Startup Lawyers for Detroit, Michigan

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Meet some of our Detroit Startup Lawyers

Melissa G. - Startup Lawyer in Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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, DC, FL, OR
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 Detroit, Michigan
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4.8 (2)
Member Since:
September 22, 2020

Blake L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Farmington Hills, MI
31 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Wayne State University Law School

I am a sole practitioner who has been in practice for over 25 years. I have represented many small businesses during this time. Let me bring my expertise to your business.

Christopher J. - Startup Lawyer in Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, 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 Detroit, Michigan
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Member Since:
December 3, 2022

Evan F.

Attorney & Founding Member
Free Consultation
Livonia, MI
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Wayne State University Law School

Evan Ficaj Law Firm empowers Michigan entrepreneurs with personalized legal solutions in M&A, LLC, business, contract, entertainment, trademark, and copyright law.

David T. - Startup Lawyer in Detroit, Michigan
View David
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 Detroit, 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

Contracts

Equity Agreement

Pennsylvania

Asked on Jan 13, 2022

How much equity should investors get?

Hi there, I'm seeking counsel for a startup/small business with two initial investors. These investors have established auto repair businesses and will use those businesses as leverage to support a $500k loan that will be used to initially fund the business. Revenues from those businesses will be used to pay the loan until the business can pay for them. I will be providing all sweat equity. The investors above will have no involvement in the day-to-day (as they run their own businesses). One investor may provide connections to potential clients and if necessary, an additional investor.

Amy Sue L.

Answered Jan 14, 2022

This is really a business question, as much as it is a legal question - although lawyers can certainly help you structure and document it once answered. That said, I think you're likely to find a spectrum of answers - on one end of the spectrum, there are 3 investors with equal shares (each having 1/3 of the equity - 2 of which receive their percentage in consideration for $ investments, while you receive yours for your efforts in running the business day-to-day- in this scenario, everyone and everything they bring to the table is equally valued); on the other end of the spectrum, there are 2 investors with equal or otherwise proportionate shares (each having 1/2 of the equity - or some other percentages that total to 100% - in consideration for their respective $ investments, which may differ depending on the value of the businesses underlying the loans), and you are considered an employee of the business (not an investor), who will receive compensation for running the business- presumably a salary and possibly including incentives based on the success of the business; and of course, there are some variations that could impact any or all parties in the middle of the spectrum. I suggest that you have a conversation with your potential partners to learn how each party views the value being brought to the enterprise by the others and begin the negotiation from there. Note also that this deal sounds simple in theory but may become a little complicated due to the funding mechanism being used on the back end.

Read 2 attorney answers>

Startup

Convertible Note

Ohio

Asked on May 20, 2023

Convertible note interest rate?

I am a tech startup founder and am considering raising capital through a convertible note. I am interested in finding out what the typical interest rate is for these types of investments. I understand that the rate can vary, but I am looking for a general range of what I can expect.

Paul S.

Answered May 23, 2023

Generally the rate is pretty low - for example, 5% is what I've used over the years, with little pushback. Keep in mind, investors don't do convertible notes for the interest income, they do them for the upside from converting into preferred stock with liquidation preferences, anti-dilution protection, etc. If a potential investor is really focused on the interest rate, that tells you that the investor has little or no experience investing in startups. Also, regarding the interest in general, it typically just accrues, rather than being paid out each year. When interest accrues for more than a year, the startup can claim the amount of accrued interest as an expense on its P&L and taxes, and the investor should recognize the amount of accrued interest as interest income, even if it hasn't been paid out.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

New York

Asked on Mar 30, 2021

Once my options have vested for the startup I am working for, can I sell them?

I am an early employee for a startup that has raised money in the past year. I will have some of my options vested soon and wanted to know if I was able to sell them.

Ramsey T.

Answered Mar 30, 2021

It depends upon when you vest and whether or not you have a "market" for the shares. You must satisfy a holding requirement for your vested shares under US securities laws that requires that you hold your shares for at least one (1) year. The vesting period is added in - so, for example, if you vested in your options six months after receiving them and then exercised your options and tried to sell your shares, you would be in violation of US securities laws. After a one year holding period you may sell them. You might, however, have restrictions, such as a "Right of First Refusal" (a "ROFR") or other restrictions on selling your shares. Its worth checking all the documents and restrictions.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

LLC

Texas

Asked on Oct 26, 2023

What are the benefits of LLC formation?

I am a small business owner looking to expand my operations and protect my personal assets. I am considering forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and would like to understand the benefits of doing so. I understand that an LLC provides limited liability for its owners, but I am also interested in the tax implications and other benefits of LLC formation.

Jimmy V.

Answered Nov 3, 2023

The LLC has three advantages over other types of business entities: (1) it creates a liability shield for the owner's personal assets in case the business gets sued; (2) the LLC has "pass-through" taxation - in other words, unlike a corporation, there is no tax due at the entity level. All profits and losses "pass through" to the owner and are accounted for on the owner's individual tax return; (3) the LLC is a simple and flexible business structure that does not require as much paperwork as a corporation.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Startup

LLC

Texas

Asked on May 24, 2023

LLC tax advantages?

I recently started a small business and am considering forming a limited liability company (LLC). I understand that LLCs provide certain protections for business owners, but I am not clear on the tax advantages of an LLC. I would like to know what kind of tax benefits I could expect if I form an LLC.

Jimmy V.

Answered May 30, 2023

LLCs are "pass-through" entities for tax purposes. In other words, there is no income tax due on the company level. The distributions "pass through" to you and you report them on your personal tax return. This prevents double taxation.

Read 1 attorney answer>
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