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Adam M. Soffer
“As corporate counsel, I am committed to deeply understanding a client’s business, so that I can provide strategic advice and services based on a client’s needs.”
Areas of Practice
Direct Dial: (612) 940-1729
Email: asoffer@sofferlaw.com
About Adam M. Soffer
Direct Dial: (612) 940-1729
Email: asoffer@sofferlaw.com
Adam Soffer is a co-founder of Soffer Lehrman Law Group and has been helping companies achieve their legal and business goals for over 25 years. Adam knows that understanding a client’s business is essential to determining and implementing the right solution to any client need. Adam draws from his extensive legal and business experience when counseling companies on strategic business and legal matters, ranging from complex transactions to day-to-day business operations.
Adam’s even-keeled approach and creative problem solving help business leaders make good decisions, in times of opportunity as well as crisis. Adam’s practice focuses in the areas of corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and venture capital, intellectual property and technology. Adam serves as general counsel to several leading technology-based companies and investors as well as companies in traditional “bricks and mortar” businesses. Adam has extensive experience representing companies in numerous industries including software, telecommunications, medical technology, food and manufacturing and venture capital firms.
Prior to co-founding Soffer Lehrman Law Group, Adam practiced at a national law firm and a major Minneapolis law firm and served as in-house general counsel to a Minnesota-based telecommunications company. Adam received his law degree from Mitchell Hamline College of Law (Cum Laude), his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from The George Washington University, and he also attended Villanova University. Adam has authored several articles and lectured on various business and technology issues.
Practice Areas
- General Corporate Counsel
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Corporate Finance & Venture Capital
- Technology & Telecommunications
- Intellectual Property Registration and Transactions
- Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Representative Counsel & Transactions
General Corporate Counsel
- General corporate counsel to numerous companies, emerging businesses and their owners and investors; significant work with companies in the technology space, including software, telecommunications, and related segments; legal counsel and services provided through entire business life-cycle, from initial structuring and funding, to operations, and sale or merger.
- General corporate counsel to a regional telecommunications company providing local and long-distance phone and internet services; responsibilities include business planning and negotiating complex agreements, legal and regulatory compliance, and litigation management.
- General corporate counsel to an international software company in the agricultural industry; responsibilities have included management of all corporate law functions, including Board governance and Shareholder relations, negotiate key transactions and documents, and litigation management.
Mergers and Acquisitions
- Company counsel to the owners of a privately-held domestic defense industry manufacturer in its $70M acquisition by a publicly-traded United Kingdom defense industry manufacturer
- Company counsel to a publicly-held computer and business form printing company in its $40M merger with a privately-held printing company
- Company counsel to venture capital-backed software company in its $16M merger with a leading international agricultural products company.
- Company counsel to a multi-location restaurant business in the $15M sale of its assets and real estate to an investor group.
- Company counsel to a privately-held graphic design and display company in the $15M sale of its assets to an international advertising and marketing agency.
- Company counsel to a publicly-held on-line electronics retailer in the $10M asset acquisition of its key supplier/distributor.
- Company counsel to an internet service provider and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) in its $7M merger with a full-service telecommunications provider.
- Company counsel to a privately held laser technology firm in the $5M sale of its assets to a publicly traded company.
- Company counsel to a privately held on-line publisher in the $5M sale of its assets to a full-service publishing company.
Corporate Finance/Venture Capital
- Investor counsel to a venture capital firm in numerous equity and debt investments in a broad range of technology-based emerging companies in the
software, medical and innovation industries, including investments qualifying for the Minnesota Angel Investor Tax Credit Program. - Company counsel to a national food manufacturer and distributor in its $7M strategic debt and equity investment in a bio-tech research and development company.
- Company counsel to a recreational facilities and entertainment provider in a $6M debt and equity financing by one of its strategic partners.
- Company counsel to an international software company in the agricultural industry in a $2.5M preferred stock sale to a key strategic investor.
