FOUNDER-SIDE COUNSEL & OPERATOR
I step into boards, cap tables, deals, financings, and cofounder situations—and drive to the decision that holds up.
Most problems don't survive good questions. That's the job.
No timer. No clock. We work the problem.
Brief the problem →Most founders don't call me for 'legal.' They call when the board is tense, the cap table is messy, a deal is turning strange, or a cofounder situation is quietly deteriorating—and they want someone who can see the whole system at once.
I'm calm, blunt, and easy to work with. I don't do theater. I care about reality, incentives, and consequences—and I'm good at turning an argument into a decision.
If documents need to happen, they happen. But they're downstream. What you're buying is the moment the actual issue shows itself and the next move becomes obvious.
These are the moments I'm built for.
Your raise is stalling and you can't figure out why—the deck is fine, the traction is real, but something's off.
A deal feels wrong, but you can't articulate the problem. You need someone to name it.
Cofounder tension is starting to affect decisions. The conversation you're avoiding is the one you need to have.
Your board dynamic has shifted and you're not sure how to navigate it without losing control.
You're negotiating something high-stakes and want a second brain—not on the contract, but on the relationship.
You sense a structural problem in the company but can't name it yet. You need someone who will.
I don't work on anything without Owen at my side. Anything. He's my conscience, my insight engine, and my easy button. I can't tell you how many times Owen has asked the one incisive question in a meeting—the one question that unraveled the disagreement. If Owen isn't on board with a new project, I don't pursue it.
Owen takes the time to understand the situation, provides a pragmatic point of view to break it down from various angles, and most of all… his advice works. He's the only person I trust to protect my business.
Real problems, real moves. No posturing, no promises.
How I decide what to take on, and how I price it.
I take work I'm unusually well-suited for. If it isn't in my lane, I'll tell you quickly and point you somewhere better. That protects both of us.
Project fee for discrete problems, or fractional counsel by subscription. $5,000 to $25,000 per month depending on scope. No hourly billing.
Reduced cash + equity when I believe in the founder, the team, and the product. I do not invest cash. Subscription begins at funding or revenue. I limit new equity engagements to one per quarter.
I run a small roster by design. If I'm at capacity, I'll tell you immediately. If you were referred, mention who sent you.
I don't need polish. I need the real problem.
I'll reply with a yes, a no, or my next availability.