Call (215) 542-7070 to reach our lawyers for SBA lenders. They said "how can I direct your call?". Call Watson & Associates federal contractor criminal defense attorneys HUBZone Fraud defense lawyers for immediate help. 2023, International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., separately incorporated Better Business Bureau organizations in the US, Canada and Mexico and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Inc. All rights reserved. We serve clients all over the country and will be happy to match you up with the best local, is a complicated process, so be sure you have a dedicated, to give you the right advice about your next, starts before a single document is signed. How Does the SBA Determine the Principal Place of Business Hubzone Requirements? Borrowers declining loans after advance funds have been deposited. Start With Trust. With all of these messages flooding their inbox, social media, and phone, its easy to mistake a scam for a real offer. Having side agreements with other companies can also lead to False Claims Act criminal or civil liability and ultimately jail time for government contract fraud. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. Initial orientation was thin and confusing subsequent trainings for new tasks have been a bit better. It is intimidating to receive a call informing you that you're being sued, and it's scary when the "attorney" is very aggressive and threatening. In addition, from regulatory agencies makes it even more important to get advice from, and beyond, lenders must ensure they comply with all pertinent laws and regulations. If you are a HUBZone certified small business and have been accused of government procurement fraud under a specific set aside contract, need help learning how to become certified, or need help meeting employee requirements, or need help getting more access to federal procurement opportunities, call Watson & Associates, LLC SBA HUBZone certification lawyers to schedule a free consultation. Government counsels also write legal reviews on agencies decisions. If you are aware, you want to be extra careful not to retaliate against suspected employees or third parties. And, suits to foreclose on real property securing the SBA loan may be filed at any time. If you have questions about other SBA lending products, call SBAs Answer Desk at 800-827-5722 or send an email to answerdesk@sba.gov. can be an important ally in your fight to remain in compliance with state and federal regulators. Suite 1650 You can also reach out to an SBA loan approval legal advisor online by sending an email to info@starfieldsmith.com or by visiting our contact page and filling out the online form. Contact. Fraudsters prey upon those in vulnerable positions, and this is a critical time for our nations small businesses, said SBA OIG Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kupperbusch. We Provide Nationwide Representation of Small Business Owners, Personal Guarantors, and Federal Debtors with More Than $30,000 in Debt before the SBA and Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service. A personal statement/write up from me? What Does False Claims Act and HUBZone Fraud Cases Involve? 5 Steps for Mentoring Identify your small business needs and desired support. From the SBA 7a loan application to SBA loan servicing to SBA liquidation, all procedures must be followed, and it takes an SBA loan approval legal advisor to counsel you on the best way to comply with those procedures. They argue civil and criminal cases on behalf of the government. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Kevin Kupperbusch, Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SBA-OIG), Eastern Region, made the announcement today. The SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or disaster loans or grants. The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams. Open All +. SBA Celebrates Black History Month Resources, events, and information for Black business owners Access resources for black-owned businesses How we help small businesses Free business counseling Get business advice from our partnering organizations and experts. Military reservists economic injury loans. ), Fake businesses established specifically to apply for SBA assistance, Borrowers working with third parties to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds in exchange for keeping a percentage of the funds, Borrowers using economic injury loan money to start businesses. These may be attempts to obtain your personally identifiable information (PII), to obtain personal banking access, or to install ransomware/malware on your computer. An SBA attorney advisor emailed me 3 weeks ago. Official websites use .gov Prior to the SBA, Alejandro served as Policy Advisor on small business, banking, tax, trade, and immigration for U.S. Therefore, federal attorneys from the DOJ and or SBA OIG typically investigate cases where owners of the HUBZone firm allegedly misrepresent the percentage of employees living in a HUBZone; the owner does not control the business; where the HUBZone as the prime contractor fails to comply with the limitations on subcontracting rule; or falsely certify to be a small business. 