Seward & Kissel Bolsters Litigation Practice with SEC Veteran Craig Warkol

Event summary

  • Craig Warkol joins Seward & Kissel as chair of its Litigation & Investigations Group in New York, effective March 17, 2026.
  • Warkol brings extensive experience in securities enforcement, regulatory compliance, and white-collar criminal matters, including insider trading and market manipulation cases.
  • He previously served as an enforcement attorney with the SEC and as a Special Assistant in the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of New York.
  • Warkol’s arrival follows Seward & Kissel’s strong hiring momentum in 2025 and early 2026, including the addition of eight lateral partners across key practice areas.

The big picture

Seward & Kissel’s hiring of Craig Warkol underscores the growing demand for specialized legal expertise in securities enforcement and regulatory compliance, particularly as financial institutions navigate increasingly complex risk landscapes. The move follows a pattern of strategic lateral hires in the legal sector, reflecting broader industry trends toward consolidation and specialization in high-demand practice areas. Warkol’s background in both enforcement and private practice positions Seward & Kissel to better serve clients facing regulatory scrutiny in emerging areas like digital assets and AI.

What we're watching

Regulatory Focus
How Warkol’s expertise in digital assets, AI, and alternative data will position Seward & Kissel to advise clients on emerging regulatory risks.
Competitive Dynamics
Whether Seward & Kissel can sustain its hiring momentum to strengthen its litigation and investigations practice against competitors like Schulte Roth & Zabel.
Client Demand
The pace at which private capital clients seek guidance on complex enforcement and compliance issues amid evolving risk landscapes.