PeopleBrian J. Burt
Brian J. Burt
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Brian J. Burt

Partner
PeopleBrian J. Burt

  • Harvard Law School (J.D.)
    • Managing Editor, Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy
  • Allegheny College (B.A., Political Science & Philosophy, summa cum laude)
    • Valedictorian
    • Phi Beta Kappa
    • Pi Sigma Alpha

  • American Bar Association
  • Empower by GoDaddy (Main Street Accelerator) (2020-present)
  • Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation
  • Arizona Collaboratory
    • Co-Founder, Director (2014-present)
  • Furnace Technology Transfer Accelerator
  • Volunteer Lawyers Program (2004-present)
  • Invest Southwest Capital Conference/Venture Madness
    • Executive Committee (2009-2016)
    • Selection Committee (2013-2016)
      • Chair (2013-2014)
    • Mentor Teams Chair (2009-2013)
      • Team Captain (2007-2011)
  • Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Arizona (2006-2017)
  • Accelerator Arizona (2010-2019)
  • Thunderbird Global Entrepreneurship Incubator
  • Thunderbird School of Global Management
    • Lecturer, Critical Domestic and International Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs and Managers

Creator and Host of the Snell & Wilmer Emerging Business Seminar Series

  • "How (and Why) To Create A Succession Plan For Your Business (February 2023)
  • “How To Prepare Employment Agreements” (June 2022)
  • “How To Structure Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances” (May 2022)
  • “How To Raise Capital…Legally” (April 2022)
  • “How To License Your Invention” (March 2022)
  • “How To Structure Consulting Relationships” (January 2022)
  • "How To Avoid The Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy A Business" (December 2021)
  • "How To Sell Your Business" (November 2021)
  • "How To Prepare To Sell Your Business" (October 2021)
  • “How To Retain Employees In The COVID-Era” (September 2021)
  • "How To Structure Supply/Manufacturing Agreements" (August 2021)
  • "How (and Why) To Create A Corporate Succession Plan" (June 2021)
  • "How To Purchase A Business" (April 2021)
  • "How (and Why) To Prepare a Shareholders Agreement" (March 2021)
  • "How To Start A New Business" (February 2021)
  • “How To Prepare and Negotiate Contracts” (January 2021)
  • "How To Sell Your Business For Sale, Virtual Edition" (July 2020)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business for 2019" (January 2019)
  • "How To Build Your Dream Business…Without Losing Your Mind " (December 2018)
  • "How (and Why) To Prepare a Shareholders Agreement" (October 2018)
  • "How To Create Employee Incentive Programs" (September 2018)
  • "How To Invest With The New Opportunity Zone Program" (June 2018)
  • "How To Market Your Company On The Internet" (May 2018)
  • "How Blockchain Will Change The Way You Do Business" (April 2018)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business for 2018" (January 2018)
  • "How To License Technology" (December 2017)
  • “How To Prepare A Strategic Growth Plan” (November 2017)
  • "How To Effectively Communicate Your Company's Story" (October 2017)
  • "How To Start a New Business" (August 2017)
  • "How To Grow Your Business With Big Strategic Moves" (April 2017)
  • "How To Franchise Your Business" (March 2017)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business for 2017" (January 2017)
  • “How To Create and Grow Your Personal Brand” (November 2016)
  • "How To Handle Millennials and Gen-Z" (June 2016)
  • "How To Crowdfund" (May 2016)
  • "How To Incentivize Your Employees" (April 2016)
  • "How To Build Your Business Into A Brand" (March 2016)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business For 2016" (January 2016)
  • "How To Unlock Two Secret Hiring Strategies That Will Generate Growth (December 2015)
  • "How To Turn Tragedy Into Passion and Power" (October 2015)
  • "How To Protect Your Business From Data Breach" (September 2015)
  • "How To Bootstrap Your Company To The Inc 5000" (May 2015)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business for 2015" (January 2015)
  • "How To Innovate" (December 2014)
  • "How To Motivate Your Employees" (November 2014)
  • "How To Market Your Company On The Internet" (September 2014)
  • "How To Deal With Difficult People" (June 2014)
  • "How To Reduce Healthcare Costs" (March 2014)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business for 2014" (January 2014)
  • "How To Reduce The Risk of Litigation" (December 2013)
  • "How To Survive 'No Man’s Land'" (October 2013)
  • "How To Hire Top Talent To Create A Purpose Driven Business" (June 2013)
  • "How To Create A Winning Company Culture" (April 2013)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business for 2013" (February 2013)
  • "How To Prepare A Business Plan" (November 2012)
  • "How To Sell In Today's Market" (October 2012)
  • "How To Create A Unique Brand" (September 2012)
  • "How Workforce Due Diligence Can Save Your M&A (or Private Equity) Transaction" (June 2012)
  • "How To Raise Capital Under the JOBS Act" (May 2012)
  • "How To Obtain A Loan" (April 2012)
  • "How To Create Strategic Value for Your Business" (March 2012)
  • "How To Prepare Your Business For 2012" (January 2012)
  • "How To Raise Capital in Today's Market" (October 2011)
  • "How To Develop A New Product" (August 2011)
  • "How To Invest In A Private Company" (June 2011)
  • "Weathering the Economic Storm" (July 2009)

