Jeff Grant

Jeff Grant (born June 11, 1956) is an American attorney, minister and nonprofit founder who was once convicted of federal loan-fraud. After serving his sentence, he rebuilt his career, reinstated his law license and co-founded the non-profit White Collar Support Group for individuals and families impacted by white-collar crime.

Early life and career

Jeff Grant grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and earned a B.S. in Business and Economics from SUNY Brockport in 1978. He received his J.D. from New York Law School in 1981. He practiced in New York City and Westchester County, operating a mid-sized law firm and serving as general counsel for major real-estate firms. His success in law and business was overshadowed by addiction to prescription opioids and mounting personal debt.

In 2001 Grant applied for a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster-loan and later pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the loan, a scheme that prosecutors say occurred in a post-9/11 environment. He served approximately 14-18 months in custody at a federal facility in Pennsylvania before his release in 2007.

Federal offense and prosecution

Grant’s conviction stemmed from his role in misrepresenting the SBA loan application, claims of a law office destroyed in the 9/11 attacks and then diverting funds to personal use. He pleaded guilty and relinquished his law license as part of his acceptance of responsibility. His sentencing emphasized the loss to the program, his abuse of professional privilege and the need to restore trust.

During prison Grant described the experience in interviews as a stark reversal. He detailed the disorientation of arrival, his visibility as a professional offender and the challenge of adapting to a federal institution. His case became a reference point for white-collar crime, addiction and professional downfall.

Incarceration and prison experience

Grant served his federal sentence from approximately 2006-2007 in a low-security federal facility in Pennsylvania. The experience included dormitory housing, job assignments such as food service and maintenance, limited privileges and required programming. Following release, Grant entered seminary - he earned a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in 2012.

Life after release

Grant and his wife Lynn Springer co-founded the nonprofit Progressive Prison Ministries and launched the White Collar Support Group in 2016, offering weekly Zoom meetings for individuals impacted by white-collar criminal justice. The group has served over 1,400 members and hosts forums, speaker series and career-reentry resources.

Grant regained his law license on May 5, 2021, and practices at GrantLaw PLLC in New York City, focusing on crisis counsel for white-collar defendants and their families. He speaks widely on ethics, re-entry and professional redemption, and mentors others facing the consequences of complex legal, financial and personal crises.

Notable associates and related cases

• Progressive Prison Ministries – the nonprofit co-founded by Grant and his wife that supports justice-impacted professionals.
• White Collar Support Group – weekly support group for justice-impacted professionals and their families.
• SBA disaster-loan fraud cases – Grant’s conviction is often cited in discussions of federal disaster-loan oversight.