Matthew T. Martens, a 1993 Cedarville accounting graduate and current defense lawyer with WilmerHale, was named one of the “Enforcement Elite” by Securities Docket.

Securities Docket hosts conferences across the United States and publishes a daily newsletter covering developments in the securities enforcement world. Its “Enforcement Elite” list recognizes industry-leading defense lawyers based on reputation and experience, providing a guide for clients looking for a trusted, credentialed professional.

Companies can raise the money they need to operate by issuing securities, which frequently come in the form of stocks and bonds. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) highly regulates this financial practice.Defense lawyers like Martens represent individuals and institutions in organizations that issue securities, along with accounting and brokerage firms that work with those organizations.

Martens is one of only140 lawyers on the list this year, highlighting his prominence in the industry.

“It’s encouraging when people recognize your skill in a particular area,” Martens said. “It helps in terms of new clients who are looking for a lawyer, as they can seea list of the most capable lawyers in the field. And for existing clients, there’s comfort in knowing that they are working with someone recognized as being highly experienced in that area.”

Martens holds a Doctor of Law (J.D.) from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. His recent book, titled “Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal,” won The Gospel Coalition’s First-Time Author Award in 2023.

Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.