Ex-SEC Chair Chris Cox Buys $5.4 Million House

Many held the view that Chris Cox was ineffective during the period he served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Position (which was fine with me), but he sure has played an A game in using the government to private sector revolving door.

Cox is now a partner at the law firm Bingham McCutchen LLP and a member of its corporate, mergers & acquisitions and securities group, advising global companies on strategic issues, corporate governance, securities regulation and other matters, according to the law firm’s website. He is also a principal of Bingham Consulting Group, which focuses on strategic issues involving federal and state governments, homeland security, and multistate litigation.

All this revolving door work has allowed him to buy a gated, ocean-view house in the exclusive Bear Brand Ranch, in Laguna Niguel. For those of you not familiar with the area, allow me to explain, laguna Niguel is one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. He paid $5,350,000 for the house.

The 11,000-square foot house sits on nearly an acre atop a hill. The home has 7 bedrooms, 8.5 baths, a “huge” lawn, swimming pool, spa and an outdoor kitchen, with panoramic views of the coastline and valley. There also are guest/maid quarters, a wine cellar, and a master bedroom retreat with a fireplace.

According to the listing, "the house is hidden from prying eyes by a gate and beautiful mature hardwoods, this estate is accessed by a long private driveway that is lined with roses and surrounded by an immaculately manicured landscape."

Cox purchased the house with cash, according to The Orange County Business Journal.