Technology/Telecommunications
- Corporate counsel to a Fortune 500 company in the negotiation of an enterprise-wide $25M satellite communications network agreement.
- Corporate counsel to a leading manufacturer in the
negotiation of its enterprise-wide $5M software licensing agreement. - Corporate counsel to a Fortune 500 company in the negotiation of an information technology co-location and network security agreement.
Intellectual Property
- Counsel to multiple clients regarding the clearance and registration of federal trademarks.
- Counsel to multiple clients regarding the negotiation of various IP licensing agreements.
Selected Professional Activities
Minnesota Bar Association: Corporate Counsel, Business Law and Communications Law sections.
Minnesota Military Family Tribute – Secretary, pro bono legal counsel to this organization which built this tribute at the Minnesota State capitol grounds.
WAMSO-Minnesota Orchestra Volunteers Association – pro bone legal counsel (former)
Eden Prairie (Minnesota) Chamber of Commerce – past member of the Business Development Committee
America’s Carriers Telecommunications Association (ACTA) – past member of the Policy Committee
Rachel E. Soffer
“I love combining my legal expertise with my passion for my clients’ businesses when assisting them to develop practical solutions and effective strategies to achieve their goals.”
Areas of Practice
Direct Dial: (612) 868-2899
Email: rsoffer@sofferlaw.com
About Rachel E. Soffer
of Councel
Direct Dial: (612) 868-2899
Email: rsoffer@sofferlaw.com
Rachel E. Soffer is a high-energy attorney with over 20 years of experience working with businesses ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to emerging companies on a broad range of matters including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, the Internet and e-commerce, licensing, intellectual property, supply and distribution arrangements, franchising, and business entity organization and governance. Rachel has extensive experience representing clients in several industries including: software and related services; medical
technology and devices; product manufacturing, marketing and distribution; and food products.
Rachel has a strong business law background and serves as outside general counsel to businesses that she advises on issues arising in day-to-day operations. She also assists clients with strategic and business planning, and helps them structure for growth, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, partners and suppliers, and expand marketing and distribution channels.
Prior to joining Soffer Lehrman Law Group, Rachel was a partner at two large Minneapolis law firms. She received her law degree from Mitchell Hamline College of Law and her undergraduate degree from The George Washington University, Cum Laude. Rachel completed two years of her undergraduate study in Paris, France at the American University in Paris; Rachel speaks French fluently. Rachel makes presentations to businesses and academic audiences on issues regarding business, e-commerce and intellectual property.
Practice Areas
- General Corporate Counsel
- Internet, Software and E-Commerce
- Intellectual Property Transfers, Licensing and Protection
- Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures
- Product Manufacturing, Marketing and Distribution
- International Business Transactions
- Medical Technology and Devices
- Cooperatives
- Health & Wellness
Representative Transactions
General Corporate
Rachel has extensive experience counseling a broad range of companies at all stages—from business organization, product development, marketing and distribution, to mergers, acquisitions and sales. Rachel counsels clients on entity formation, shareholder agreements, member control agreements, governance and related issues. Rachel advises companies on matters that arise in day-to-day operations, including employment issues, independent contractor relationships, contract review, disputes and litigation management. She also advises on strategic and business planning matters, including structuring for growth, expanding marketing and distribution channels, and mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Rachel also regularly advises clients on the transactions and related matters summarized below.
Intellectual Property Transfers, Licensing and Protection
Rachel advises clients on a variety of intellectual property matters regarding software, technology, trade secrets, trademarks and copyrights. Rachel negotiates and drafts a broad range of intellectual property agreements including confidentiality and non-use agreements, development agreements, licensing agreements, branding agreements, purchase and sale agreements. Rachel has extensive experience in licensing medical technology and devices, software and related intellectual property.
