Startup Lawyers for Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Meet some of our Ann Arbor Startup Lawyers

Melissa G. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
View Melissa
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 5, 2021

Melissa G.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
22 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI DC, IL, OH
University of Michigan

I provide practical, plain-English legal guidance to solopreneurs and small businesses who want to build strong foundations and make informed decisions with confidence. With 20+ years of experience—including 16 years in-house advising senior and executive leaders—I bring the insight of a trusted legal partner who understands how legal strategy supports long-term business growth. My clients walk away feeling supported, seen, and empowered. They know I genuinely care about their success and bring more than just legal knowledge—I bring a coach’s mindset, a problem-solver’s lens, and a commitment to helping them protect what they’ve worked hard to build. Whether you’re reviewing contracts, forming your business, protecting your brand, or need ongoing legal support, I’m here to deliver clear, actionable guidance and solutions that fit your business.

David H. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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5.0 (3)
Member Since:
March 10, 2022

David H.

Technology Contract Attorney
Free Consultation
Michigan (virtual practice)
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Western Michigan University - Thomas M Cooley Law School

Michigan licensed attorney. A compelling combination of technology, sourcing, sales, and legal experience. Over 20 years in technology positions negotiating technology engagements and contracts. General practice legal experience. Significant IT contracts experience (from IT sourcing/procurement) with the State of Michigan and Zimmer Biomet (Fortune 500). Excellent people, negotiation, and writing skills; keen eye for continuous improvement. Trusted business partner co-leading or supporting cross-functional integrated business/IT projects.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"David was great! Went above and beyond what was needed and really gave me a fresh perspective on the contract I needed consulting on."

Curt B. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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5.0 (4)
Member Since:
March 25, 2023

Curt B.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, California
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI CA, CO, DC, IL
UCLA School of Law

Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I was very impressed with the responsiveness and knowledge brought to my situation."

Blake L. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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4.8 (2)
Member Since:
September 22, 2020
Christopher J. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
August 4, 2020

Christopher J.

Attorney and Counselor at Law
Free Consultation
Ann Arbor, MI
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University

Experienced attorney focusing on estate planning, probate administration, business formation and counseling, and consumer bankruptcy.

George B. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
June 21, 2021

George B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Detroit, MI
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Western Michigan University - Cooley Law School

I help start-ups, small businesses, and people realize their potential by leveraging my legal and technological experience. Legally skilled in employment law, intellectual property, corporate law, and real estate transactions.

Brittany B. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
December 4, 2021

Brittany B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Ann Arbor, MI
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Wayne State University Law School

Brittany advises startups and emerging and public companies at all stages of growth, with focuses on formation and corporate governance matters, securities, venture capital financings, M&A and other strategic transactions, commercial contracts and general corporate counseling. Brittany represents clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, automotive, mobility, digital health, consumer products and manufacturing.

Deborah W. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
September 4, 2022

Deborah W.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Michigan
29 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Michigan State University College of Law

Williamson Health Law is an established and trusted law firm focused on representing hospitals, health plans, physician groups, physicians, physical therapy businesses, psychologists and other health care providers, professionals, and businesses in all aspects of health law. including the Stark law, the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), regulatory compliance, Medicare and Blue Cross audits and overpayment appeals, payer departicipation and disaffiliation appeals, payer and provider disputes, reimbursement and billing, compliance plans, health care industry contracts and professional licensure. We represent clients throughout Michigan and the U.S. with certain federal matters such as federal regulatory analysis and Medicare audits.

Ari G. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
November 28, 2022

Ari G.

Of Counsel
Free Consultation
Ann Arbor, MI
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
University of Michigan

Ari is a transactional attorney with substantial experience serving clients in regulated industries. He has worked extensively with companies in regulated state cannabis markets on developing governance documents (LLC operating agreements, corporate bylaws, etc...), as well as drafting and negotiating all manner of business and real estate contracts.

Evan F. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
View Evan
Member Since:
December 3, 2022
David T. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
June 15, 2023

David T.

owner
Free Consultation
Ann Arbor
32 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL

David Trentadue has been practicing law since 1994. He received his Bachelors’ Degrees in History and Political Science from the University of New Orleans and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Currently in private practice, his areas of concentration include Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Real Estate, Business Formations and Corporate Governance. He is licensed in all state and federal courts in Michigan. He is also a Licensed Title Examiner

Andy K. - Startup Lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Member Since:
May 20, 2023

Andy K.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Michigan
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Michigan State University College of Law

Licensed in MI since 2010. Practiced SSDI appeals and auto negligence for over a decade until 12/2022 when I left largest personal injury firm In MI to open my own estate planning firm. Looking for part-time contract/remote work to supplement income as I build my own practice.

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Startup Legal Questions and Answers

Startup

Convertible Note

Ohio

Asked on Jul 6, 2023

Can a convertible note be transferred?

I am a startup founder and I am considering using a convertible note to raise capital. I am aware that convertible notes are agreements between investors and startups, but I'm not sure if they can be transferred to other investors. I need to know if this is possible so that I can make an informed decision about the best way to raise capital for my business.

