Michael Mason

About

Many of my clients are acquisitive portfolio companies that need the expertise of a general counsel or M&A attorney but prefer to keep legal work external. I also handle sellers who are looking to transact with a private equity purchaser. Before launching my own firm in 2024, I served as General Counsel to several PE-backed businesses—including Blue River PetCare and Pinnacle Dermatology—and practiced at national firms like DLA Piper and Katten Muchin Rosenman. Over the years, I’ve worked on 500+ transactions and take pride in bringing a practical, business-minded approach to legal counsel. Clients appreciate that I leave ego at the door, focus on preserving deal integrity, and deliver advice that’s as operational as it is strategic.

Practice Areas

Services

• Mergers and Acquisitions

  Deal Structuring & Strategy – Advising on optimal transaction structures (asset, stock, or merger) and tax considerations. Due Diligence – Conducting targeted legal and operational reviews to identify and mitigate risk. Drafting & Negotiation – Preparing and negotiating letters of intent, purchase agreements, and ancillary documents. Regulatory & Compliance Support – Managing antitrust, healthcare, and other industry-specific requirements.
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• Fractional General Counsel Services

  Day-to-Day Counsel – Drafting and reviewing contracts, NDAs, and vendor agreements with speed and precision. Corporate Governance – Managing board minutes, equity records, and compliance policies. Employment & HR Support – Advising on hiring, terminations, restrictive covenants, and employment agreements. Risk Management & Compliance – Identifying and mitigating legal risks across operations and regulatory frameworks. Strategic Initiatives – Supporting financings, acquisitions, and similar.
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• Employment Law

  Employment Agreements – Drafting and negotiating executive, physician, and key employee contracts, including restrictive covenants. Policy Development – Creating compliant handbooks, HR policies, and disciplinary procedures tailored to your business. Workplace Compliance – Advising on wage and hour rules, discrimination laws, leaves of absence, and terminations. Dispute Resolution – Managing employee complaints, investigations, and pre-litigation strategies to minimize risk.
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Work

• 
  Managing Partner

  Axis Business Law

  Jun 2024 - Present
• 
  Attorney

  DLA Piper

  Aug 2021 - Jan 2024
• 
  General Counsel

  Pinnacle Dermatology

  Jan 2021 - Aug 2021

Education

• Chicago-Kent College of Law
  J.D. • 2013
• Southern Illinois University
  B.S. Business Administration • 2004