Legal Counsel You Can Trust: Responsive, Strategic and Built for Founders

As a Harvard and NYU-educated attorney with over 30 years of experience, I help entrepreneurs navigate the complex legal challenges of building and scaling businesses, from AI and emerging technologies to traditional ventures. My background spans startup general counsel, Big Law, Fortune 500 in-house roles and litigation, giving me the multifaceted perspective founders need.

I understand what can make or break a venture: securing intellectual property, scaling operations, navigating regulations, attracting talent and forming strategic partnerships. Whether you’re launching your first startup or leading an established company into new territory, I provide tailored legal counsel backed by real business insight.

Strategic Guidance for Competitive Markets

In industries dominated by giants, startups need distinctive strategies. I help clients leverage their unique advantages while structuring partnerships that protect their interests. My approach emphasizes building ethical, trustworthy practices that create sustainable competitive advantages and governance structures designed for long-term growth.

Partnership for Visionary Entrepreneurs

My passion is shepherding ambitious founders through uncertainty and complexity. If you’re pursuing a mission to transform industries through innovation, I’m here to provide the legal framework and strategic guidance to turn your vision into lasting success.

Whether you’re launching or scaling, let’s discuss how I can support your goals. If we’re not the right fit, I’ll connect you with specialized experts who can better serve your needs. The frontiers you’re exploring will define the future. I’m committed to clearing the legal obstacles standing between you and maximum impact.

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I earned my law degree from New York University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University. I am licensed to practice law in New Jersey and New York.

My legal career includes:

• Serving as general counsel for startups
• Practicing at a major law firm
• Working as in-house counsel for Fortune 500 companies
• Handling business litigation and commercial disputes

This diverse experience provides me with insight into legal challenges from multiple perspectives, understanding what founders need, how investors think, what matters to corporate partners and how disputes arise and resolve.

I was honored to receive a 2023 Leader in Law award from NJBIZ, New Jersey’s leading business journal. [Selection methodology details available here.] The Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey has not approved any aspect of this advertisement.

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Legal Solutions for Innovators and Entrepreneurs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Business Legal Services

What is a business lawyer and what do they do?
A business lawyer (also called a corporate attorney) advises companies on legal matters affecting business operations including entity formation, contracts, regulatory compliance, employment issues, intellectual property protection, financing, mergers and acquisitions and dispute resolution.

When should I hire a business attorney?
Ideally, engage a business attorney when forming your company to establish proper legal foundations. You should also consult an attorney before signing major contracts, raising capital, hiring employees, facing litigation, buying or selling a business or entering new regulatory territory.

How much does a business attorney cost?
Business attorney fees vary based on complexity, experience and location. Common arrangements include hourly rates ($300 to 600 or more per hour), flat fees for specific projects, and monthly retainers for ongoing advice. Alan can discuss fee structures during initial consultations.

What’s the difference between a business lawyer and a corporate lawyer?
The terms are often used interchangeably. “Corporate lawyer” traditionally refers to attorneys handling corporations and securities matters, while “business lawyer” encompasses a broader range of commercial legal services for all business entities.

Do startups need a lawyer?
Yes. Startup lawyers help founders avoid costly mistakes including improper entity structure, unfavorable investor terms, intellectual property vulnerabilities, employment law violations and regulatory non-compliance. Legal issues are easier and cheaper to prevent than fix later.

What is a SAFE agreement?
A Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) is a financing instrument allowing startups to raise seed money without immediately determining company valuation. The investment converts to equity during a future priced funding round.

What should be in a founders agreement?
Founders agreements should address equity ownership and vesting, roles and responsibilities, decision-making authority, intellectual property assignment, founder departure scenarios, non-compete provisions and dispute resolution mechanisms.

How do I protect my business idea?
Legal protection includes non-disclosure agreements before sharing details, trademark registration for branding, patent applications for inventions, copyright for creative works, trade secret protection for confidential information and proper contracts with employees and contractors assigning IP rights.

What’s the best business structure for a startup?
Delaware C-corporations are standard for venture-backed startups planning institutional funding. LLCs work well for small businesses prioritizing tax benefits and operational flexibility. The choice depends on growth plans, funding strategy, tax considerations and exit goals.

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