Michael Perez
General Counsel for Startups and Small Businesses
Massachusetts
MA, NH
"Michael has been great to work with. I will continue to utilize his services."
About
I want to help creative people realize their visions and build great companies in the process. My partner, Elizabeth Norman, is a tax specialist, who can provide money-saving perspective on transactions and business formation.
I also bring an eye for avoiding conflict and conflict resolution, having worked on personnel matters, contract disputes, and government inquiries for my clients.
On the side, I'm… read more founding board member of a growing nonprofit, that’s quickly making a name for itself as an innovative program for low-income communities to build social capital. I also have a diverse pro bono practice, involving immigration law, public benefits litigation, and supporting small business.
Se habla español.
upcounsel
experience
Practice Areas
Client Reviews
"I had a very tight deadline. Michael met it for the contract review and was able to talk me through it the next morning still within my deadline. He was able to explain through concerns I had with the contract and point out where the contract as limiting my right versus not being as problematic as it sounded."
"When I founded Exaptive, I couldn’t believe how complicated all the legal things were. I just wanted to focus on building the product and the company and be able to sleep at night that the legal stuff was taken care of. Working with Mike made it so. Not only did he take care of the legal complexities, but he did it in a way that helped me grow my company. Mike is great at helping decision makers understand what’s at play in a legal situation, the variety of directions they could go in and the pros and cons of each, and then executing on whichever makes the most sense. He also knows when the best way to win is to avoid the battle, and is an expert negotiator who knows how to bring people to consensus. Highly, highly recommended."
"Our company is growing and Michael has immediately stepped in to provide us with the solid foundation we need for success. The traits that stand out about Michael: a unique ability to listen and understand, showing compassion towards the matter at hand, breaking down and explaining lawyer language, developing a plan of action, and get things done. Michael and I have developed a strong relationship in a very short period of time. He is the top advisor to our company, there is a lot of trust and it’s just the beginning."
Work History
Touchstone Strategic Law
Managing Partner
Jan 2022 - Present
Boutique legal services for startups and small businesses, from formation to exit.
Exaptive, Inc.
COO, General Counsel
Apr 2014 - Jan 2020
Exaptive makes software that helps diverse researchers, technologists, and thinkers collaborate across scientific domains.
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights - Boston
Attorney
Apr 2011 - Apr 2014
Litigator and advocate on issues of civil rights, housing, healthcare, and education
New Hampshire Legal Assistance
Attorney
Nov 2005 - Apr 2011
Litigator, advocate, and organizer