[ by Howard Haykin ]

This former Manhattan U.S. Attorney, who's currently a partner with Debevoise & Plimpton, reportedly is being considered as a candidate to chair the SEC, according to 3 people familiar with the matter.  Ms. White has issued no statement, nor has the White House.

If ultimately selected and confirmed, Mary Jo White would take the reins from current SEC Chairman Elisse Walter, who assumed the post last month after Mary Schapiro stepped down.  Ms. Walter has served as a Democratic Commissioner at the SEC since July 2008, and her term expires at the end of this 2013.  If she were to stay on later beyond December 31, she would need to be re-confirmed by the U.S. Senate. 

With Debevoise, Mary Jo White currently represents high-profile clients, including JPMorgan Chase.  With Chase, Ms. While is representing that Bank's portion of the $25 billion multi-bank settlement reached last year to resolve allegations of mortgage servicing abuses.

Earlier in her career, Ms. White previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York - that being from 1993 to 2002. She once also served as a director at the Nasdaq Stock Market, and served on its executive, audit and policy committee.

For further details, go to:   [Reuters, 1/17/13].