Practical Legal Counsel for Early-Stage + Emerging Technology Companies
With more than 25 years of experience representing early-stage startups and emerging growth companies, I bring a deal-focused, practical approach to legal counsel across the company lifecycle. My work spans venture financing, M&A, software and IP licensing, privacy and data security, and general corporate work—all tailored to meet the fast-paced realities of growing businesses.
I’ve built my career around helping companies navigate key inflection points with clarity and confidence. Whether helping founders address key organizational issues, closing a venture funding round, or managing a complex IP transaction, I focus on the need for startups to move quickly without taking on undue legal risk.
A Legal Background Grounded in Business
Before co-founding New Counsel, PLC in 2006, I served in leadership roles at two Silicon Valley startups during the dot-com era—first as General Counsel of Diba, Inc., and later as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Niku Corporation. That hands-on experience shaped my understanding of how legal issues intersect with product development, operations, and capital strategy.
Since then, I’ve:
- Built New Counsel, PLC into a leading boutique law firm focusing the high technology market
- Helped hundreds of entrepreneurs get form and organize their startups
- Worked on over 100 early-stage financings, ranging from $100K to $15M
- Negotiated hundreds of software, IP, and licensing agreements
- Supported clients through acquisitions, commercial partnerships, and growth milestones
Clients count on me to move deals forward efficiently, manage legal costs wisely, and offer business-aligned guidance that helps them scale.
Focused on Founders, Investors + Innovation
My clients are primarily technology startups with software and healthcare technologies—often navigating complex funding and licensing environments. I act as a trusted advisor to founders, executive teams, and early-stage investors, simplifying complexity and aligning legal decisions with business goals.
At Avisen Legal, I’m part of a collaborative team that shares my commitment to practical, business-minded legal service. Together, we support high-growth companies with legal strategies that are grounded in experience and tailored for innovation.
Outside the Office
My wife and I are the proud parents of three grown children and two young grandchildren. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, reading history and literature, international travel, and spending as much time as possible with my grandkids.
Business + Corporate
Type of Client: Fast growing healthcare software technology company with approximately $15M of invested capital.
Client’s Issue: Under time pressure to complete a $125 million sale to a much larger private equity funded healthcare company.
My Approach: Partnered with a major west coast law firm to assist with core transaction documents and related work.
Result: Successful close, on time.
Startups + Financing
Type of Client: Healthcare communications software company.
Client’s Issue: Fundamental dispute between co-founders over whether to take funding from an east coast incubator and venture funding firm.
My Approach: Worked with the two co-founders to avoid a potential lawsuit and help them negotiate a structured buyout.
Result: Remaining founder was able to carry the business forward, take the VC funding, grow and successfully sell the company 5 years later.
Technology Enterprises
Type of Client: Business software company with content and media management products.
Client’s Issue: Moving an established desktop software application to a cloud-based software-as-a-service product.
My Approach: Assist client with the licensing strategy, customer agreements, and compliance documents necessary to affect a gradual migration to the new commercialization mode.
Result: Successful migration of existing clients and all new clients to the cloud-based platform over a 2-to-3-year period with no significant revenue loss.
Education
- J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, 1988 – Law Review, Academic Scholarship Recipient
- B.A., Philosophy, University of St. Thomas, 1982
Bar Admissions
- State and Federal Courts of Minnesota
- Served on the Board of Advisors for the College of Arts and Sciences, University of St. Thomas, College of Arts and Sciences, 2007-2014 and 2017- 2024.
- Served on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Community Foundation, 2008-2017.
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