Securities

Securities laws affect how businesses raise capital and how regulated investment firms operate. We advise clients on offerings and ongoing compliance, then represent them when regulatory issues arise.

Our focus

Raising capital requires more than choosing the right source of funding. The structure of an offering can affect ownership and future flexibility, while securities laws create obligations that may continue long after the transaction closes. We help clients understand those requirements and build them into the financing strategy from the outset.

We advise public and private companies on registered offerings and private placements. Our attorneys prepare offering materials and handle the required securities filings. We also counsel issuers on disclosure obligations and other responsibilities that arise after capital has been raised.

Our work also includes the formation and ongoing regulation of investment businesses. We counsel broker-dealers and registered investment advisers, as well as investment companies. When registration or an exemption is required, we help clients determine the appropriate path and respond to continuing

When regulators begin an inquiry, we represent issuers and their leadership in investigations involving the SEC or FINRA. We also handle matters before state securities regulators. Our role is to help clients respond carefully while protecting their legal and business interests.

Securities matters often overlap with corporate governance or a broader financing transaction. Public finance questions may also shape the work. We coordinate those perspectives so the securities advice remains connected to the client’s larger objective.

We provide ongoing guidance to a range of clients and regulated entities, including:

  • Public and private companies raising capital
  • Broker-dealers and registered investment advisers
  • Investment companies and private funds
  • Trust companies and municipal advisers
  • Issuers and underwriters
  • Directors and officers
  • Independent mutual fund trustees

Our experience spans a broad range of securities matters, including:

  • Registered public offerings
  • Initial and secondary offerings
  • Private placements of debt or equity
  • Offering memoranda and subscription documents
  • Investor qualification and state “blue sky” compliance
  • SEC reporting and periodic filings
  • Section 16 compliance
  • Proxy and tender offer matters
  • Broker-dealer formation and registration
  • Investment adviser formation and registration
  • Public mutual funds and private hedge funds
  • Securities investigations and enforcement proceedings
  • Cooperative securities matters
  • Trust Indenture Act matters

Key Contacts

Sarah Hyser-Staub

Sarah Hyser-Staub

Represents businesses and public leaders in government investigations, regulatory defense, and civil litigation. Advises on compliance and commercial disputes.

See full profile

How can we help?