On March 16, 2026, Katherine Ward Feld, MBA ’82, J.D. ’83, returned to Cornell Law School to speak with students about her career path and lessons learned in and beyond Big Law. The fireside chat, held in Room 186 of Myron Taylor Hall, was co-hosted by student Quinn Ackerman ’28.

Katherine Ward Feld, MBA ’82, J.D. ’83 (left) and Quinn Ackerman ’28

Students from across the Law School community attended the event to hear Feld discuss her professional journey, from private practice to her current role as senior special counsel in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Examinations.

Reflecting on her time as a student, Feld emphasized that academic performance is only one component of professional success. While at Cornell, she carried a demanding course load and worked as a teaching assistant, describing herself as “in the middle of the class.” Still, she encouraged students to recognize their broader strengths. “I was more than just my grades,” Feld said. “I’m savvy, I bring a lot to the table—and I used my connections. That’s my theme here: connections, connections, connections.”

Feld began her legal career at Sidley Austin before moving in-house to OppenheimerFunds, where she spent nearly two decades working on investment adviser, investment company, and transfer agent matters. She later was chief compliance officer at Fred Alger Management and Vice President & Corporate Counsel at Prudential Financial.

After eight years at Prudential, Feld was laid off when the business unit her legal team supported was sold. She described the moment as a turning point. “I was fifty-five, and I thought, ‘What do I do next?’” she said. Relying on her professional network proved critical. A former colleague ultimately encouraged her to consider government service.

Feld joined the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2013 and has since held a variety of roles, including positions in the Division of Investment Management and the Division of Examinations. Over time, she served as counsel to the deputy director of examinations and later as a subject matter expert working across regional offices nationwide.

During the discussion, Feld highlighted key differences between government and private-sector practice, particularly in terms of culture and accountability. She also stressed the importance of understanding how financial products are developed and managed, noting that such insight is essential for effective regulation.

Feld credited several Cornell Law courses, including securities regulation, managerial finance, and financial accounting, with shaping her career interests. “Business and law are very fluid,” she said, underscoring the value of interdisciplinary thinking.

She also encouraged students to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities, including clinics, practicums, and clerkships, to build practical skills and gain familiarity with courtroom practice.

On a personal note, Feld shared that she met her husband, Jeffrey, while at Cornell Law School; he attended the event and echoed many of her observations.

In closing, Feld urged students to remain open to opportunities beyond traditional legal roles. “At some point, think about an in-house compliance role, ” she said. “That experience gave me the ability to manage people and projects, and it was instrumental in helping me get my role at the SEC.”