Other Presentations & Publications

  • “How To Raise Capital…Legally,” Presenter, Vantage (April 2019)
  • “How To Negotiate and Prepare Contracts,” Presenter, AZ Women's Education and Entrepreneur Center (March 2019)
  • “How To Invest In Private Companies,” Presenter, Vantage (March 2019)
  • “Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business,” Presenter, AZ Women's Education and Entrepreneur Center / NEDCO (February 2019)
  • “Top 5 People Issues,” Presenter, EO Accelerator (February 2019)
  • "Legal Entities," Presenter, ASU Masters of Real Estate Development (February 2019)
  • “Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business,” Presenter, SCORE (December 2018)
  • “How To Start A New Business,” Presenter, BASIS Scottsdale LaunchX (December 2018)
  • “Raising Capital Legally,” Presenter, SCORE (October 2018)
  • “How To Start A New Business,” Presenter, AZ Women's Education and Entrepreneur Center (October 2018)
  • “How To Structure Shareholder and Operating Agreements,” Presenter, Workuity (October 2018)
  • “How To Raise Capital…Legally,” Presenter, EO Accelerator (September 2018)
  • "How To Negotiate Contracts," Presenter, ADOT DBE Program (June 2018)
  • “Raising Capital Legally,” Presenter, SCORE (June 2018)
  • “Crowdfunding,” Presenter, AZ Women's Education and Entrepreneur Center (April 2018)
  • “Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business,” Presenter, MPI Business Group (April 2018)
  • “Key Legal Issues for Startups,” Presenter, Founder Institute (April 2018)
  • “Ethical Entrepreneurship,” Panelist, Phoenix Startup Week (February 2018)
  • "Legal Entities," Presenter, ASU Masters of Real Estate Development (February 2018)
  • “Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business,” Presenter, SCORE (January 2018)
  • "Business and Legal Considerations When Doing Business in the Cloud," Presenter, Arizona Business and Professional Women (December 2017)
  • "Venture Creation and Business Expansion in Arizona," Panel Moderator, HeroZona (November 2017)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, AZ Women's Education and Entrepreneur Center (November 2017)
  • "Startup Ideation Bootcamp," Panel Member, Founder Institute (October 2017)
  • "How To Structure Joint Ventures," Presenter, Workuity (October 2017)
  • "Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy A Business," Presenter, Women and Minority Small Business Education Seminar (September 2017)
  • "Making the Leap From Employee To Entrepreneur," Presenter, Founder Institute (September 2017)
  • "How To Raise Capital ... Legally," Presenter, Desert Commercial Advisors (September 2017)
  • "How To Avoid The Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy A Business," Presenter, SCORE (August 2017)
  • "4th Annual Ethics Symposium," Moderator, Better Business Bureau (August 2017)
  • "Negotiate A Contract Like A Boss," Presenter, AZ Society of CPAs 2017 Corporate Finance Conference (August 2017)
  • "How To Raise Capital…Legally," Presenter, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Bootcamp (July 2017)
  • "How To Raise Capital…Legally," Presenter, SCORE (May 2017)
  • "How To Negotiate Contracts," Presenter, ADOT DBE Program (April 2017)
  • "How To Raise Capital For Your Business in 2017," Presenter, SCORE 4th Annual Small Business Symposium (April 2017)
  • "Making The Leap From Employee To Entrepreneur," Presenter, Founder Institute (March 2017)
  • "Raising Capital…Legally," Presenter, Founder Institute (March 2017)
  • "How To License Technology," Presenter, Inventors Association of Arizona (March 2017)
  • "How To Protect Your Company's 'Secret Sauce,'" Presenter, Phoenix Startup Week (February 2017)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, SCORE (February 2017)
  • "Legal Entities," Presenter, ASU Masters of Real Estate Development (February 2017)
  • "Top 10 Legal Issues That Can Destroy Your Business…And How To Avoid Them," Presenter, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (January 2017)
  • “How To Negotiate Contracts,” Presenter, ADOT DBE Program (November 2016)
  • “Successful Company Sale Strategies,” Panelist, Northern Trust (November 2016)
  • “How To Raise Capital…Legally,” Presenter, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (November 2016)
  • “Effective Meeting Management,” Presenter, Arizona Legal Center (October 2016)
  • “Utilizing Equity Crowdfunding to Raise Capital,” Panelist, AZ Speaks: Business & Technology, ASBA (September 2016)
  • "3rd Annual Ethics Symposium," Moderator, Better Business Bureau (August 2016)
  • "Crowdfunding Helped Purchase Retail Center," Quoted, Las Vegas Business Press (August 2016)
  • "Which Entrepreneurs Will Benefit Most From the New Era of Crowdfunding?," Quoted, Fox News/Entrepreneur (May 2016)
  • "Starting May 16, Entrepreneurs Can Raise Money in a Whole New Way. Here's What You Need to Know." Quoted, Fox News/Entrepreneur (May 2016)
