Michael Schrader

In the sophisticated financial landscape of the District of Columbia, private investment funds, private equity firms, and other financial entities face a complex web of regulatory requirements and operational challenges. From initial fund formation to ongoing compliance and strategic transactions, navigating these intricate legal pathways demands specialized knowledge and experienced counsel. In a city that is a central hub for financial regulation and investment, having an attorney deeply familiar with these nuances is critical for success.

This article introduces Michael Schrader, an Of Counsel attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington D.C. office. He focuses his practice on representing private investment funds throughout all stages of their operations. We will explore his extensive experience, particularly his background at key federal agencies, and highlight why his capabilities, combined with the firm's robust presence, make him an invaluable resource for financial institutions and investment funds in the District of Columbia. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview from the perspective of a local D.C. user seeking top-tier legal support in the investment sector.

Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington D.C. office is strategically located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in a prime area of the nation's capital, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients situated throughout the District of Columbia and the wider metropolitan area. The L Street corridor is a well-known hub for professional services and legal firms, making it a familiar and convenient destination for those seeking specialized legal counsel.

The accessibility of this office is a significant advantage for clients. For those utilizing public transportation, the firm is within easy walking distance of several key Metro stations. Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) provide direct connections from various D.C. neighborhoods, as well as suburban Maryland and Virginia. Numerous Metrobus routes also serve the immediate vicinity, offering additional convenient transit options. If you prefer to drive, the location benefits from its proximity to major city arteries, and while street parking can be competitive in this central business district, multiple commercial parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks. This central and well-connected location underscores Winston & Strawn's commitment to serving its D.C. clientele effectively and efficiently.

Michael Schrader focuses his practice on providing comprehensive legal services to private investment funds, guiding them through every phase of their operations. His extensive background, including significant tenures at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), provides him with unique insights into regulatory and operational challenges.

• Private Investment Fund Formation: Michael assists clients with the intricate process of forming new private investment funds, ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements from the outset.
• Regulatory Compliance: He advises funds on ongoing regulatory compliance matters, including adherence to the Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act issues. This involves helping funds navigate complex federal regulations to avoid violations and maintain good standing.
• Operational Matters for Investment Funds: Michael provides counsel on day-to-day operational issues that private investment funds encounter, ensuring smooth and compliant functioning.
• Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Licensing: A significant area of his expertise involves guiding clients through the SBIC licensing process. This includes providing legal advice on all aspects of the SBIC program, from licensing to ongoing operations, regulatory eligibility determinations, and funding. His deep experience at the SBA is particularly valuable here.
• Financial Innovation & Regulation: He advises on issues at the forefront of financial innovation, navigating emerging regulatory landscapes that impact investment funds.
• Private Equity Transactions: Michael also assists with legal aspects related to private equity transactions, drawing on his comprehensive understanding of fund structures and regulatory implications.
• Restructuring & Insolvency (related to funds): While not his primary focus, his experience extends to advising on restructuring and insolvency matters as they pertain to private investment funds.
• Financial Services Regulatory Advice: More broadly, he provides regulatory advice within the financial services sector, leveraging his background to assist clients with diverse compliance needs.

Michael Schrader's professional trajectory and specialized expertise within Winston & Strawn LLP's Washington D.C. office are marked by several key features and highlights that set him apart as a valuable resource for investment funds.

• Extensive Government Experience: A major highlight is his significant experience working at both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
  • At the SEC, he served as Senior Counsel in the Investment Management Division, providing legal and policy guidance on Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act issues. This firsthand experience offers invaluable insight into how regulators operate and what they scrutinize.
  • At the SBA, he spent nearly ten years in the General Counsel’s Office, leading a team of attorneys providing legal guidance on all aspects of the SBIC program. This deep institutional knowledge is crucial for SBICs navigating licensing and operational compliance.
• Comprehensive Fund Lifecycle Support: Michael's practice covers all stages of private investment fund operations, from initial formation to regulatory compliance and ongoing operational matters, offering holistic support to clients.
• Regulatory Insight: His prior roles within federal regulatory bodies give him a unique "insider's" perspective, allowing him to anticipate regulatory trends and provide proactive compliance strategies.
• Admitted in Key Jurisdictions: Michael is admitted to practice in both the District of Columbia and New York, essential jurisdictions for financial and investment entities.
• Strong Academic Foundation: He earned his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law, where he served as an Editorial Staff Member of the Wake Forest Law Review, demonstrating a strong commitment to legal scholarship and analysis.
• Part of a Global Financial Practice: Operating within Winston & Strawn LLP, a firm with a robust global presence and a significant financial services practice, provides clients with access to a wide array of resources, cross-disciplinary expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of law and finance.

As a leading international law firm, Winston & Strawn LLP, including its Washington D.C. office and attorneys like Michael Schrader, typically focuses on delivering premier legal expertise and strategic advocacy tailored to complex client needs, rather than offering publicly advertised promotions or special discounts. The value provided is inherently tied to the high level of specialized knowledge, the extensive experience of its attorneys, and the firm's proven track record in navigating challenging regulatory environments within the financial sector.

Prospective clients interested in Michael Schrader's services, particularly in areas such as private investment fund formation, SBIC licensing, or SEC and SBA regulatory compliance, are encouraged to directly contact the Washington D.C. office. During an initial consultation, you can discuss your specific legal situation, and the firm can then provide a clear understanding of how their expertise can be applied to your case, along with transparent details regarding their fee structures. Investing in such highly specialized legal counsel is often critical for investment funds and financial institutions seeking to ensure robust compliance and strategic growth in a heavily regulated market.

To connect with Michael Schrader and Winston & Strawn LLP for legal inquiries or to schedule a consultation, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 282-5082

Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5082

Direct contact via phone is often the most efficient way to initiate a discussion about your legal needs and arrange for a consultation.

For locals in the District of Columbia, particularly those involved in the private investment and financial services sectors, Michael Schrader and Winston & Strawn LLP offer an exceptionally suitable and vital legal resource. The firm's central location in Northwest D.C. ensures easy accessibility for clients across the city, making consultations and collaborative efforts convenient within the heart of the nation's financial regulatory landscape.

In a city that houses the SEC, SBA, and other critical financial regulatory bodies, Michael Schrader's specialized expertise in private investment fund formation, regulatory compliance (including the Investment Advisers Act and Investment Company Act), and SBIC licensing is immensely valuable. His extensive background working directly within the SEC and SBA provides a unique, insider's perspective on regulatory expectations and enforcement, which is a distinct advantage for D.C.-based funds and financial institutions. For those navigating the complexities of financial innovation, seeking robust compliance strategies, or establishing and operating investment funds in a highly regulated environment, Michael Schrader and the Washington D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP stand out as a premier choice.