News & Insights

On September 24, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had voted to propose amendments to the rules governing administrative proceedings.  The announcement comes in the wake of rising opposition by the targets of such proceedings and increased criticism from industry participants who argue that the current system is fundamentally unfair.  As evidence, critics have cited the SEC’s increased use of such proceedings since the Dodd-Frank Act and its near 100% “win” rate in such cases.  SEC Chair Mary Jo White said that the proposed amendments “seek to modernize the rules of practice . . . .”  While the proposal would amend a number of the SEC’s rules of practice, there are two significant changes that would theoretically level the playing field for respondents to some degree.

Several developments in the government’s ongoing investigation of U.S. persons with foreign bank accounts have taken place this month. First, another seven banks have signed non-prosecution agreements pursuant to the Department of Justice’s “Swiss Bank Program.” Second, indicative of the government’s desire to expand its inquiry beyond Switzerland, a federal court in Miami approved an IRS request to serve a so-called “John Doe summons” to seek records of Belize Bank International Limited and Belize Bank Limited’s correspondence accounts at Bank of America, N.A. and Citibank, N.A.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), recently proposed rules that would require certain investment advisers to establish anti-money laundering (“AML”) programs.  FinCEN is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury charged with monitoring the financial system for illegal activity, money laundering, and national security threats.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 19, 2015 – Best Lawyers announced the 2016 Best Lawyers in America list. Guerra & Partners is pleased to announce that one of the firm’s attorneys were named to the 2016 Best Lawyers list.

Tampa, FL – Guerra & Partners is pleased to announce that two of its lawyers have been selected for the exclusive list of 2015 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. The attorneys named and their designated practice area include:

TAMPA, FL, June 17, 2015 — The IRS recently reminded taxpayers with foreign assets and accounts of several upcoming filing deadlines. The most well-known of these reporting requirements is the FBAR, or Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, which must be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by June 30th. It is important to note that the FBAR filing requirement is separate and distinct from the taxpayer’s obligation to disclose their interest in a foreign account on Schedule B of their federal income tax return.

For the third consecutive year, Guerra & Partners is pleased to announce it is supporting Bay Area Legal Services as a Sustaining Law Firm donor. Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal services to qualified and low-income residents and nonprofits throughout the Tampa Bay area. Last year, Bay Area Legal Services helped and educated more than 25,000 individuals, families, and community groups.