Finance Lawyers in the USA

It may have been a decade ago, but the fallout of the accounting scandals of the late 1990's and early 2000's continue to resonate through both of the accounting and legal professions. The largely self-regulated accounting profession has enacted numerous changes that continue to evolve in response to the scandals and pressure from government agencies and the public.

As of today, September 23, Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules implementing some provisions of the JOBS Act have become effective. Among them is the new Regulation D Rule 506(c).

Since the JOBS Act became law, numerous crowdfunding websites have popped up on the Internet. This month, the first enforcement action was brought against a crowdfunding website.

Private placement offerings under Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) are a cost effective and relatively quick way for private companies to raise capital before, during and after a going public transaction.

If you have ever complained about your legal fees, or been reluctant to hire an attorney because you did not think you could afford it, just be glad you are not one of the six largest US Banks recovering from the collapse of the housing market and resulting financial crisis. Bloomberg reports that together, they have amassed a whopping $103 billion in legal costs since the beginning of the Great Recession.

In 2012, the US federal government passed a bill called the JOBS act. Among its provisions was one allowing for small investments in exchange for equity in that company or project without having to go through the SEC or qualify as an investor. What is the difference between crowdinvesting and crowdfunding, what is Kickstarter, and how does it all work from a legal standpoint?

It is a horrifying situation. You buy a car, motorcycle, or RV by financing it at the dealership. You sign the paperwork and drive it home with the dealer's blessings only to discover a few days later that the financing has suddenly and unexpectedly been denied. Now the dealer wants its vehicle back and you are left holding the bag, maybe even out a down payment or other fees as well as the cost of any aftermarket additions to your vehicle. What do you do?

The JOBS Act’s new rules permitting general solicitation and advertising in Rule 506 private placements will become effective on September 23, and there is still some confusion about the difference between crowdfunding and general solicitation and advertising in Rule 506(c) offerings.

A common topic on spy shows and mobster movies, money laundering may be an unclear concept for many. What is it? Is it illegal? If so, why? What are the elements of this crime?

Rule 506(c) will become effective in less than a month, on September 23, 2013. The rule fundamentally changes how private placements will be conducted, by allowing issuers to engage in general solicitation and advertising if specific requirements are met. The SEC has confirmed that the Rule 506(c) exemption will not be forgiving for issuers who engage in general solicitation but fail to comply with its requirements.