Michael C. Phillips

He/Him

Partner

Saying no is easy. I help find a pathway forward through the risks.

Michael helps clients succeed and achieve their business and personal goals and dreams. He invests the time and energy to understand their businesses and objectives, and he works with them to find a path forward. In doing so, Michael aims to be a value-add to their business rather than a cost-center. As outside counsel to public and private companies, from startups and emerging to middle-market, he works with clients to fashion a strategy that allows the client to succeed with all attendant risks understood.

Michael's clients are private companies that succeed in part through his advice and service in forming the entity, acquiring technology through acquisitions and licenses, raising funds from investors, advising them on governance and general business issues, and leading them through the mergers-and-acquisitions process. Michael has represented investors in emerging biotech and other technology companies.

Practice Highlights

Mergers and acquisitions

Advising principals and directors on strategies, and negotiating agreements relating to the purchase and acquisition of companies.

Equity financing

Providing counsel to issuers and investors, including venture-capital firms, in the private placement of securities.

Formation, technology, licensing, and general counsel work

Advising founders and principals on entity structuring, including corporations, limited liability companies, and joint ventures, acquiring intellectual property through licensing agreements and related governance and operational issues.

Issuer Financings

Investor Financings

Mergers & Acquisitions

Joint Ventures

Admitted to Practice

Oregon, 1982
Washington, 2005

Education

J.D., Lewis & Clark Law School, 1982
B.A., Economics, Political Science, University of Michigan, 1978, cum laude

Memberships & Affiliations

- Director, Soul River Inc., 2017-present
- Board Member, Portland Business Alliance, 2013-present
- General Counsel, 1% for the Planet, 2013-present
- Director, Social Venture Partners, 2013-2016
- General Counsel, The Conservation Alliance, 2011-present
- Member, Outdoor Industry Association, 2011-present
- General Counsel, Oregon Bioscience Association, 2010-present
- Mergers & Acquisitions Committee; Securities Regulation Committee – American Bar Association, 2008-present
- General Counsel, 1995-present; Director, 2008-2014 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Oregon & Southwest Washington Affiliate
- Director, 2003-2011; Chairman of the Board, 2008-2009 – Software Association of Oregon
- Director and Past President, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts Foundation, 2005-2016

Professional Recognition

- Named one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Corporate/M&A (Oregon), 2008-2023
- Selected to "Oregon Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2006-2008, 2010-2018
- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Securities Law by Best Lawyers, 2010-present; in Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2016-present

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