Internet, Software and E-Commerce
Rachel has extensive experience counseling businesses on a broad range of Internet, software, and related services matters including website development and design, website agreements, mobile applications, user terms and conditions, privacy policies, hosting, application service provider agreements, linking and portal agreements, co-branding agreements, on-line agreements, intellectual property protection, data ownership
and related issues. Rachel provides counsel regarding outsourcing agreements, software licenses, data processing agreements, customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning maintenance and related services.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Rachel has represented several Fortune 500 companies, public and privately-held companies in acquiring companies and assets in a broad range of industries including medical technology and devices, telecommunications, manufacturing, software and related services, and food products. Rachel provides counsel at all stages, including due diligence, letters of intent, deal structure, drafting and negotiating purchase agreements and related documents, and post-closing matters.
Product Manufacturing, Marketing and Distribution
Rachel has extensive experience structuring and negotiating domestic and international manufacture, supply and distribution agreements regarding a broad range of products. Rachel regularly counsels clients on matters including product development, product sourcing arrangements, manufacture and supply agreements, product branding, quality policies, warranties, product distribution, antitrust, intellectual property protection, trade secrets and confidential information.
International Business Transactions
Rachel’s practice includes a variety of international business transactions including joint ventures, strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Many of the transactions described above regarding product manufacture, marketing and distribution are global in scope, and Rachel has substantial experience structuring marketing and distribution agreements that cover several countries, particularly with respect to EU countries. Similarly, many of the transactions described above regarding intellectual property, e-commerce, software and the Internet are multi-national or global in scope.
Medical Technology and Devices
Rachel has extensive experience representing multi-national leaders in medical technology as well as start-up medical technology companies. This experience has provided us with a valuable perspective and deep understanding of the dynamics and drivers of medical technology companies, their growth and the transactions that fuel such growth. In addition, Rachel has extensive experience counseling a broad range of medical technology companies at all stages—from the development of technology, through strategic
licensing, manufacture and distribution arrangements, and acquisitions. Rachel has provided strategic counsel on numerous joint ventures, equity investments, mergers and acquisitions, and options to acquire, distribute and license medical technology.
Food Products
Rachel has substantial experience in the food industry representing restaurant franchisers and franchisees, producer cooperatives, consumer cooperatives and other food companies in establishing supply and distribution agreements, quality policies, product branding, advertising, trade secrets, intellectual property protection and related matters.
Selected Professional Activities
Minnesota State Bar Association: Computer and Technology Law and International Business Law Sections
Boards of Directors. Rachel has served on boards throughout her career, including the boards of the organizations summarized below, with which she has ongoing responsibilities as legal counsel and/or as a board member.
Board of Directors, Ragamala Dance Company, Minneapolis, MN, Spring 2012 – 2018. Rachel serves on the Board of Directors of Ragamala Dance Company, an internationally acclaimed dance company that brings the eloquence of Bharatanatyam, traditional Indian dance, to contemporary audiences around the world. Ragamala focuses on universal themes and transcends any barriers of culture, ethnicity, nationality and geography with its multi-dimensional performances that blend dance, music, poetry and art.
Board of Directors, Lakewinds Natural Foods, Minnetonka/Chanhassen, MN 2000-2007. Rachel served as President of the Board of Directors of this natural food and home products cooperative and worked with the board, management and affiliated organizations on strategic matters including expansion to two additional locations, capital campaigns, acquiring an additional store, market position, branding, vision, long-term planning and other board matters.
Selected Community Involvement
Health and Fitness Leader- Rachel is an enthusiastic health and fitness leader and yogi who loves inspiring people to enjoy exercising body, mind and spirit. Rachel teaches a variety of fitness programs, including Aerobics With Soul, BollyX®, the WillPower Method® and yoga. Rachel has 25+ years of experience teaching mind-body fitness classes in numerous Twin Cities locations including LifeTime Fitness®, The Marsh, YWCA-Uptown, and St. Catherine University. She is passionate about sharing the joy and healing power of dance, exercise and yoga.
