Michael B Gray

Practice Areas

Michael 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. Michael is currently an advisory board member for The Comer Science & Education Foundation and Help for Children’s Committee of Hearts. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees and former Alumni Board President at The Latin School of Chicago and a former trustee of the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago’s Society for Contemporary Art.

Career

Partner; Fund Formation and Investment Management Practice Group Chair; Private Equity, Venture Capital & Growth Companies Practice Group Chair

Personal

Northwestern University School of Law (JD, 1992); University of Illinois (MS, 1988); University of Chicago (BA, 1987).