Lee A. Pickard

Lee A. Pickard died peacefully at home in Washington DC on April 4, 2026, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He devoted his career to the legal profession and was a recognized expert on U.S. securities law.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Lee was the eldest of four sons of Roy and Frances Pickard. His father founded the Pickard Handbag Company in Syracuse, and later developed real estate including office buildings. Lee inherited his Dad’s acumen and excelled in public school, skipping several grades. Lee loved the outdoors, entered into scouting and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Lee graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Colgate University in 1960, and went on to Harvard Law School, where he received his L.L.B. After several years practicing law in New York City, he moved to Washington DC to serve in the Nixon Administration at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). At the SEC, Lee rose to become Director of the Division of Trading and Markets. He formulated legislative proposals that contributed to the Securities Acts Amendments of 1975—widely regarded as the most sweeping revision of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 since its enactment. Among other important issues he addressed were the deregulation of fixed-commission rates on exchanges, the revision of financial responsibility rules for broker-dealers and stock exchanges, and the development of a central securities depository.

In 1977, he founded a law firm in Washington DC, specializing in securities law. The firm prospered and expanded, and today continues as Pickard Djinis & Pisarri. Lee served as a senior partner until his retirement in 2022. He advised financial services firms on a range of issues. He was a frequent lecturer and author on securities law and regulation and other matters affecting the securities industry.

Outside of his professional life, Lee had a busy family and social life. He and his wife traveled nationally and internationally for business and pleasure. He took his entire family – wife, kids, grandkids – on many ski vacations and on adventure trips to the Galapagos Islands and Mexico. In more recent years, he and his wife maintain vacation homes on Nantucket Island, so the entire growing family can enjoy time together. He maintained long-standing school friendships from high school, college, and law school; and gave generously as a proud alumus of Colgate and Harvard Law.

Lee was a member of the Metropolitan Club and University Club in Washington DC, the Harvard Club in New York City, and the St. Alban’s Tennis Club in the summer. He was active in sports, including tennis, squash, and skiing.

Lee is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lynne Sparks Pickard; son Gregory Pickard in Boston, MA; daughter Ashley Pickard Colognesi in Riverside, CT; son Gabriel Pickard in Silver Spring, MD; and by six grandchildren: Matthew, Annie, Peter, Griffin, Jack, and Robin. He is also survived by two brothers: Lynn Pickard in Tokyo, Japan, and Terry Pickard in Manlius, NY. The family is planning a Celebration of Life event in Washington DC at the Metropolitan Club in late April, and a small private service in upstate NY.