The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged lawyer, Brien. P. Santarlas for disclosing non-public information about a proposed corporate acquisition relating to one of the firm's clients in exchange for kickbacks. Robert Khuzami, director of the SEC's enforcement division, stated that "Gatekeepers serve a critical role advising participants in the capital markets. When lawyers who have access to non-public information betray client confidences, it both tarnishes the profession and undermines investor faith in the marketplace."