  • "How To Form Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances," Presenter, SCORE (April 2016)
  • "The Top Ten Legal Issues That Can Destroy Your Business," Presenter, Deskhub (April 2016)
  • "Ready, Set, Go: Get Prepared for JOBS Act Title III Crowdfunding," Quoted, Forbes (March 2016)
  • "How To Negotiate Contracts," Presenter, BBB Better Business Seminar (March 2016)
  • "Finding Funding to Start and Grow," Presenter, Third Annual SCORE Small Business Symposium (March 2016)
  • "Legal Contract Review," Presenter, ADOT Business Development Program (March 2016)
  • "What In-House Attorneys Need to Know About Crowdfunding," Co-Author, Corporate Counsel (February 2016)
  • "How To Raise Capital…Legally," Presenter, Vantage (February 2016)
  • "How To Invest In Private Companies," Presenter, Vantage (January 2016)
  • "How To Raise Capital...Legally," Presenter, NACET Pitch Power (January 2016)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, Inventors Association of Arizona (December 2015)
  • "Legal Issues for Small Businesses," Presenter, ASU Alumni Law Group (December 2015)
  • "Plenty To Look For In New Equity Crowdfunding Rules," Quoted, Phoenix Business Journal (November 2015)
  • "Why Equity Crowdfunding May Not Be a Panacea for Startups Looking for Capital," Quoted, Phoenix Business Journal (November 2015)
  • "Top 10 Legal Issues That Can Destroy Your Business…And How To Avoid Them," Presenter, BBB Better Business Seminar (November 2015)
  • "2nd Annual Ethics Symposium," Moderator, Better Business Bureau (November 2015)
  • "How To Profit From Integrity," Presenter, Integrity Summit (September 2015)
  • "Legal Considerations In Succession Planning," Presenter, Comerica Bank/REDW (June 2015)
  • "How To Get Crowdfunding, Presenter, SCORE (May 2015)
  • "Legal Contract Review," Presenter, ADOT DBE Program (April 2015)
  • "How To Raise Capital…Legally, Presenter, SCORE (April 2015)
  • "How To License Technology," Presenter, Inventors Association of Arizona (April 2015)
  • "The Top 5 Legal Issues That Can Destroy Your Business ... And How To Avoid Them," Presenter, SCORE Small Business Symposium (March 2015)
  • "Employees v. Independent Contractors," Presenter, Society For Human Resource Management of Greater Phoenix (March 2015)
  • "How To Negotiate Contracts, Presenter, Phoenix Startup Week (February 2015)
  • "Top Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs," Presenter, DeskHub (February 2015)
  • "The Top 5 Legal Issues That Can Destroy Your Business ... And How To Avoid Them," Presenter, EO Accelerator Arizona (November 2014)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, Academy for Westside Entrepreneurs (November 2014)
  • "Board of Directors' Recruitment Strategies," Presenter, AZ Bankers' Association (October 2014)
  • Two Businesses, One Owner.  How Many Companies?,” Quoted, Bloomberg Businessweek (October 2014)
  • "Building A Solid Startup," Presenter, Greater Phoenix Score (September 2014)
  • "Legalize It!," Presenter, Entrepreneurs' Organization (September 2014)
  • "Ethics Symposium," Moderator, Better Business Bureau (August 2014)
  • "How To Raise Capital...Legally," Presenter, Academy For Westside Entrepreneurs (August 2014)
  • The Right Way To Bring A Partner Into Your Business,” Quoted, Bloomberg Businessweek (May 2014)
  • “Crowdfunding,” Presenter, Maricopa County Bar Association (January 2014)
  • “How To License Technology,” Presenter, Inventors’ Association of Arizona (November 2013)
  • “Finding Investors: The Art of the Deal,” Presenter, Arizona Screenwriters Association (October 2013)
  • “Structuring Supplier / Manufacturer Agreements,” Presenter, National Contract Management Association (October 2013)
  • “Strategies To Grow and Protect Your Company’s Long-Term Value,” Presenter” AZ Bio / Institute for Strategic Value (September 2013)
  • “How To Start A New Business,” Presenter, Institute of Management Accountants (August 2013)
  • “The Top Legal Issues Facing Entrepreneurs and Their Companies,” Presenter, Phoenix Startup Hub (April 2013)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (April 2013)
  • "How To Raise Capital," Presenter, Vantage (April 2013)
  • "Tax Proposal Would Help Small Businesses Plan, Could Provide Economic Boost," Quoted, Washington Post (March 2013)
  • "Strategies To Protect and Grow Your Company’s Long-Term Value," Presenter, Arizona Technology Council (March 2013)
  • "How To Invest In A Private Company," Presenter, Vantage (March 2013)
  • "Capital Strategies for Small Businesses and Tech Startups – Surviving the Valley of Death," Panelist, 48 West (February 2013)
  • "Tech Peers," Presenter, TechEDge Entrepreneurship Course (November 2012)
  • "How To Prepare Your Company for Sale," Presenter, Entrepreneurs' Organization (November 2012)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, Arizona Innovation Summit (November 2012)
