Benjamin Michaelson

Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C.

Benjamin Michaelson

Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C.

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Firm Summary

Guiding businesses and business owners on general and complex legal matters requires skill, knowledge, timing, and patience. So does fly fishing the tropical flats and the cold New England waters. As an attorney, I am an experienced advisor on many matters, primarily including: mergers & acquisitions, family business matters, contracts, business partner disputes, and related transactions. If you would like to talk about fly fishing, I am also passionate about striped bass, tarpon, bonefish and snook (among others). Sharing stories and opportunities for either are always welcomed and interesting conversations.

After viewing the experiences and demands of my family’s manufacturing business first-hand, I received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration at Bryant University, studying family business management. I have also studied international business in Florence, Italy. Prior to attending law school I was a business consultant with a computer technology firm, advising business owners on how to effectively leverage new technologies to solve real business problems. All of these experiences have cultivated a practical, solution-based approach that I bring to each matter that comes before me.

As an advisor I am a problem solver and a deal advisor. I lean upon my business and legal backgrounds to understand my client’s business or personal needs and goals, and to focus on practical solutions that fit those needs, the matter, and the economics involved. Through this approach I have had the pleasure of assisting various clients achieve positive results such as:

• Guiding a large three generation family business in corporate structure and estate planning and tax issues towards a more harmonious family and business environment and continued family success.
• The sale of a real estate management company with very limited post-sale indemnity obligations, allowing the selling owners to enjoy retirement without concern about post-sale disputes.
• Organization of a new limited liability company, negotiation and drafting of related operating agreement, and regular general counsel advice for entrepreneurs in industries including medical devices, real estate management, wholesale, medical practices and service organizations, and logistics / distribution.
• Advising and representing a European client in its acquisition and divestiture of United States business interests.
• Representation of a United States consumer products manufacturer in its international licensing and contract manufacturing agreements.
• Collaborating with my partners on litigation matters including complex shareholder disputes, trademark infringement, contract breaches and other business litigation matters.
• Sell side and buy side drafting and negotiating of letters of intent, purchase agreements and business terms in business sales varying in size from just under $1,000,000 to $100,000,000 and up in electronics, computer technology, logistics, financial services, consumer goods, construction, medical, professional services, and various other industries.

I attended law school at the University of Connecticut School of Law where I was a member of the Insurance Law Journal and was published as a case editor for “Fidelity & Surety Digest,” which focuses on construction and financial services bonding requirements. I have also engaged in various pro bono activities including as a volunteer attorney with the Connecticut Urban Legal Initiative, Inc. to provide transactional legal services to underserved non-profit organizations, my local church, and as a volunteer for non-profit and faith based institutions.

When I am not in the office I am often trying to play golf, catch fish, grow produce, make cocktails, find the perfect pizza recipe, make furniture, or engaging in any other activity that presents a challenge to overcome.