Asset Purchase Lawyers for Antioch, California

Benjamin is an attorney specializing in Business, Intellectual Property, Employment and Real Estate.

I am a business attorney and former in-house corporate attorney with more than a decade of experience helping companies navigate contracts, commercial relationships, day-to-day operations, and disputes. My practice includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, licenses, leases, vendor and service agreements, and other business arrangements. Licensed in Nevada, California, New York, and Texas, I also hold an Executive MBA. My goal is to serve as practical, long-term outside counsel to small businesses and entrepreneurs that value responsiveness, sound judgment, and advice grounded in commercial realities - not merely technical legal answers. I handle disputes when necessary, but much of the value I bring lies in identifying issues early, preserving business relationships, and preventing avoidable conflicts. I do not bill separately for routine phone calls. I want clients to feel comfortable calling before a small concern becomes an expensive problem, and I am always happy to have an initial conversation to see if the fit is right for you. www.linkedin.com/in/maxkelner

I'm a California-licensed attorney with 18 years of experience helping everyone from Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups to individuals navigating real-life legal situations. I bring an high degree of emotional intelligence to every matter, and am also certified as both a coach and as a counselor. My career started at Fenwick & West, one of Silicon Valley's top law firms, where I worked alongside names like Google, Airbnb, Kleiner Perkins, and Sequoia Capital. From there I moved in - house at companies like Cloudflare, Autodesk, and Enphase - which gave me a practical, business-minded perspective that I bring to every client, no matter the size of the matter. Today I work with businesses and individuals alike. On the business side, that means commercial contracts, leases, startup corporate work, and serving as a fractional general counsel for companies that need a trusted legal partner without the overhead. On the personal side, I help individuals with employment matters, disputes, demand letters, contract review, and the kind of everyday legal situations where you just need someone knowledgeable in your corner. I'm direct, responsive, and I speak plain English — not legalese. Whether you're a founder closing your first deal or an individual facing a situation you've never navigated before, I'll give you the same level of attention and care.

I have been practicing law exclusively in the areas of business and real estate transactions since joining the profession in 2003. I began my career in the Corporate/Finance department of Sidley's Los Angeles office. I am presently a solo practitioner/freelancer, and service both business- and attorney-clients in those roles.

I began my career at "big law" firms, worked in-house for 14 years, and now have my own practice, providing big law quality at small firm rates. My practice focuses on strategic and commercial transactions, including M&A, preferred stock and common stock offerings, asset purchases and sales, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, stock option plans, master services agreements and SOWs, software development and license agreements, SaaS agreements, NDAs, employment and consulting agreements. I also manage corporate governance, advise boards and executives, and act as outside general counsel. I represent clients across the country and around the world.

Prenuptial Agreements I represent clients in the preparation and review of prenuptial agreements. My experience includes drafting comprehensive prenuptial agreements on behalf of the initiating fiancé, ensuring that the agreement accurately reflects the client's financial interests, assets, liabilities, and objectives while complying with applicable legal requirements. I also represent the non-drafting fiancé by conducting a thorough review of proposed prenuptial agreements, identifying legal and financial issues, explaining the rights and obligations created by the agreement, recommending revisions where appropriate, and negotiating modifications to help protect my client's interests before execution. Probate Administration Represented a client in the complete administration of a California probate estate valued at approximately $1 million. Successfully handled the matter from the initial petition through final distribution, preparing all required court filings, advising the executor throughout the administration, resolving probate requirements, and obtaining court approval to close the estate. Achieved the successful distribution of the estate assets to the executor and sole beneficiary in accordance with California probate law.

I handle litigation, trial, and appeal of civil rights, torts, breach of contract, and family law matters.

I help California businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals understand legal risk and resolve legal issues efficiently. My practice focuses on contract drafting, review, negotiation, business disputes, settlement agreements, and practical legal guidance tailored to each client's objectives. I emphasize clear communication, practical solutions, and work that clients can put to use immediately.

I have spent over 19 years negotiating commercial and technology contracts across various industries. I have both Big Law and in house experience, most recently at Warner Bros. as a senior legal executive on their technology and commercial transactions team. I am a pragmatic dealmaker who balances business goals with legal risk.

Before law school I built the contract management system for a publicly traded medical device company — so I read your agreement the way the people who have to live with it will, not just the way a court would. I draft and review business contracts on a fixed fee, with the delivery date agreed before I start. You get the redlined document plus a short written summary of what I changed, why it matters, and what I'd push back on if the other side objects. Revisions are included — I'd rather get the document right than count rounds. NDAs, MSAs and SOWs, contractor and employment agreements, SaaS terms, terms of service and privacy policies, operating agreements, vendor and construction contracts, and full contract review with a plain-English risk summary. Send me the document and what you're trying to accomplish with it, and I'll come back with a fixed fee and a date.