Former Sullivan & Cromwell special counsel Christine Trent Parker has joined Reed Smith's New York office, the latest addition in the global firm's quest to beef up its practice in Manhattan.

Parker focuses on the regulation of commodities, futures and derivative products and market participants as well as registration, compliance and regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Parker joined Sullivan & Cromwell just as the financial crisis hit, prompting her to focus on U.S.-based matters. But as time went by and the areas of her practice went global, she sought a broader position.

“I loved my time at Sullivan & Cromwell. They put me in front of clients and gave me frontline experience,” she said in an interview. “But I'm finding that a lot of my clients want to know what their regulatory exposure is in Australia, China and Europe.” She also said that “Reed Smith provides a better platform for me as they have a well-built fintech practice.”

Meanwhile, Reed Smith's commitment to diversity was another selling point, she said. “It's a conversation that should involve everybody,” Parker said about diversity. “People who are not 'diverse lawyers' have a role to play. Everybody is part of the solution.”

In a statement, Prajakt Samant, who chairs Reed Smith's energy and natural resources industry group, said, “Christine's cutting-edge practice will be of great value to our commodities and energy clients. Her first-class legal pedigree, legal acumen and experience resonate with a broad spectrum of the industry.”

A spokesperson at Sullivan & Cromwell did not immediately respond for comment.

Prior to her time at Sullivan & Cromwell, Parker was legislative counsel for New York Sen. Charles Schumer from 2006-2008.

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