Paul S.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

It depends on the terms of the convertible note. If you don't want it to be transferable, then you should include a provision in the note prohibiting transfers, assignments, etc.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Convertible Note

California

Asked on Jul 30, 2023

Convertible note vs. equity financing?

I am an entrepreneur and I am in the process of raising capital for my startup. I am considering both convertible note and equity financing options and am trying to decide which one is best suited for my company. I need to understand the key differences between the two options to make an informed decision.

Thaddeus W.

Answered Sep 8, 2023

Good question. Convertible notes (as well as SAFE's, discussed below) differ from equity in several respects. The most fundamental difference is that a convertible note is debt. A second major difference is that, although the note is debt, its terms include the noteholder's right to acquire an equity position in the future; if a certain event later occurs (defined in the note, but typically the sale of preferred stock to a future investor (e.g. a venture capital firm), but also a sale of the company can have a similar effect), this will trigger the note to convert into equity and the note is "satisfied" ... that is, the debt is extinguished when the note converts and the holder thereby becomes an equity holder (typically coming to own shares of preferred stock very similar to that issued to the future investors in that triggering event). These two differences are related to a third. A convertible note is often issued without a valuation of the company. For example, when a startup business has no operating history, it is impossible for the startup founders or the investor to decide what the company is worth. Equity cannot be issued for a fair market value (FMV), since there is no basis to determine what the FMV is. A convertible note resolves that by giving the investor (the note holder) the right to convert the note into equity later on, when another investor and the company can agree on a company valuation. In other words, the convertible note allows the company to "kick the can (of valuation) down the road" to be dealt with at another time. But, since a convertible note is debt, is has a repayment provision, and normally carries interest. This means that the note is carried on the company's balance sheet as debt, and presents the company with the future obligation to repay the note if a conversion event has not happened before the note's maturity date. So, SAFE's are often used, especially now that they have become so familiar to investors. (SAFE stands for Simple Agreement for Future Equity). Essentially, as SAFE is a convertible note without the debt features. A SAFE carries no interest and does not have to be repaid. The investor in a SAFE will normally be sophisticated and able to assess the chances the company will do well enough for a conversion event (the issuance of preferred stock, or a sale of the company) to result in the investor's SAFE converting, and thus give the investor comfort that would otherwise be lacking in an instrument that has no repayment obligation. Like a convertible note, a SAFE kicks the can of valuation down the road, where a valuation can later be determined by the company and a future investor. Founders should exercise caution in issuing convertible notes or SAFE's. Among other reasons, founders commonly do not appreciate the impact that convertible notes or SAFE's can have on the founders' own ownership. Convertible notes and SAFE's often include a feature called a "valuation cap." This can result in surprising dilution, as well as the issuance of equity to the converting note or SAFE holder at what is effectively a very low price per share, costing the company far more than the founders may have expected. Also, notes and SAFE's with very similar, but different, terms can result in a complicated capitalization table, making negotiations with venture capital firms later on more difficult, an equity transaction more complex, and thus the process more time-consuming and (therefore) more expensive.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Shareholders Agreement

Ohio

Asked on Jun 12, 2023

How to track shareholders agreements?

I am a business owner and I have recently incorporated my business. As part of the incorporation process, I have created a shareholders agreement with my co-founders. I am looking to ensure that this agreement is properly tracked, documented, and monitored over time. I am seeking guidance on the best methods to track shareholders agreements and any advice on how to ensure the agreement is being followed.

Paul S.

Answered Jun 23, 2023

There are cap table management companies such as Carta and Pulley, that can help with this (for a fee). As long as your company has only issued common stock, maintaining a cap table and stock ledger in Excel is more than adequate. I also recommend storing PDFs of the stock purchase agreements in a cloud-based folder labeled "Stock Purchase Agreements." In terms of officer roles, the corporation's Secretary is responsible for maintaining these shareholder records.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Convertible Note

New York

Asked on Mar 30, 2021

Do startups use convertible notes?

I am working to figure out what I should use for a group of investors I am speaking to about my startup. We're a technology company that is very early on. We want to raise a bit of money so we can further develop our software and pay the founders.

Ramsey T.

Answered Mar 30, 2021

Start-ups do raise capital through the use of Convertible Notes. Convertible Notes are starting to fade as the preferred sort of convertible instrument for start-ups and as SAFES become more prevalent. Convertible Notes are still quite common in more "traditional" start-up industries, such as those that involve real estate, manufacturing and other legacy industries.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

Single Member LLC Operating Agreement

Alabama

Asked on Sep 27, 2021

Start a trucking business as an owner operator

Experienced driver wants to own the truck and make a business out of it

John H.

Answered Oct 4, 2021

You will need to begin by picking a name for your trucking business and then proceed to reserving the name with the Secretary of State and then you will need to choose what business entity your business will operate under. I have experience drafting the paperwork you will need to get set up.

Read 1 attorney answer>
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