Josh Barrett represents startup companies, established businesses and their principals throughout all stages of the business life cycle in creative, technological and sustainable industries. Josh also serves as the firm's Business Practice Group Chair.
Josh Barrett represents startup companies, established businesses and their principals throughout all stages of the business life cycle in creative, technological and sustainable industries. Josh also serves as the firm's Business Practice Group Chair.
BUSINESS ADVICE AND COUNSELING
Acting as general counsel to many closely held and family owned businesses, Josh routinely counsels clients on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters including entity selection and formation, ownership agreements, family business succession planning, corporate governance, equity compensation, tax planning, employment agreements, mergers and acquisitions, raising capital and intellectual property protection.
New Business Formation and Counseling. When starting a business, proper entity selection, tax planning and drafting of ownership agreements are critical. Failing to do so can be costly in terms of both missed planning opportunities and the potential for disputes among owners.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Succession. How business owners plan to exit the business affects today's planning. The strategies for a sale to a strategic buyer are different if a private equity investment is the likely exit and different again if succession within the family is desired. Josh helps clients consider the available options and implement business and tax strategies to achieve business goals.
Corporate Finance. Though some companies fit the mold of venture capital, many do not. Josh understands the difference and helps companies implement the best solution for their capital needs whether it be bootstrapping and organic growth or angel investments, venture capital, joint ventures or private equity.
Shareholder Disputes. Even with the best intent, sometimes business relationships sour. Disputes among owners detract from a business's ability to succeed. Josh helps navigate these challenges whether it is in advising a company's board of directors on fulfilling its fiduciary obligations, counseling majority owners in managing a dissenting faction or protecting minority owners from oppression.
INDUSTRY FOCUS - CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS
Josh works extensively with Portland's creative community. The firm's clients include professionals such as architects and product designers; media creators such as photographers, web designers, artists and writers; technologists like software developers and web designers; and food creatives such as restaurateurs and chefs. Josh helps creative professionals focus on their craft by resolving issues with entity selection, owner agreements, licensing, and intellectual property protection.
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Josh works with and advises a number of local nonprofits including the Laurelhurst School Foundation, the Sustainable Business Network of Portland and the Sustainable Catering Association.
Prior to practicing law, Josh earned his degree in accounting graduating cum laude from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Josh worked as a Certified Public Accountant before attending law school at Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. At Willamette, Josh served as Executive Editor of the Willamette Law Review.
Outside of Black Helterline, Josh is an aspiring photographer, journeyman cook and avid supporter of the Portland Timbers.