Patrick G. Costello advises clients on a wide range of federal securities law and corporate governance matters. He represents both emerging and established companies in connection with equity and debt financings, including private placements under Rule 506(b) and (c) of Regulation D, equity crowdfunding offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding, qualified public offerings under Regulation A, and registered offerings under the Securities Act of 1933. His practice also includes advising clients on compliance with the Investment Company Act, ongoing reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and other regulatory obligations.

In addition to his securities practice, Patrick advises founders and early-stage companies on business planning throughout the full business lifecycle, from inception to growth. He assists with planning and executing on corporate formation, structuring, and governance matters, always with a focus on responsible, sustainable development. With extensive experience in capitalization strategies and regulatory compliance, Patrick guides clients through complex transactions, whether they are raising venture capital or preparing for an initial public offering of their securities. Patrick is also actively involved in our mergers and acquisitions practice, where his expertise helps our clients execute and close on their deals, efficiently and effectively.

Before joining our firm, Patrick worked as an Examiner in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Corporation Finance, Office of Real Estate and Construction. While attending the Georgetown University Law Center, Patrick also completed two Student Honors Legal Internships with the Commission, one in the Division of Trading and Markets, Office of Clearance and Settlement, and the other in the Division of Enforcement, Office of Chief Counsel.

Degrees and Certifications

Georgetown University Law Center

Master of Laws in International Business and Economic Law
Securities and Financial Law Certificate
Graduation with Honors, and Distinction
Wayne State University Law School

Juris Doctorate
Michigan State University

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science / Pre-Law
Publications

A Comparison of Insider Trading Law Under the Commodities Exchange Act and the Securities Act of 1934, Volume 7 of the Wayne State University Journal of Business Law (2024)
Securities Offerings Under Regulation Crowdfunding: What You Should Know (2024)
Significant Deals and Matters Worked On

Active Regulation Crowdfunding Offering by Pytheas Energy Inc., an early-stage exploratory oil and gas company with an independently valuable artificial intelligence IP, which has raised over $3.8 million on the Equifund Crowdfunding Platform, one of the funding portal’s most successful deals during the 2024 calendar year. (Crowdfunding Page)
Planning, drafting, and commercialization of a full suite of transaction documents for Fraxioned Corp., an innovative real estate company that enables and facilitates co-ownership of high-value real estate assets, allowing individuals to invest through fractional shares.