Founded in 2015

 

Second Row Law is a Birmingham based law firm providing a variety of legal services with a uniquely experienced and cost-effective style. SRL focuses on business and creative arts matters. Its mission is to provide effective advocacy, creativity and protection for all clients – individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurs and artists alike. Because SRL is a small firm, clients get the personal care and attention they deserve. In line with its goal to find creative solutions, SRL employs unique contingency fee and hourly billing methods – ones that give the client final approval. This approach creates a safeguard against misaligning the interests of a client and the firm.

 

BUSINESS LAW

SRL attorneys advise entrepreneurs, creatives and business owners in every phase of the business startup and/or management process. SRL attorneys have first-hand experience with the sweat-equity required to build a successful business. We know that one size does not fit all, which is why we focus on individualized innovation, timing and value for your business in the following areas:

  • Startup and business entity counseling and strategy

  • Corporation formation, maintenance and dissolution

  • LLC formation, maintenance and dissolution

  • Shareholder and/or operating agreements

  • Angel/seed round financing and initial capitalization

  • Intellectual Property Matters

  • Contract drafting and negotiations

  • General business counsel

  • Commercial real estate transactions

CREATIVE ARTS

SRL attorneys offer counseling to creative individuals and entrepreneurs who wish to establish a brand, license and/or publish works, or have trademark needs. Our small size gives you the personal attention that you will not find with big law. We admire you and know you deserve more than the status quo. Please drop in to see us anytime and ask about our services, which include the following:

  • License and Use Agreements

  • Film and Production Agreements

  • Trademarks

  • Musician Agreements

  • Publishing and Publisher Agreements

  • Recording Agreements

  • Sports Law

  • Sponsorship Agreements

  • Influencer Agreements

MICHAEL CLARKE

Michael is an experienced attorney who is dedicated to developing long-lasting and meaningful relationships with his clients. His practice is devoted to helping clients in both business and entertainment law matters. Michael assists his business clients in all aspects, from initial entity filings to general counseling when business grows. He also prepares, analyzes, and negotiates contracts for his clients and assists his creative arts clients with filing and enforcement of their copyrights, trademarks, licenses, and other intellectual property rights. 

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management from Appalachian State University where he played safety for the football team. He earned his Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law and a Master of Business Administration from the Brock School of Business at Samford University.  

Michael is very active in the Birmingham community. He serves as a Municipal (Special) Judge on the City of Birmingham’s Municipal Court. He is a member of Mountain Brook Community Church and on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. During his free time, you can often find Michael either playing soccer or checking out any of the excellent music venues around town.

 

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