  • "Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs," Presenter, Thunderbird International Business Plan Class (October 2012)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, Aerospace & Defense Small Business Acceleration Symposium (October 2012)
  • "Tech Launch," Presenter, AZ SBDC TechEDge / Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation Entrepreneurship Course (October 2012)
  • "Forming and Structuring A Company," Presenter, AZ SDBC / Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (August 2012)
  • "Crowdfunding," Presenter, Impact Business Advisors / Chandler Innovations Incubator (October 2012)
  • "JOBS Act: Impact On Our Industry," Presenter, Retirement Industry Trust Association National Conference (October 2012)
  • "Growing Technology In Arizona Symposium," Panelist, Arizona Technology Council (October 2012)
  • "How To Raise Capital…Legally," Presenter, Start In Phoenix (October 2012)
  • "Legal and Financial Strategies for Startups," Presenter, ASU Venture Catalyst Rapid Startup School (September 2012)
  • "Getting To Close: How To Negotiate and Draft A Contract," NCMA Phoenix Thunderbird Chapter (September 2012)
  • "How To Motivate Your Employees," Human Capital Strategies CARES (September 2012)
  • "Creating Joint Ventures and Strategic Partnerships," Presenter, Entrepreneurs’ Organization (September 2012)
  • "How To Raise Capital In Today’s Market," Presenter, Score/Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce  (Aug 2012)
  • "State of The Valley," Presenter, Valley Executives (July 2012)
  • "Legal Issues for Emerging Entrepreneurs," TechEdge Lunch n Learn Series (June 2012)
  • "Annual Mid-Year Update CLE Opportunity - JOBS Act," Snell & Wilmer (June 2012)
  • "The JOBS Act: Improving Access to Capital," Co-Author, Snell & Wilmer Corporate Communicator (June 2012)
  • "How To Motivate Your Employees," Presenter, Better Business Bureau (May 2012)
  • "The Legal Aspects of Small Business," Presenter, SCORE (April 2012)
  • "Becoming An Investor Ready Entrepreneur," Panelist, AZ SBDC TechEDge (April 2012)
  • "Investing in Private Companies," Presenter, 1820 Investment Group (January 2012)
  • "A New Beginning: Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation," Presenter, U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program (September 2011)
  • "Show Me The Money and Show Me The Door," Presenter, Wells Fargo Corporate Succession Program (September 2011)
  • "Preparing Angel Investment Term Sheets," Presenter, Thunderbird Angel Network (March 2011)
  • "Mergers & Acquisitions From Start To Finish," Presenter, National Business Institute (March 2011)
  • "Why You Need To Put Your Legal House In Order In 2011," Presenter, Arizona Business Bank CEO Lunch Series (January 2011)
  • "Keeping Your Legal House In Order," Invest Southwest Capital Conference (December 2010)
  • "Thunderbird Mentorfest," Legal Mentor, Thunderbird Entrepreneurship Network (November 2010)
  • "How To Start A New Business," Presenter, AZ Small Business Development Center (October 2010)
  • "A New Beginning: Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation," Presenter, U.S. State Department International Visitor Leadership Program (September 2010)
  • "The Capital Process," Moderator, Thunderbird Alumni Network 2010 Entrepreneurship Event (September 2010)
  • "How To Raise Capital," Presenter, Arizona Technology Council – CEO Network (August 2010)
  • "Entity Selection For Small To Medium Sized Businesses," Presenter, National Business Institute (June 2010)
  • "A Solid Foundation for Business Success and Growth - Empowerment Series Seminar," Presenter, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (April 2010)
  • "What To Expect When Raising Capital," Moderator, Thunderbird Global Private Equity Center (March 2010)
  • "Partnering With A Purpose - How To Get The Edge On Public Construction Projects," Presenter (March 2010)
  • "Investing in Private Placements," Wealth Wednesdays Radio Show (February 2010)
  • "Taking Your Company Public," Presenter, Entrepreneurs' Organization (January 2010)
  • "Key Legal Issues in Financing and Sale Transactions," Presenter, Arizona Technology Council (January 2010)
  • "Raising Capital," Presenter, Arizona Angels Office Hours (October 2009)
  • "How to Counsel Companies Looking to Secure (and Retain) Financing in Today's Market," Presenter, State Bar of Arizona and Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants Joint Educational Program (March 2009)
  • "What Start-Ups Should Know (and How To Tell Them) About Funding," Presenter, American Bar Association Middle Market & Small Business Committee Winter Meeting (February 2009)
  • "Ready, Set, Go - Avoid Legal Hurdles when starting a new business," Author, AzBusiness Magazine (September 2008)
  • "Review of Market Deal Terms in M&A Transactions," Presenter, Snell & Wilmer Roundtable Discussion - Deal or No Deal: The New Rules of the Game (July 2008)
  • "Greatness to infamy--a Silicon Valley cautionary tale," Book Review, ABA Business Law Today (May/June 2006)

