Strategic Capital Counsel
Corporate Finance and Securities Attorney in Dallas, Texas
Your Guide to Corporate Finance and Securities Law
Raising capital, structuring investments, and complying with securities regulations require careful legal guidance. Businesses in Dallas face complex federal and state rules that govern how shares are issued, how debt is structured, and how investors are protected. Wallace Law PLLC helps companies of every size navigate these requirements with confidence, clarity, and a focus on long-term growth.
Why Sound Securities Counsel Matters
Securities laws carry serious consequences for missteps, including civil penalties, criminal liability, and damaged investor trust. Strong legal counsel helps you raise funds efficiently while staying within the boundaries of state and federal law. Proper structuring also reduces tax exposure, attracts quality investors, and creates clear governance frameworks that allow your business to scale without unnecessary risk.
Experience Built for Texas Companies
Understanding Corporate Finance and Securities Law
Need More Information?
Key Terms in Corporate Finance and Securities
Private Placement
A sale of securities to a limited group of qualified investors without a public offering, often used by growing companies to raise capital efficiently.
Accredited Investor
An individual or entity meeting specific income, net worth, or professional standards that allow participation in certain private securities offerings.
Regulation D
A set of SEC rules that allow companies to sell securities in private offerings without full public registration, subject to specific conditions.
PPM (Private Placement Memorandum)
A disclosure document that explains the terms, risks, and structure of a private investment opportunity to prospective investors.
PRO TIPS
Document Every Investment
Even informal investments from friends or family should be documented with proper agreements. Verbal promises can lead to disputes that harm relationships and your business. Written terms protect everyone and create a clear record of expectations.
File Securities Notices Promptly
Most private offerings require notice filings with both the SEC and the Texas State Securities Board. Missing deadlines can trigger penalties and limit future fundraising options. Staying current with filings keeps your company compliant and credible with future investors.
Vet Investors Carefully
Confirming that your investors meet accreditation or other regulatory standards protects you from compliance issues. Document your verification process and keep records on file. This due diligence supports the legitimacy of your offering and reduces future legal exposure.
Comparing Your Financing Options
When Full-Scope Securities Counsel Is Needed:
Multi-Investor Capital Raises
When your offering involves multiple investors across different states, comprehensive legal support becomes essential. Each jurisdiction may have unique filing and disclosure rules. A thorough legal strategy ensures your offering complies everywhere your investors reside.
Complex Transaction Structures
Mergers, convertible instruments, and tiered equity offerings involve overlapping legal, tax, and regulatory considerations. Full-scope counsel coordinates these moving parts to protect your interests. This approach reduces the chance of costly mistakes during high-stakes transactions.
When Targeted Legal Help Is Enough:
Single-Investor Agreements
If you are working with one investor on a straightforward equity or debt arrangement, focused legal review may be all you need. The attorney can draft or review the key documents without a full corporate restructuring. This approach saves time and cost for simpler transactions.
Routine Compliance Filings
When you only need help with periodic filings or notice updates, a limited engagement can address the task efficiently. The attorney prepares and submits the required documents while leaving day-to-day operations untouched. This works well for established companies with stable structures.
Common Situations We Handle
Why Choose Wallace Law PLLC
Wallace Law PLLC delivers thoughtful, business-focused legal counsel for companies raising capital and managing securities matters in Dallas. Steven E. Wallace, Esq. understands that legal strategy must support business goals, not slow them down. Our team listens carefully, explains options clearly, and creates solutions tailored to each client’s situation, timeline, and growth plans.
Clients choose our firm because we combine deep legal knowledge with direct, responsive service. We handle the regulatory details so business owners can focus on running their companies. From your first capital raise to long-term securities compliance, Wallace Law PLLC stands beside you with practical guidance grounded in Texas law and federal regulations.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
People Also Search For
Dallas securities lawyer
private placement attorney
Regulation D filings Texas
corporate finance counsel
Texas Securities Act compliance
startup capital raise lawyer
PPM attorney Dallas
business mergers and acquisitions lawyer
Related Services
FAQS
What is a private placement offering?
A private placement is a sale of company securities to a select group of investors rather than the general public. These offerings are exempt from full SEC registration when they meet specific federal rules, most commonly under Regulation D. Private placements allow companies to raise capital faster and with fewer disclosure burdens than public offerings. Even though registration is reduced, private placements still carry significant legal requirements. Companies must prepare accurate disclosures, verify investor qualifications, and submit notice filings to regulators. Wallace Law PLLC helps clients structure these offerings to balance speed with compliance.
