Legal Experience
Before his current roles, Joseph Watkins worked as an Attorney at Clyde Snow & Sessions from 2018 to 2021. He also gained experience as a Law Clerk at the same firm from 2017 to 2018. His legal internships include positions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Health Lawyers Association in 2017.
Leadership Roles and Early Career
Joseph Watkins held leadership positions during his academic career, serving as the Student Body President at Utah Valley University from 2008 to 2009. He also worked as the Executive Director of the Utah Student Association from 2009 to 2011. Prior to his legal career, he was employed as a Sales Representative at Daiichi Sankyo from 2012 to 2014 and as an Analyst/Client Manager at Leavitt Partners from 2013 to 2015.