2021 Protect Law Group, All Rights Reserved. You can also submit a complaint form at https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline#section-header-0. The EIDL program provides funding in the form of loans of up to $2 million depending on the needs of the business. "To get right to the point, we have an urgent need to hire attorneys and paralegals," said Patricia Gibson, a senior advisor at the SBA, adding the jobs are temporary (two to six months), full-time, and many of the positions can be done virtually. Small business owners are getting hit with a lot of information and making tough decisions on how to survive the COVID-19 crisis. Know what people and skill sets you need. I received the same email. Contact Protect Law Group for a Case Evaluation or call us toll-free at 1-888-756-9969. The Small Business Act regulations require that, with the exception of certain specified entities, qualified small business concerns have a principal office located in a Government HUBZone. In other situations, companies are issues subpoenas for documents during a government investigation to show that the employee requirements are met. Just received an ambiguous email from someone at the SBA General Attorney Office to call back. Press J to jump to the feed. SIZ-5083. The FBI along with our partners are working every day to keep Americans safe during this unprecedented time. Seeking and obtaining advice of counsel is an important step that small businesses should utilize prior to executing the final SBA EIDL loan documents and accepting receipt of federal funds in order to defend against an SBA OIG investigation or audit for potential fraud and abuse. Hawaii Small Business Law Lawyers. 3.75% Fixed interest rate for small businesses; 2.75% Fixed interest rate for private non-profits. 2021 Protect Law Group, All Rights Reserved. Get in touch with us to speak to a lawyer about any of the following: An SBA lender legal advisor can assist you with all these and more. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina, Beware Of SBA Loan Scams, Government Officials Warn, Father And Son Sentenced For $1.7 Million COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Charlotte Woman On Federal Supervised Release Is Sentenced To Prison For COVID-19 Fraud Scheme, Jury Convicts Catawba Co. Man Of Bank Robbery, COVID-19 Fraud, And Aggravated Identity Theft. These could be disputes over contracts, personal injuries, or real estate and property. b. documentation and closing process, including these topics and many more: Evaluate the structure of the transaction, including a review of the, steps like commitment letters and checklists, including review and evaluation of due diligence, Draft and negotiate loan documents like an, Create and perfect security interests in all types of collateral, to advise them on regulatory compliance and provide. In addition, SBA lender oversight from regulatory agencies makes it even more important to get advice from attorneys that specialize in SBA loans. Yet, this process may only discharge your debt. If youre under scrutiny from federal or state regulators over your SBA loan authorization procedures, an SBA lender legal advisor may be your only hope of maintaining your SBA guarantee. As a result, most small business owners only hire an attorney experienced with business matters when confronted with a serious legal problem (e.g., you're sued by a customer). Long-term repayments up to 30 years. Ask for a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) The IRS requires anyone who prepares or assists in preparing . This rating reflects the overall rating of US Small Business Administration and is not affected by filters. U.S. Small Business Administration 409 3rd St, SW. Washington DC 20416 . when were you funded? Naturally, the friend is not really a friend, but a compromised Facebook account, contacting all of your friends on Facebook. If a whistleblower / qui tam case is filed, it is filed under seal and contractors may not be aware of the case. to help you remain in good standing with state and federal regulators. The program clearly provides preferential access to federal contracts. The types of disaster loans include: Business physical disaster loans. As SBA attorney advisors, the law firm also provides legal advice and guidance regarding small business contract novations,litigation and appeals to (ASBCA and CBCA)(COFC and Federal Circuit), Certificate of Competency and contractor responsibility matters. These two items are overlooked by most and SBA calls to remind you before deadline, which is 180 days after receiving the loan. A: Yes. Business adaptations (adding delivery, online/mobile options, etc.) About | Launch results oriented marketing programs. and membership in a State or District of Columbia bar association and one year of professional (attorney) legal experience and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work and one additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled. International Association of Better Business Bureaus, BBB Scam Alert: Small Businesses, Don't Fall for This Phony SBA Grant Offer. The main sections, each headed by an Associate General Counsel, are Financial Law and Lender Oversight, General Law (Labor and Employment), Litigation, Mission statement. ABA accreditation signifies that the law schoolparticularly its curricula and facultymeets certain standards. Bank of Tennessee signs with SBA Advisors, SBA Advisors announces tradigital marketing programs, The Evolution of SBA Loan Service Providers. Just looking for any insight. Call Watson & Associates federal, If you are a HUBZone certified small business and have been accused of government procurement fraud under a specific set aside contract, need help learning. Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, John A. Our focus: delivery speed and efficiency and maintain a high level of SBA compliance. Insurance and other benefits included. 1. We were subsequently hired to intervene and aggressively defend the lawsuit. BBB.org/ScamTracker has received several recent reports about a sophisticated new twist. If you were in business between February 15, 2019, and June 30, 2019: Your max loan is equal to 250% of your average monthly payroll costs during that time period. I spoke with the SBA and it seems legit - but im just a little lost on what exactly they are asking for? Treasury claimed our clients owed over $220,000 once it added its statutory collection fees and interest. It says please call the number below which Ive verified to be an actual SBA number. Will also update here when I get a response. I called the number and hung up because the person did not answer "SBA, how can I help you?" SeeSize Appeal of C.E. The pay is good, a lot of customer interaction, telework from home, foot into the door for government work, knowledge on loans and loan documents. The estimated total pay for a Attorney Advisor at US Small Business Administration is $130,943 per year. If youve spotted a scam (whether or not youve lost money), report it toBBB.org/ScamTracker. We are proud to have so many clients share their experience with Starfield and Smith. Charlotte, NC 28202, Charlotte: (704) 344-6222 Our goal is to help our clients stay compliant and to avoid some of the most costly legal mistakes seen while bidding on, and performing federal government contracts. Owe more than $30,000? These economic injury loans are intended to help eligible small businesses with expenses such as: Interest rates vary between 2.75 percent and 3.75 percent. OGC is headed by the General Counsel and two Deputy General Counsels. If you are found to have committed civil or criminal HUBZone fraud, each contract or benefit received and trigger charges under the False Claims Act. Delaware Small Business Law Lawyers. Contact the Seller. The most difficult part of the job was reliance upon others to complete a portion of the process in a timely fashion. Top SBA Attorneys | SBA Law | SBLC Assistance Lawyers | Starfield & Smith, P.C. Your initial SBA application must show that: (1) you are a small business under the SBA size standards; (2) the company must be owned and controlled at least 51% by U.S. citizens, or a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, or an Indian tribe; (3) Its principal office must be located within a Historically Underutilized Business Zone, which includes lands considered Indian Country and military facilities closed by theBase Realignment and Closure Act; and. Our Attorneys are Authorized by the Agency Practice Act to Represent Federal Debtors Nationwide before the SBA, The SBAOffice of Hearings and Appeals, the Treasury Department, and the Bureau of Fiscal Service. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud. Clients personally guaranteed an SBA 7(a) loan that was referred to the Department of Treasury for collection. When individuals and companies are subject to government investigations fraud and false claims violations, our government contract and HUBzone fraud defense lawyers are here to help. To raise awareness, the SBAs Office of Inspector General has published the following information pertaining to possible scams and emerging fraud schemes: If you have a question about getting an SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. What a coincidence! If you need an, process from start to finish, so call us for an. For purchased 7(a) participation loans, both SBA serviced and lender serviced, SBA reports only the Agency's share of the principal balance to the IRS. Of course, if you do become the subject of a regulatory or law enforcement action during your normal, can advise you on the best way to proceed and provide an, to help you bring yourself into compliance. (4) At least 35% of its employees must reside in a HUBZone. If a whistleblower / qui tam case is filed, it is filed under seal and contractors may not be aware of the case. At Protect Law Group, our main focus is to settle SBA debt by minimizing the damage to your business or personal asset base stemming from your SBA loan problems. Client personally guaranteed SBA 504 loan balance of $375,000. The amount you can pay yourself in payroll is not affected by your actual income for those 8 weeks. Unfortunately, the SBA and other government law enforcement agencies are actively seeking out small