Startup Lawyers for Madison, Wisconsin

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Meet some of our Madison Startup Lawyers

Vicki P. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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5.0 (4)
Member Since:
June 30, 2023

Vicki P.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Danville, Pennsylvania
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI PA
Regent University School of Law

Vicki graduated from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 1996. She is a licensed attorney. She has been admitted to Wisconsin since 1998 and Pennsylvania since 1999.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Perfect review of my loan agreement. Provided great info so I could make an informed decision."

Robert A. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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5.0 (11)
Member Since:
March 20, 2024

Robert A.

Attorney at Law
Wisconsin
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
Marquette University Law School

Robert McMillan Arthur is a collaborative attorney and mediator practicing across Wisconsin, with offices in the Metro Milwaukee area and Northeastern Wisconsin. He is a general practitioner, concentrating in Small Business Law, Entertainment Law, Intellectual Property Law, Nonprofit Law, Divorce and Family Law. Robert’s business law practice focuses on the needs of small, closely-held businesses and startups. As a veteran of a family owned business, Robert applies his extensive experience to advise his clients in a broad spectrum of legal issues, including contracts, licensing, trademark, copyright, employment, and business formation. With multidisciplinary qualifications and experiences, Robert chose his career in law to help people caught up in difficult situations in their personal or professional lives. His core principle of law practice is based on empowering and informing clients, advocating for their interests when appropriate, and guiding them in difficult problem solving.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Robert was great to work with; thorough, thoughtful, and took the time to understand my business and give actionable advice. Thanks Robert!"

Thomas D. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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4.9 (14)
Member Since:
September 20, 2024

Thomas D.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Milwaukee, WI
37 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
University of Wisconsin

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Upon graduation, I went to McDermott, Will & Emery in Chicago and practiced corporate, real estate and tax law. I then joined Godfrey & Kahn where I became a shareholder in the real estate group, head of real estate lending and continued to practice corporate law. At these firms, I received excellent training and represented some of the largest and most innovative clients in the US. After practicing law for 15 years, I founded a real estate development company. I built a multi-million dollar company and developed many significant projects. I sold the company and was recruited for senior positions by two other real estate companies. I continued to hone my legal skills at these companies by negotiating and drafting countless documents for my businesses. The combination of my legal and business experience helps me foster the growth of clients' businesses, solve their problems and guide them through difficult matters.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Tom was amazing and patient. He explained everything and was incredibly fast. Thank you and would use his services again."

Michael B. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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4.8 (27)
Member Since:
October 30, 2020

Michael B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Illinois
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI IL, MN
University of the Pacific

Michael has extensive experience advising companies from start-ups to established publicly-traded companies . He has represented businesses in a wide array of fields IT consulting, software solutions, web design/ development, financial services, SaaS, data storage, and others. Areas of expertise include contract drafting and negotiation, terms of use, business structuring and funding, company and employee policies, general transactional issues as well as licensing and regulatory compliance. His prior experience before entering private practice includes negotiating sales contracts for a Fortune 500 healthcare company, as well as regulatory compliance contracts for a publicly traded dental manufacturer. Mr. Brennan firmly believes that every business deserves a lawyer that is both responsive and dependable, and he strives to provide that type of service to every client.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"He was fantastic. Completed quick quicker than anticipated. Definitely recommend."

David W. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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4.8 (2)
Member Since:
September 27, 2021

David W.

Lawyer
Free Consultation
Wisconsin
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
Marquette Law School

The Law Office of David Watson, LLC provides comprehensive and individualized estate-planning services for all stages and phases of life. I listen to your goals and priorities and offer a range of estate-planning services, including trusts, wills, living wills, durable powers of attorney, and other plans to meet your goals. And for convenience and transparency, many estate-planning services are provided at a flat rate.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
4.7

"David quickly put in a bid and began work. He was very responsive to any questions I had."

Wendy C. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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Member Since:
September 12, 2022

Wendy C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI IL
University of Wisconsin Madison

Business Advisor and Real Estate Consultant: Small boutique firm working to assist entrepreneurs, business start-ups, property investors, new home buyers, and distressed owners Wendy Calvert began her career as a corporate attorney focusing on complex commercial litigation, primarily in construction, property and casualty, and contractor liability. Through this experience, Wendy has managed and successfully litigated cases in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 2004, Wendy relocated to Illinois to work as an insurance litigation counsel and later as an executive sales consultant and insurance expert. Wendy now utilizes her skills as a contract negotiator, litigator, and sales consultant to negotiate real estate deals and help entrepreneurs create and grow the businesses of their dreams. EDUCATION Wendy earned her Juris Doctor in 1999 from the University of Wisconsin Madison. In 1989, Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Communications from Marquette University.

