Bio

Michael Platner is the managing partner of Lewis Brisbois’ Fort Lauderdale office, as well as the chair of the firm’s national Corporate Practice and co-chair of its Securities & Corporate Finance Practice. He works with clients to develop and execute business-savvy legal strategies for businesses, from early stage through maturity and sale or merger, with a view toward maximizing benefit to their owners and investors. Michael is an experienced corporate and finance “deals” attorney and strategist. He regularly acts as primary outside counsel to middle-market companies owned by private individuals, investment and private equity firms, and public companies. Consistently focused on helping companies and their owners build value and manage risk, Michael has negotiated and closed several hundred transactions including partnerships, business sales and acquisitions, and corporate finance in technology, distribution, manufacturing, and real estate development. Michael also handles litigation and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation. He manages litigation matters strategically with the client’s ultimate business goals in mind to achieve the best financial impacts and business solutions. Michael has personally founded or been an early-stage investor in several businesses, including in software, internet infrastructure, new media, and cloud computing. Due to his extensive hands-on business experience, he has a deep understanding that is important to entrepreneurs and venture capital investors. Michael’s specific industry experience includes software, e-business, manufacturing, restaurant and hotel management and operating agreements, computer systems acquisition, hospitality, insurance, funeral homes and cemeteries, joint venture and other corporate finance structuring, new ventures and emerging companies, as well as other strategic business consulting. He also has extensive experience with internet strategies, including deals involving collocation, hosting, API licensing, trademark, copyright and URL disputes, terms of service, and abuse. An influential thought leader, Michael speaks nationally and abroad on applying merger and acquisition and partnering strategies to create value and liquidity, and to reduce or eliminate conflict. In addition, he hosts “Going Liquid,” a highly-commended series of ongoing workshops that provide actionable advice to business owners who want to position their organizations successfully for ultimate liquidity events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael’s thought leadership has provided invaluable support and guidance for business leaders. He hosts numerous virtual workshops, which provide advice from leaders across various industries on proactive measures that business owners may take to navigate the COVID-19 crisis. The South Florida Legal Guide has consistently recognized Michael as a “Top Lawyer” for over a decade and, in 2014, he was recognized as the “North American Corporate and Commercial Lawyer of the Year” by Lawyer Monthly. In addition, Michael holds a Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ of AV, a designation indicating that he has reached the highest level of professional skill and integrity. Education: Emory University Juris Doctor, Masters of Business Administration, 1982; Washington University Bachelor of Arts, Economics, 1979; Harvard University Law/Business School Workshop, 1997;