Business Law

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Startups

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Creative Arts

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Business Law – Startups – Creative Arts –

"Michael’s legal knowledge and sharp attention to detail are unmatched. He goes above and beyond with every contract, ensuring our best interests are fully protected and nothing slips through the cracks. He consistently anticipates challenges and provides thoughtful guidance that safeguards both our family and the business we’ve built. Beyond business, we’ve trusted him to guide us in personal matters as well, and his counsel is always thoughtful and precise. Michael is the rare combination of exceptional legal expertise and genuine care, and we are truly grateful to have him in our corner."

– Ashley Wian
(Kobe Eats, LLC)
“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
“Michael has been an invaluable partner in establishing and protecting our business. From formation, partnership agreement to securing trademarks and licenses he was consistently one step ahead. His thorough approach allowed us to focus on growing the business, knowing the legal details were fully managed.”

– Stephen Gann
CEO & Founder Alabama Beer Co.
“I’ve worked with Michael as both a friend and my attorney for a decade, and he’s been an invaluable part of Eleven Productions’ success. From contracts to trademarks and business issues, he’s always thorough, fast, and collaborative, making even complex legal matters feel clear and manageable. I fully trust his expertise and know he always has my back, and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone in need of legal support.”

– Stephen DeVries
CEO & Founder Eleven Productions
“Running a business is tough enough—don’t do it without the right legal partner. I always recommend Second Row Law, who is my go-to for our 70+ business clients. Having him in your corner not only helps you avoid costly mistakes but also gives you the peace of mind to focus on growing your business.”

– Lindsey Neal
CEO & Founder Mpire Concepts Group + Battle Republic
"I truly wish I had reached out to Michael sooner for legal support! I first hired him to help fix a problem with my very first company because I believed I could manage it on my own, but I quickly realized I was mistaken. Michael handled the issue swiftly and has been an incredible support for all my other businesses since then. Thanks to him, I can now enjoy peace of mind knowing legal concerns won't weigh me down, so I can devote myself fully to growing my business. "

– Jimmy Truong
June Coffee, Owner
"Michael Clarke has provided a variety of legal services to Mason Music, Mason Music Foundation, and Woodlawn Theatre. From contract creation and review to advising on employment law compliance, Michael has demonstrated a broad knowledge of legal issues. Beyond that, Michael is warm, relatable, and professional- a rare combination among his colleagues."

Will Mason
Mason Music & Woodlawn Theater, Owner

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.