Dorwart advises public and private companies, registered investment companies, investment advisers, broker-dealers, mutual funds, and institutional investors on securities regulation, capital formation, fund governance, and regulatory compliance.
Our practice spans both traditional securities work and the highly specialized regulatory framework governing investment management businesses. We assist clients with securities offerings, private placements, corporate governance, SEC reporting, fund operations, regulatory compliance, and ongoing obligations under federal and state securities laws.
The practice is particularly distinguished by its experience advising investment advisers, registered investment companies, mutual funds, and other participants in the investment management industry.
Why Clients Hire Dorwart
Securities laws are rarely just about disclosure documents or regulatory filings. They affect how businesses raise capital, how investment managers operate, how funds are governed, and how regulated entities manage risk.
Dorwart helps clients navigate those issues with practical advice focused on achieving business objectives while satisfying complex regulatory requirements. Clients value our responsiveness, efficiency, and ability to provide sophisticated securities advice without the bureaucracy often associated with larger firms.
Our lawyers regularly advise on matters involving:
Broker-dealer regulation
Corporate governance
FINRA regulation
Fund formation and governance
Investment adviser regulation
Private placements
Registered investment companies
SEC reporting and compliance
Securities enforcement matters
Securities offerings
Strength in Investment Management Regulation
Many law firms provide traditional securities law services. Far fewer regularly advise clients regarding the regulatory framework governing investment companies, investment advisers, mutual funds, and broker-dealers.
Dorwart’s experience under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Investment Advisers Act of 1940 distinguishes the practice and allows us to advise clients operating in some of the most highly regulated areas of the financial services industry.
Collectively, the investment managers and institutions we advise are responsible for $150 billion in assets under management.
Securities Counsel Aligned with Business Objectives
Whether a client is raising capital, launching a new investment product, responding to regulatory scrutiny, or managing ongoing compliance obligations, the objective is rarely compliance for its own sake.
The objective is helping clients achieve their business goals while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Dorwart combines deep regulatory knowledge with practical business judgment to help clients move efficiently, manage risk, and seize opportunities.
Featured Matter
Counsel to Mutual Fund Complex with $5 Billion in Assets Under Management
Dorwart has served as legal counsel to a registered investment company comprised of money market funds, bond funds, and equity funds with assets under management exceeding $5 billion.
Operating a registered investment company requires compliance with one of the most complex regulatory frameworks in the securities industry, including ongoing obligations under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SEC regulations, governance requirements, disclosure obligations, and fiduciary standards.
Dorwart has provided ongoing legal guidance regarding:
Board governance matters
Contract review and negotiation
Fund operational issues
Investment management regulatory requirements
New fund and product offerings
SEC filings and regulatory compliance
The engagement demonstrates Dorwart’s ability to provide sophisticated legal counsel in one of the most highly regulated segments of the financial services industry.
Additional Representative Matters
Investment Management Regulatory Counsel
Served as fund counsel and advised multibillion dollar family of funds on fund launches, fund reorganizations and strategic initiatives.
Broker-Dealer Regulation
Advise broker-dealers on SEC and FINRA regulatory requirements, supervisory systems, written supervisory procedures, communications with the public, sales practice issues, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Securities Offerings and Capital Formation
Represent public and private companies in debt and equity financings, including private placements, investment transactions, and related securities documentation.
Bond Defaults
Successfully represented an indenture trustee in connection with the default of $70 million of municipal revenue bonds secured by a multifamily housing portfolio spanning 35 apartment buildings in Florida, navigating nationwide, multi-forum litigation and the disposition of collateral to achieve recovery of 100% of outstanding principal and accrued interest for bondholders
Experience and Insight for your most complex legal matters
