What is a securities attorney?

A securities attorney specializes in federal and state securities laws governing the issuance, trading, and sale of securities such as stocks and bonds. They advise companies on SEC compliance, going public transactions, private placements, and ongoing reporting requirements.

How much does a securities lawyer cost?

Frederick M. Lehrer offers flat-fee pricing for securities law services, including monthly retainer arrangements for ongoing SEC compliance and project-based fees for registration statements. This provides predictable costs without hourly billing surprises.

What does a former SEC attorney do differently?

A former SEC enforcement attorney brings insider knowledge of how the Commission reviews filings, identifies regulatory deficiencies, and builds enforcement cases. This perspective allows for more strategic disclosure drafting and proactive compliance guidance.

Can a cannabis company go public?

Yes, cannabis companies can go public, but they face unique disclosure requirements due to federal illegality. SEC filings must address federal prosecution risk, banking limitations, IRC Section 280E tax implications, and state licensing requirements.

Form S-1 is the initial registration statement used to register securities with the SEC for public offerings. It contains comprehensive disclosure about the company's business, financial statements, risk factors, management, and use of proceeds.

What is Regulation A?

Regulation A (often called Reg A+ or mini-IPO) allows companies to raise up to $75 million from public investors with reduced disclosure requirements compared to a full S-1 registration. It provides a streamlined path to going public.

How long does it take to go public?

The timeline to go public varies based on the registration method. A Form S-1 typically takes 3-6 months after SEC review begins. Form 10 registration can take 60-90 days. Regulation A offerings typically take 3-4 months for SEC qualification.

What is an SEC comment letter?

An SEC comment letter is correspondence from the SEC staff requesting clarification, additional disclosure, or amendments to a filing. Companies must respond thoughtfully to each comment, and the exchange continues until all issues are resolved.

Frederick M. Lehrer, P.A. — International Securities Attorney

Former SEC Division of Enforcement Attorney (1984–2000) | Former Special Assistant United States Attorney (1997–1999) | U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran

Frederick M. Lehrer provides international securities law counsel for companies going public. With over 30 years of experience spanning SEC enforcement and private practice, he offers flat-fee securities services including Form S-1 and Form 10 registration, ongoing SEC compliance (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K), Regulation A offerings, Regulation D private placements, SEC comment letter response, and corporate governance advisory.

Practice Areas

Securities & SEC Compliance — Annual/quarterly reports, 8-K filings, comment letter responses, Regulation FD, Sarbanes-Oxley guidance
Going Public & Capital Markets — S-1 registration, Form 10, Regulation A/A+, Regulation D, OTC Markets, direct public offerings
Corporate & Transactional — Private placements, M&A, board governance, beneficial ownership, toxic financing review
Emerging Industries — Cannabis/CBD, AI, cryptocurrency, blockchain, EV, gaming, energy, luxury

SEC Enforcement Background

As an SEC Enforcement Attorney in the Southeast Regional Office (1984–2000)—the Division's most prolific case producer—Frederick M. Lehrer investigated and litigated violations including a $64 million pyramid scheme, insider trading, unregistered stock sales, fraudulent filings, internet fraud, and professional liability matters. From 1997–1999, he served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, prosecuting securities fraud, money laundering, and 64-count indictments.

Published Insights

Contact

Frederick M. Lehrer, P.A.
2108 Emil Jahna Road, Clermont, Florida 34711
Email: flehrer@securitiesattorney1.com
Phone: (561) 706-7646
Serving clients worldwide. Flat-fee pricing.