Michael B Gray

Michael leads Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s Private Equity, Venture Capital & Growth Companies practice, as well as its Fund Formation & Investment Management practice. Michael primarily represents private equity sponsors, venture investors, private funds, private equity and venture-backed companies, executives, and family offices.

His extensive experience in complex transactional and corporate governance matters makes him an invaluable asset to his clients, who turn to him for advice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, and portfolio company operations, fund formation, negotiations with respect to sponsor management companies and GPs, GP ownership stakes, seeding investments, and fund and co-investments.

Clients appreciate Michael’s ability to simplify complex issues and help them focus on long-term financial and business considerations. His aptitude for evaluating risks and providing clear, actionable advice makes him a trusted advisor in high-stakes transactions and business operations.

Michael’s practical experience as an investor, where he sourced, evaluated, and closed venture capital transactions, has honed his ability to build enduring relationships and connect people within his network to foster business growth. This direct investment experience is a significant asset, allowing him to offer unique insights and add substantial value to his clients’ ventures.

Recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Corporate/M&A: Private Equity, Michael is praised by clients for his investor experience and problem-solving approach. As one client noted, “He truly understands a lawyer’s role and where his advice can add value to a transaction,” while another highlighted his open-mindedness and solution-oriented mindset.

Michael is currently on the board of the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Additionally, Michael is a frequent guest lecturer at Chicago Booth, the Kellogg School of Management, and the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and works with the Zell Fellows Program at Kellogg. Michael is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.

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

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (J.D., 1992); University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (M.S., 1988); University of Chicago (B.A., 1987) with honors