I’m a former mechanical engineer turned corporate lawyer with a focus on advising entrepreneurs. I take a practical approach to my advice, which is generally geared towards maximizing my client’s growth, and relates to formation, management, protection of assets, financing, contracting, and sale of a business.
To me, the practice of business law is a lot like a complicated puzzle. I like to take an engineering approach-–essentially turning complicated systems into something more simple and manageable, with the most elegant solution often being the simplest. To me, that is at its peak when I am brainstorming with clients about various legal and business structures, or strategizing on the negotiation of a contract or transaction. Taking all of those pieces that don’t want to fit together, bringing elements to the table that I have experienced with past clients, and coming up with a customized solution for the particular client.
Designer/Architect. I like making things, and can spend hours thinking about how I can make things better.
Pets: Really the newest kid – Nash, the fanciest little dog you ever met, but also the most loving
My non-work obsessions: Usually focus on creativity, the outdoors, wellness, and some occasional adrenaline – Cold plunging and dynamic thermal therapy, meditation and breathing, quantum physics, windsurfing, SUP surfing, windfoiling, Tennis, any family activity, hiking or doing anything outdoors, land stewardship and management, building and designing furniture and outbuildings, repairing all of my broken gear
Family: My wife (who helps Howell Legal with operations) and twin daughters
Who inspires me: Amos Fleisher, Wim Hof, Elon Musk, my clients
My favorite Providence restaurant: Burritos from Bagel Gourmet
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I’m like a pediatrician for early-stage tech startups, optimizing their legal health for growth. I advise clients through critical transactions and everyday legal issues. Internally, I manage the platform of systems, processes, and tools that Howell Legal uses to improve efficiency, reliability, and client experience.
Empowerment! I love helping a client understand a complex issue or work through a negotiation impasse.
LegalTech Product Manager
Pets: Group Captain Lionel Mandrake – a lively and fearless Wire Fox Terrier
My non-work obsessions: Pickleball, Americana music, the Rewatchables podcast, and my vegetable garden
Who inspires me: Naval Ravikant, Jim Collins, and every founder who takes the leap
My favorite Providence restaurant: Julian's
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I support the team in the delivery of legal services to our clients. From collecting signatures and drafting documents to building systems and processes to make our work more efficient, I help give our attorneys the tools they need to successfully serve their clients.
I am a tinkerer and a problem solver. I love working with our team to figure out how we can serve our clients through process refinement and introducing different tools into our existing workflows. I find the energy of our team and clients inspiring and enjoy seeing the direct impact of our work.
Mentor at a university entrepreneurship program, government digital services advocate, or a kayak tour guide.
Pets: Rear Admiral Grace “Gracie” Hopper - Standard Poodle, Queen of Naps, lover of fetch
My non-work obsessions: Anything that gets me out on the water, hiking, my hammock, and finding good places to eat
Who inspires me: My family, our team, good troublemakers
My favorite Providence restaurant: Still learning the food scene here, but can’t go wrong with a burrito from Bagel Gourmet
Prior experience: Just-Tech, New York, NY | Director of Consulting
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Geneva, NY | Technology Coordinator | Paralegal | AmeriCorps VISTA
Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges | Bachelor of Arts in International Relations | cum laude | 2011
Leveraging both my in-house and law firm experience, I use a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach in advising founders and early-stage companies on formations, corporate and commercial transactions, governance matters and other day-to-day legal and operational matters, with a particular focus on growing the business and proactively identifying and addressing key risks.
Helping founders understand and successfully navigate the challenges that early-stage companies face at their formation and throughout their various stages of growth.
Interior designer, singer/songwriter or (had I taken more science courses in college) a dermatologist.
Pets: Priam, a fluff ball of pure joy, smiles and mischief
My non-work obsessions: Tennis, running, trying challenging recipes, playing guitar/singing, overly-competitive card games with my family, horror movies and dabbling in songwriting
Who inspires me: My family and Millennials
My favorite Providence restaurant: Capriccio
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I help clients implement strategic processes, policies, and templates to navigate regulatory environments and drive efficiency. My broad experience as in-house counsel for innovative technology companies has provided me with a deep understanding of the constraints and challenges businesses face throughout their lifecycle. I use that experience to develop practical and tailored solutions, so clients can focus on growing their businesses.
I love learning about the unique passions and priorities that drive each client’s mission and business practices. This allows me to use my own skills and passions to help clients pursue theirs.
Owner/operator of a therapeutic equestrian center.
Pets: Rex, King of the Herdener household.
My non-work obsessions: Getting out on the water by boat board, or scuba diving under it. 90s country music. My burgeoning yoga practice. Pickled vegetables.
Who inspires me: Moms, and anyone who can maintain thriving house plants.
My favorite Providence restaurant: TBD, but looking for recommendations!
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