Our people

Michael is a partner in the Corporate & Securities Group. He has a general corporate practice, representing emerging growth and publicly traded companies across a wide spectrum of industries, as well as the institutions and entrepreneurs that finance them.

Michael counsels clients on a broad range of corporate and securities law matters, including formation, initial capitalization, private and public financings; mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, recapitalizations, restructurings, technology licensing, general securities law compliance, disclosure obligations, corporate governance and related matters.

From 2003-2006, Michael was the Founder/CEO and General Counsel of a San Francisco-based Internet company that provided on-demand personal training solutions to the health and fitness industry. His experience at the start-up provides clients with a unique business perspective when dealing with complex legal issues and how those issues ultimately impact the company.

Michael also devotes a significant portion of his time each year to pro bono counseling of non-profit organizations, low-income entrepreneurs and other small businesses on various corporate matters. His outstanding service to the community has been recognized by the State Bar of California, presenting him with the Wiley H. Manual Award for Pro Bono Legal Services in 2007, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, where he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Steve Beshear in 2008.

Publications

• "Delaware Decision Raises Concern for Private Company Directors," Reed Smith Client Alert, September 2009
• “Heading Offshore to Invest in India,” NVCA Today, 1st Quarter, 2008

Speeches / Presentations

• "Fiduciary Duties and M&A Practice 2010: Lessons from Recent Delaware Decisions," Strafford CLE Teleconference, Speaker, January 2010

Experience

Legal Education

Undergraduate Education

Professional Admissions / Qualifications

• California