Do I need to register my securities with the SEC?
Most small and mid-sized companies use registration exemptions rather than fully registering their securities. Exemptions like Regulation D, Rule 506(b), or Rule 506(c) allow you to raise capital privately while avoiding the high costs of a public offering. The right exemption depends on your investor pool and fundraising goals. While registration may not be required, you still must file notices, follow disclosure rules, and observe state-level requirements. Our firm reviews each situation carefully and identifies the exemption strategy that best fits your business plan and timeline.
What is an accredited investor in Texas?
An accredited investor is someone who meets federal standards for income, net worth, or professional qualifications. Individuals generally qualify if they earn over two hundred thousand dollars annually, have a joint income above three hundred thousand, or hold net worth exceeding one million dollars excluding their primary home. Entities such as banks, trusts, and certain investment funds may also qualify. Verifying accreditation properly is critical, especially for Rule 506(c) offerings that involve general solicitation. We help clients design verification processes that satisfy SEC standards.
How long does a capital raise typically take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of your offering. A small private placement among a handful of accredited investors may close within a few weeks. Larger raises with multiple investors, due diligence, and multi-state filings can take several months to complete. Preparation is the biggest variable. Companies with organized corporate records, clean financials, and clear business plans tend to close faster. Wallace Law PLLC helps clients prepare in advance so the actual raise moves smoothly when investors are ready.
What is a Private Placement Memorandum?
A Private Placement Memorandum, or PPM, is a disclosure document used in private securities offerings. It outlines the company’s business, financial condition, risk factors, terms of the investment, and use of proceeds. The PPM gives investors the information they need to make an informed decision. While not always legally required, a well-prepared PPM protects the issuer by reducing the risk of fraud claims later. It demonstrates good-faith disclosure and supports compliance with anti-fraud provisions of federal securities law. Our firm prepares thorough PPMs tailored to each client’s offering.
Can I raise money from friends and family without legal help?
Even informal investments from friends and family fall under securities laws. Accepting money in exchange for ownership, profit-sharing, or repayment with interest triggers regulatory requirements at both the federal and Texas state level. Skipping legal steps can expose you to penalties and disputes. Formalizing these arrangements with proper documents protects everyone. Clear agreements set expectations, define rights, and reduce the chance of misunderstandings. Wallace Law PLLC helps clients structure friends-and-family rounds correctly from the start.
What is Form D and when must it be filed?
Form D is the notice filing companies must submit to the SEC when they rely on Regulation D exemptions. It includes basic information about the company, the offering, and the type of investors involved. The form must be filed within fifteen days of the first sale of securities. In addition to the federal filing, Texas and most other states require their own notice filings when investors reside in those jurisdictions. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your exemption. Our firm tracks filing requirements and ensures everything is submitted on time.
Do Texas securities laws apply to online crowdfunding?
Yes. Online crowdfunding for investment purposes is regulated under both federal and Texas securities laws. Whether you use Regulation Crowdfunding, Regulation A, or a Texas-specific intrastate exemption, each path has different limits, disclosure rules, and filing obligations. The choice of structure depends on your goals, the size of your raise, and the type of investors you want to attract. Wallace Law PLLC helps Texas companies evaluate crowdfunding options and stay compliant throughout the campaign.
What happens if I violate securities laws?
Securities law violations can lead to civil penalties, rescission rights for investors, regulatory enforcement actions, and in serious cases, criminal charges. The SEC and the Texas State Securities Board both have authority to investigate and pursue violations. Penalties can include fines, disgorgement, and bars from future offerings. Beyond legal consequences, violations damage your reputation and ability to raise future capital. Prevention is far less costly than defense. Working with experienced counsel from the start helps you avoid mistakes that could threaten your business.
How do you charge for corporate finance and securities work?
Wallace Law PLLC offers flexible fee arrangements depending on the scope of your project. Flat fees may apply to defined deliverables like preparing a PPM or filing Form D. Hourly billing works well for ongoing advisory matters or complex transactions that evolve over time. We discuss fees openly during the initial consultation so clients know what to expect. Our goal is to provide clear value, predictable pricing, and high-quality legal service. Contact our office to learn more about engagement options for your specific needs.