Eric Malis
Attorney and Business Advisor for Startups
CA, DC
About
Prior to co-founding Talis Partners, Eric was an associate at two major law firms, Cooley and Kirkland & Ellis. He also held several positions in government, the private sector and nonprofit organizations, including working for the White House, State Department, two federal judges, LaFrance Corporation, the Center for Strategic and International… read more Studies, and the Support Center for Child Advocates.
experience
Practice Areas
Client Reviews
"Eric is much more than a traditional lawyer. He approaches problems from an entrepreneurial and business perspective. He helped us balance the needs of our business, our desire to move quickly and make sure we did the right thing (both legally and ethically). Eric helped us formalize my company's corporate structure, which laid the foundation for growth. He was immensely helpful in identifying weaknesses in our approach and provided invaluable guidance about how to shape the company in a way that allowed us to grow into a more sophisticated enterprise. He took the time to truly understand what we wanted to accomplish and explained legal concepts and different options in simple, practical terms. I would recommend Eric to any startup or growing company that is looking for legal guidance and business perspective."
"As executive director of Alliance to Rescue Victims of Trafficking, a Washington D.C. organization, I and our board had the privilege of working with Eric. He played a vital role in the start-up and was instrumental in the early stage development of the company, including creating a strategic long term plan and advising on best practices."
Work History
Talis Partners, LLP
Partner and Co-Founder
Mar 2018 - Present
Advise emerging companies on legal and strategic matters by helping founders fine tune their business models and corporate structures, evaluate partnership opportunities, negotiate and execute agreements, and position companies for growth.
Cooley LLP
Emerging Companies Associate
Mar 2016 - Aug 2017
Served as outside general counsel to emerging growth companies in technology, life sciences, financial services and social entrepreneurship. Advised companies and investors on corporate governance, capital raising, commercial contracts, intellectual property matters, employment matters and M&A. Coordinated with cross-functional teams to negotiate and draft agreements with strategic partners.
Kirkland & Ellis
Corporate Associate
Feb 2012 - Jan 2016
Advised public and private companies in connection with M&A, private equity sponsorships, public and private offerings, SEC filings and corporate governance matters. Drafted and negotiated agreements in connection with major transactions and commercial partnerships. Advised pro bono clients in the formation of tax-exempt entities, cross-border transactions and governance matters.
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Judicial Clerk, Chambers of the Honorable Harold Baer, Jr.
Jan 2011 - Jan 2012
Researched and drafted memoranda, opinions and orders resolving issues of contract and commercial law, corporations, securities regulation, constitutional law, intellectual property law, antitrust law, discrimination law, class action lawsuits and civil and criminal procedure. Oversaw case management process and coordinated many of the day-to-day operations of the judge's chambers.
The White House
Intern, Executive Office of the President (President Obama)
Jan 2010 - May 2010
Supported personnel in the White House Office of Public Engagement working to facilitate a dialogue between the Administration and the American public on issues relating to energy, the environment, technology, innovation, healthcare, European affairs and sports. Researched and drafted memoranda to brief the President and Senior Staff.
Linklaters LLP
Summer Associate
May 2009 - Aug 2009
Researched and drafted legal documents in connection with corporate and project finance matters.
United States Department of State
Extern, Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for International Claims and Investment Disputes
Jan 2009 - Apr 2009
Supported efforts of the legal team in connection with international arbitration involving the United States.
United States Court of Federal Claims
Judicial Intern, Chambers of the Honorable Marian Blank Horn
May 2008 - Aug 2008
Researched and drafted memoranda on issues relating to contract and partnership disputes, commercial litigation and tax law. Assisted with judicial conferences, hearings and oral arguments.
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Intern, Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy
Jun 2007 - Aug 2007
Coordinated and co-instructed the Center’s first debate clinic, teaching research methods and debate skills to approx. 30 colleagues. Conducted a workshop about decision-making strategies in business and public policy.
LaFrance Corporation
Account Manager
Oct 2005 - May 2007
Managed more than 300 sales accounts and advised clients on business development and marketing strategies. Conducted on- and off-site research and analyzed customer profiles, business models and industry trends. Trained junior staff in project management, sales, product design and technical systems.