Startup Lawyers for Madison, Wisconsin
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Vicki P.
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.
"Perfect review of my loan agreement. Provided great info so I could make an informed decision."
Robert A.
Robert A.
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.
"Robert responded promptly and was able to accommodate my request right away so I could move on to work deadlines. During our interactions, he was extremely informative and easy to work with. Some attorneys are intimidating, but Robert made me feel at ease."
Maxwell L.
Firm rated best ADR firm for Wisconsin and won an award for cultural innovation in dispute resolution from acquisition international magazine in 2016 and it was rated "Best of Brookfield" by Best Businesses in 2015. Attorney Maxwell C. Livingston was rated 10 best in Labor & Employment Law by American Institute of Legal Counsel and 40 Under 40 by American Society of Legal Advocates for 2016; he also won 10 Best by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. He is licensed in Wisconsin in all state and federal courts, and in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, wherein he won a landmark decision in McCray v. Wielke.
"Great information and very helpful and patient. Highly recommend for what was needed."
Michael B.
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.
"Michael helped us custom build our prenup. We are very satisfied with the result!"
Thomas D.
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.
"Thomas was helpful and efficient in reviewing the master services agreement for me"
David W.
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.
"David quickly put in a bid and began work. He was very responsive to any questions I had."
September 2, 2020
Maury B.
Respected, driven, ethical, and high energy legal and business professional with strong focus on litigation, contracts and compliance issues. Critical management experience includes client development, developing core initiatives, and forecasting risk in major corporations. Strong legal research, analytical and problem solving skills with demonstrated adaptability in a multifaceted legal practice including delivering high value results in a Fortune 10 environment. Core competencies include: Tactical and strategic legal direction and support to clients which includes contract negotiation, drafting and review, business planning, and a passion for relationship management. Excellent legal research, writing, analytical and problem solving skills including legal training and compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate policies. Coordinates with in-house legal and business resources for team building with excellent verbal communication skills, coaching, and leadership.
September 12, 2022
Wendy C.
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.
August 1, 2023
Timothy J.
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.
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.
October 1, 2023
Brittany B.
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.
March 20, 2025
Samantha O.
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.
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Browse Lawyers NowStartup Legal Questions and Answers
Startup
Vesting Agreement
Pennsylvania
Erin hope your having a great day! I am starting up my cold pressed juice company im bring in a co founder who's handling all branding and marketing I wan to give him some equity. looking for help with splitting equity and writing up a vesting agreement. thanks looking forward to hearing from you.
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Ryan W.
HI Erin. Congratulations on starting your cold pressed juice venture. That is exciting. I do have experience drafting agreements between founders and investors. Vesting agreements can be very flexible to meet the needs of the parties. They are very useful when a party is investing sweat equity in addition to or in place of cash. I am happy to discuss such agreements with you and how they relate to your particular venture.
Startup
Software Agreement
Florida
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.
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.
Startup
Cofounder Agreement
California
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.
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.
Startup
Founders' Agreement
Alabama
How to issue stock to co-founder?
I have some questions about granting stock to co-founder below. Thank you for answering my questions. 1. Company A plans to offer stock options (1000 shares) to employees. These stock options come with a vesting plan. Before the stock options vest, who are holding the stocks (1000 shares)? Or the stocks are to be issued only if the employees decide to exercise? 2. Vesting stock for co-founders: Mr. A founds a company and he invites Mr. B to join as a co-founder. Mr. B tells Mr. A that he wants to put in money as well and therefore wants to have 30% of the company. Mr. A, after reading a lot of information on Contractscounsel.com, thinks that he should give Mr. B vesting stock options rather than outright stocks, as that would help him help him avoid possible problems if Mr. B decides to leave the company after several months. What is the best way for Mr. A to handle this situation while keeping Mr. B interested?
Jane C.
2. The best way for Mr. A to address his concerns and keep Mr. B interested is by offering him restricted stock that vests over time. Mr. B will receive dividends and have the right to vote; however, the Company can buy the unvested shares back if Mr. B decides to leave the Company before a certain period of time. Disclaimer - This information is provided for general informational purposes only. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Contracts
Equity Agreement
Pennsylvania
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.
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.
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