Timothy J. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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Member Since:
August 1, 2023

Timothy J.

Corporate Counsel
Free Consultation
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI FL, IL
Illinois Institute of Technology: Chicago-Kent College of Law

Financial Services, Business, Corporate, Personal Injury, and Healthcare. I've represented fortune 100 companies and defended individuals in personal debt litigation. Wide breadth of experience, ready to assist.

Amy F. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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Member Since:
August 10, 2023

Amy F.

Real Estate and Business Lawyer
Free Consultation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI TX
University of Wisconsin

As a lawyer of 27 years, I have a great deal of experience handling many different types of legal projects. Starting with a simple estate plan or the purchase of a personal residence, and moving all the way to complex estate plans and real estate transactions. I regularly advise small business owners and real estate investors.

Brittany B. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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Member Since:
October 1, 2023

Brittany B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Upton, Massachusetts
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI MA, VT
University of St. Thomas

I am a tax attorney with years of experience as in house counsel at an accounting firm. I have also done tax litigation and audit representation. I work with for profits and non profits.

Samantha O. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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Member Since:
March 20, 2025

Samantha O.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Waukesha, WI
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
Marquette University Law School

After a successful career in property management and commerical lending, I became a transactional Corporate and Real Estate attorney at an AM 200 law firm, drafting and negotiating purchase agreements and closing documents, interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for real estate and corporate transactions, conducting due diligence, as well as rendering advice on real estate financing, development, management, leasing, zoning, and land use. I also served as in-house counsel for a multi-million dollar real estate data company, where I advised executive leadership on contracts, corporate governance, compliance, and risk management, giving me a strong understanding of both the legal and business aspects of a variety of industries.

Stephen H. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
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Member Since:
July 23, 2025
Sarah B. - Startup Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin
View Sarah
Member Since:
May 12, 2026

Sarah B.

Transactional Attorney
Free Consultation
Madison, Wisconsin
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WI
Marquette University Law School

Experienced U.S.-licensed attorney with 10+ years of practice across commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and contract drafting, currently in a part-time in-house counsel role and actively available for independent legal engagements on a project or contract basis. Proven ability to deliver efficient, high-quality legal work in flexible arrangements, including prior contract engagements with Am Law 100-affiliated firms. Adept at working autonomously, meeting tight turnarounds, and providing practical, business-focused legal counsel across a wide range of transactional matters.

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Startup Legal Questions and Answers

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

Software Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jun 9, 2023

Software agreement and maintenance?

I am an entrepreneur who is planning to launch a new software product. I am in the process of negotiating a software agreement with a potential partner, and I need to make sure that I understand my obligations regarding maintenance of the software. I have limited experience in this area and need to ensure that I have a comprehensive agreement that covers all of the necessary points.

Daniel D.

Answered Jul 18, 2023

Your maintenance obligations will largely depend on what is written into the software agreement between you and your partner. If you and your partner agree you can have a very broad or very limited obligation, but it should be clear so you avoid any disputes in the future. A comprehensive agreement can include any provisions you and your partner agree on as long as it does not violate State Law or Public Policy.

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

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

Cofounder Agreement

California

Asked on Jun 14, 2025

Is it necessary to have a co-founder agreement when starting a business?

I am in the process of starting a business with a co-founder, and we have discussed various aspects of our partnership such as equity distribution, roles and responsibilities, and decision-making authority. However, we are unsure if it is necessary to have a formal co-founder agreement in place to protect our interests and ensure a smooth working relationship. We want to understand the importance and potential benefits of having a legally binding agreement in order to make an informed decision.

Paul S.

Answered Jul 18, 2025

It's not necessary but it can be a really good idea. You'll want to address things like the equity split, vesting schedule, each cofounder's contributions (cash, IP, time, etc.), how much time each cofounder will be expected to spend (and if someone is starting out part-time, when they are expected to go full-time), and you may want to address consequences for failing to meet the required contributions and time - for example, company can claw back shares at original price and expel the cofounder.

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I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

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Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,870 reviews

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