Business Law

Startups

Creative Arts

Business Law – Startups – Creative Arts –

Michael has been an invaluable resource for us at SportFeeds over the years. Running a tech startup is inherently stressful, but having Michael in our corner to provide expert guidance and deliver top-tier legal work has been tremendously helpful. His approach is equal parts reassuring and pragmatic, offering clear direction paired with well crafted legal documents. Beyond his legal expertise, Michael is also just a great sounding board for ideas and execution. His support has been instrumental for our growth and success.

– Thomas Coiner
CEO & Founder SportFeeds

Practice Areas

Business Law

We support entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners at every stage of starting or managing a business. With firsthand experience in the hard work it takes to succeed, SRL attorneys understand that no two businesses are the same. That’s why we prioritize tailored strategies, timing, and value to meet your unique needs.

    • Business entity counseling and strategy

    • Business entity formation, maintenance and dissolution

    • Contract drafting and negotiations

    • Shareholder and Operating Agreements

    • Angel/seed round financing and initial capitalization

    • Intellectual Property Matters

    • General business counsel

    • Commercial real estate transactions

Start-Ups

We specialize in providing comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of startups. With personalized services and a deep understanding of startup challenges, we empower entrepreneurs to focus on innovation while we handle the legal complexities.

    • Startup and business entity counseling and strategy

    • Business entity formation, maintenance and dissolution

    • Shareholder and Operating Agreements

    • Angel/seed round financing and initial capitalization

    • Investor Relations

    • Intellectual Property Matters

    • Contract drafting and negotiations

    • General business counsel

Creative Arts

We provide personalized counsel for individuals and companies in the entertainment industry and creative individuals and entrepreneurs looking to establish a brand, license or publish works, or address trademark needs. Our small size ensures the personal attention you won’t find at large firms. We admire your ambition and believe you deserve more than the status quo.

    • Trademarks and Copyrights

    • Film and Production Agreements

    • Artists Recording Agreements

    • License and Use Agreements

    • Publishing and Publisher Agreements

    • Sponsorship Agreements

    • Influencer Agreements

    • NIL Agreements

Michael Clarke

Michael is an experienced attorney dedicated to building lasting, meaningful client relationships. His practice focuses on business and entertainment law, assisting clients with everything from entity formation to ongoing business counseling as they grow. He also specializes in preparing, analyzing, and negotiating contracts and helps creative professionals protect their intellectual property, including copyrights, trademarks, and licenses.

A Nashville native, Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management from Appalachian State University, where he played safety on the football team. He holds a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law and an MBA from the Brock School of Business at Samford University.

Active in the Birmingham community, Michael serves as a Municipal (Special) Judge for the City of Birmingham, is a member of Mountain Brook Community Church, and sits on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. In his free time, you’ll find him playing soccer or enjoying Birmingham's vibrant music scene.

Reach Out

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We look forward to hearing from you.

Follow us on Social