Franchise Asset Purchase Agreement Lawyers for Oakland, California

I graduated from Yale University magna cum laude, served as a Fulbright Scholar in Italy and attended UC Berkeley School of Law. In 2023, I was named a "Legal Visionary" by the Los Angeles Times. I have broad experience in corporate transactions and in serving as outside general counsel to clients. I started my legal career in Silicon Valley and Hong Kong working on large equity and debt financings and matters for private wealth clients. After returning home to Los Angeles, I advised startup companies with formations, acquisitions and day-to-day matters such as sales contracts and licensing. More recently, I have focused on data, IT and SaaS contracts for both providers and customers. My clients include NASDAQ-listed companies, a top ranked children’s hospital and local startups.

I am a startup veteran with a demonstrated history of execution with companies from formation through growth stage and acquisition. A collaborative and data-driven manager, I love to build and lead successful teams, and enjoy working full-stack across all aspects of the business.

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 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.

Seasoned transactional attorney with extensive experience in the life sciences / medical device / pharmaceutical industries. Skilled at providing actionable legal advice that balances risk and reward.

Having overseen over $1.2 billion in transaction value, we are able to provide top-tier service at affordable rates, with much more personalized attention and fast turnarounds. After working for a AM Law Top 100 firm, I started my own firm and have been lucky enough to represent numerous conglomerates (FOX, Endeavor, etc.), promising startups, small businesses and private individuals. Our areas of expertise - Business Formations and Operating Agreements; Capital Raises and Debt Financing; Commercial Transactions; M&A; Real Estate; Intellectual Property; Employment and Hiring; Outside General Counsel; Corporate Agreements and Governance; Litigation and Dispute Resolution. We have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Marketwatch, Yahoo Finance, Variety, Business Insider, Los Angeles Magazine, the LA Times, and others. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to our clients, going above and beyond to deliver results.

Versatile, analytical, detail-oriented California barred corporate attorney with a comprehensive real estate, transactional and finance background as in-house counsel to large real estate developers, asset and property management companies, Fortune 500 quick service retailers/restaurant franchisors and international energy franchisors (retail and gasoline/mini market). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, work ethic and integrity. Enthusiastic and quick mastery of new responsibilities, technologies and business strategies.

Practiced civil litigation and bankruptcy law for 30 years.

I've been a solo practitioner since becoming barred, though I've had part-time arrangements with firms and lots of as-needed of-counsel arrangements. I have extensive experience in family law, civil litigation, unlawful detainers, administrative law, with ample experience in probate court, criminal defense and other areas.

Tom Gallagher, one of our leading attorneys, has been recognized on numerous occasions as a distinguished lawyer and civil litigator in California. His extensive experience and proven track record have contributed to our firm’s reputation for providing top-notch legal services in areas such as commercial litigation, personal injury, real estate litigation, and corporate law. We strive to offer personalized solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, and we continue to build on our legacy of success. Tom enjoys cooking, biking, travel, surfing, golf, family and relaxing with a good book. Although dedicated to his family life and living a balanced lifestyle, Tom offers a flexible schedule and easy online booking to speak with him directly