Chief Warren? It Sure Has a Nice Ring to It
Rumors abound (click here for WaPo, click here for BostonGlobe, here for Politico) concerning the possibility of Elizabeth Warren’s appointment to head the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Warren, a professor of law at Harvard University, was a major proponent of the most recent financial reform bill and is particularly popular with supporters of financial reform.
Warren has made a career studying and advocating for the common consumer. She has published multiple books and scores of scholarly articles on the topic of middle class economics and is widely regarded as a leading voice in the field. Time magazine named Warren to its top 100 most influential people in the world list in both 2009 and 2010.
Why All the Hullabaloo?
Last Thursday, first year students in section 3 at Harvard Law were informed that Warren would not be teaching their contracts course. Though the Harvard Crimson reports that Warren will still be co-teaching a seminar on the empirical analysis of law, the freedom from a post as contracts professor could be a strong sign that Warren is headed to Washington.
Here at the Corporate Observer we think it’s clear that Warren is an excellent choice for the first head of the new consumer watchdog bureau created under the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill. A champion of the consumer, and influential policy adviser, and an educated decision maker – Warren seems perfectly fit for the job. We commend Warren for her commitment to change and oversight. We agree with her statements in an interview with Tom Ashbrook that "it’s about reining in an incredibly powerful industry. It’s about reining in a group that gives money and knows how to exercise power in Washington."
Elizabeth Warren is not related to Chief Justice Earl Warren. Nevertheless, should Warren head up the new agency, her potential to effect change in America could rival that of the celebrated Chief Justice. Though today’s post is merely speculation – the formulation of the leadership of this new important watchdog bureau is important news and we will keep you informed on updates as they come.
Assisted by Zach Kady
Steven N. Berk has over twenty years of litigation experience spanning both the private and public sectors. His practice ranges from representing Fortune 500 Companies, to consumers. Steven is based in Washington, D.C. and founded Berk Law in May 2009....
