Doug has helped launch hundreds of companies and is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to create new businesses, jobs and products. As the founder of Bend Law Group, he’s built a firm known for being responsive, practical and deeply committed to the success of startups and small businesses.
Doug serves as a trusted guide to founders navigating high-stakes decisions—from entity formation to fast-moving deals under tight deadlines. Clients often come to him after frustrating experiences elsewhere—and stay because Doug brings what others don’t: thoughtful strategy, clear communication and the kind of follow-through that builds real trust.
Whether you’re raising a financing round or selling the company you built from scratch, Doug shows up as a true partner—someone who listens, cares and delivers. He’s known for being accessible, honest and proactive, and for providing legal advice that’s not only sound but aligned with the realities of building a business.
Doug graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Drake University with a B.A. in Political Science and History. He earned an M.A. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
He has been featured in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Fox Business, MSN, Inc., Forbes and many other outlets for his work helping entrepreneurs build legally sound businesses from day one.
Outside of work, Doug enjoys exploring the Bay Area with his wife, Joanne, their two young kids and their endlessly enthusiastic Double Doodle, Zoe.
- Business Law
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- J.D. (2006) | Law
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- University of Nebraska - Lincoln
- M.A. (2001) | Political Science
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- Drake University
- B.A. (1999) | Political Science & History
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- The Six Factors For Determining A Fair Valuation Cap For Your Startup
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- Q. Once a corporation has been formed can shares of stock not be issued, and if so who owns the corporation?
- A: You could change the ownership of the corporation by issuing shares to an officer of the corporation. To do so, I recommend that you have a stock purchase agreement, a Board consent authorizing the issuance of the shares and submit a 25102(f) securities filing for the issuance of the shares.