businesses that have allegedly committed fraud against the federal government. If there is a criminal investigation, we serve as criminal defense counsel by working with local attorneys who are not experienced in federl HUBZone programs and the requirements. If you have questions about the SBA loan closing and documentation process, contact a knowledgeable attorney from Starfield & Smith for guidance. The 6 core disciplines encompass: More importantly, the Firms Attorneys are legally authorized pursuant to the Agency Practice Act (5 U.S. Code Section 500 et seq.) Small Business Administration Low stress work environment. The $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief law was enacted by Congress in March to extend financial aid to small businesses in need. I also have a SBA Default Podcast . When I traced the number it takes me to a website that looks like the SBA and is not the actual SBA site. Lots of hours - however they let you know what to expect when you are signing on. Use r/TargetedEIDL for advance/grant issues. With law offices in Washington, D.C. and Denver, Colorado, Watson & Associates Government HUBZone attorneys and SBA consultants help with various small business issues on a daily basis. If you were not in business between February 15, 2019, and June 30 . Census tracks include Qualified non-metropolitan counties; Lands within the external boundaries of an Indian reservation; Qualified base closure areas and other statutory designations. Attorney Advisor (Former Employee) - Citrus Heights, CA - March 13, 2020 A dynamic place to work with excellent people while performing important work vital to the communities served. Loan disbursements and advances are made through the U.S. Department of the Treasurys automated clearing house system as deposits from SBA. It's like going. If you have a question about getting an SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov . You can be making as much money as you were before COVID-19 and still pay yourself the maximum allowable payroll from the PPP. I sent the doc. Hi all, has anyone else received this email? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Don't expect frequent holidays off or vacation days. Census tracks include Qualified non-metropolitan counties; Lands within the external boundaries of an Indian reservation; Qualified base closure areas and other statutory designations. Initially enacted many years ago to provide loans to businesses that have suffered from major storms, droughts, and other federally-declared disasters, the SBA has already advanced over $150. Office locations Need assistance? Print email messages or records of any contact you've had with the seller about the purchase. They are constantly looking for work arounds to federal pay and benefits. Clients personally guaranteed SBA 504 loan balance of $750,000. These cookies do not store any personal information. For consumer tips on COVID-19, go toBBB.org/Coronavirus. Permanent Full-time Starting at 126233.0 GS14 - 15. Protect Law Group has proven, nationwide experience handling regulatory and compliance issues involving the SBA loan program. Others may work as government counsels for administrative bodies of government and executive or legislative branches. If you are filing a HUBZone status protest, then having SBA lawyers that understand the rules and making the right arguments are essential to prevailing in litigation. If you need an SBA loan overview, help with SBA loan authorization procedures, SBA liquidation advice, or you have questions about SBA 7a loan fees, we can help. Prosecutors typically work for the government to file a lawsuit, or charge, against an individual or corporation accused of violating the law. The news is talking about a lot of fraud and folks that got money that shouldn't have need to pay it back or could face up to 40 years in prison. If you are found to have committed civil or criminal HUBZone fraud, each contract or benefit received and trigger charges under the False Claims Act. We support America's small businesses. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Government officials issued a warning today, to alert the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration to assist small business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate. GS-12: Have a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) Schedule a mentoring session with your assigned SCORE mentor Set goals for your small business with guidance from your SCORE mentor. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. Fbi along with our partners are working every day to keep Americans safe this! Law schoolparticularly its curricula and facultymeets certain standards is for validation purposes and should be unchanged! Connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start grow. 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Depending on the needs of the Treasurys automated clearing house system as deposits from SBA process...: small businesses, Do n't Fall for this Phony SBA Grant Offer difficult part the! Really a friend, but a compromised Facebook account sba attorney advisor called me contacting all of your friends Facebook...