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2015-2024); Information Technology Law (2023-2024); Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2023-2024)
  • Deal of the Year, Association for Corporate Growth - Arizona (2018)
  • Arizona's Finest Lawyers
  • Southwest Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, Business/Corporate (2012-2013)

  • Arizona Minority Business Development Agency Business Center
    • Legal Smarts Series Instructor (2022-present)
  • Ancala Homeowners Association
    • Board of Directors (2011-2013)
  • Better Business Bureau of Pacific Southwest
    • Board of Directors (2008-present)
    • Chair (2015)
    • Vice-Chair (2014)
    • Treasurer (2013)
    • Secretary (2012)
    • Executive Committee (2012-2016)
    • Board Enrichment Committee (2010-present)
      • Chair (2010-2015)
    • Board Education Committee
      • Co-Chair (2014-present)
    • Board Finance Committee
      • Chair (2013)
  • BBB of Central Arizona Foundation
    • Board of Directors (2016-present)
    • Vice-Chair (2016)
    • Treasurer (2017-present)
  • Boy Scouts of America
    • Eagle Scout
    • Cub Scout Den Leader (2009-2012)
  • Prestamos CDFI Women’s Business Center
    • Legal Series Instructor (2022-present)
  • Human Services Campus, Inc.
    • Founding Board of Directors (2011-2017)
    • Board Secretary (2011-2017)
  • Junior Achievement
    • High School Economics and Business Ethics Instructor
  • PBS Eight/KAET TV
    • ACE Corp Subcommittee (2010-2012)
  • Valley Leadership, Class 30

  • MyLegalProblem, Inc., Founder and President/CEO

  • Arizona
  • Pennsylvania

  • Supreme Court of Arizona
  • Supreme Court of Pennsylvania