Bio

Michael Gray concentrates on a variety of complex transactional and corporate governance matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, intellectual property agreements, blockchain and the structuring of corporations and partnerships, including limited partnerships and limited liability companies. He is the leader of the firm’s Private Equity, Venture Capital & Growth Companies practice in addition to its Fund Formation & Investment Management practice. Michael primarily represents private equity sponsors, venture capitalists, hedge funds, private equity and venture-backed companies, investors in private ventures, executive teams and family offices in their investments. He has extensive experience with fund counseling, including representing general partnerships and limited partnerships in fund formation, advising investors in their fund investments and advising funds on their formation and compliance needs (both on-shore and off-shore). He excels at helping clients evaluate the complex risks associated with their transactions and business operations. Clients appreciate his aptitude for simplifying complicated issues. He is skilled at enabling clients to focus on the long-term financial and business considerations that should drive their decisions. Michael gained practical business and investment experience as an investor, where he sourced, evaluated and closed venture capital transactions. He developed and built enduring relationships. Michael leverages his direct investment experience to connect people to others within his network to grow their businesses. Michael is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Corporate/M&A: Private Equity. Clients cite his investor experience as a major advantage. “He truly understands a lawyer’s role and where his advice can add value to a transaction” and “has an open mind [and he] likes to try to solve problems instead of indicating why something cannot be done.” In 2016, Michael was the only law firm attorney named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ “Tech 50” list of the most innovative and influential professionals in the Chicago technology industry.