Minneapolis Institute of Art, Art Adventure Program (2004 – 2010) Volunteer Art Adventure instructor at Gatewood Elementary School, Minnetonka, MN.
Advocates for Human Rights – Volunteer Attorney (Summer/Fall 2007). Represented political refugee’s petition for asylum; utilized French language skills and legal expertise to successfully obtain grant of asylum from U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Brad Lehrman (Retired)
“As a trusted advisor to entrepreneurial clients, I combine my strategic legal, business, and finance experience to advance my clients’ goals.”
Areas of Practice
Direct Dial: (612) 382-7080
Email: blehrman@sofferlaw.com
About Brad Lehrman
Direct Dial: (612) 382-7080
Email: blehrman@sofferlaw.com
Brad Lehrman is an entrepreneurial venture attorney, focusing on business law, securities law and finance strategy for private emerging technology growth companies. After many years as a business advisor (Portage Capital), a venture capital fund manager (Portage Equity Investments), a board member and a business lawyer, he now leverages his unique business and legal perspectives to counsel and advocate for the Soffer Lehrman Law Group clients.
Brad counsels a broad array of companies with products and services, in software, medical devices, biotech and health sciences, telecommunications, publishing, semiconductor technology and information technology.
As an insightful business man who just happens to be an attorney, Brad knows how to assemble the right team to help an emerging business develop and grow. He is able to create a team of Soffer Lehrman attorneys with corporate finance, securities, licensing and other legal expertise to serve each client’s particular needs. He offers not only legal services, but an overall business strategy that fosters his clients’ growth.
Brad has lectured extensively on business and legal issues associated with venture capital, corporate finance and business law at the University of Minnesota Business & Law Schools and University of St. Thomas MBA program.
Brad has dedicated a significant portion of his professional career to community issues. He is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of the Minneapolis Jewish Community Center, Round Earth Media, World without Genocide, and the Minnesota Interfaith Darfur Coalition. He is a member of the Minnesota Venture Capital Association, the Minnesota Bar Association, and serves on the Regional Economic Accelerator Program ( REAP ) task force. He is a founder of MOJO MN—a unique Co-Op founded to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. He also has serves as a judge for the Minnesota Cup (state-wide business plan competition),and TEKNE awards (sponsored by MN High Tech Association)
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota
- Missouri
Classes or Lectures
- U/MN Law School—Senior fellow of Business Innovation and Human Rights—since 2013
- U/MN Carlson School of Business — Guest lecturer for finance and entrepreneurship classes, 2010-2014
- Minnesota CUP – Judge for University of Minnesota sponsored state-wide business plan competition, 2005 – 2014
- Start UP America—-White house panel expert on innovation and entrepreneurship, 2011
- MN Governor Job Summit—Panel expert on job creation and innovation. 2011
- Minnesota CLE Faculty – “Practical Aspects of Securities Law,”2008, 2009
- Minnesota CLE Faculty— “Venture Financing”—Computer Law Institute–2012
Membership/Civic Outreach
- Co Founder, MOJO MN, an innovation Co-OP
- MN Gopher Angel Fund, Founding Board Member
- Minneapolis Jewish Community Center, Board Member
- World Without Genocide, Founding Board Member
- Round Earth Media, Founding Board Member
- The Minnesota Cup, Judge
- TEKNE Awards, Judge
- Minnesota’s Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF), Past Board Member
Committee Member
- Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Past Board Member 2002–2010
- Adath Synagogue, Past Board Member 2005-2010
- Minnesota State Bar Association
- Minnesota Venture Capital Association
Representative Clients
- General Counsel to unique professional work space company as alternative to existing shared office facilities.
- General Counsel to emergence room software company enhancing efficiency and reducing wait times in ER depts.
- General Counsel to medical device company eliminating clots due to deep vein thrombotic risk
- General Counsel to medical device company creating a sideline diagnostic device for concussions
- General Counsel to newly formed Angel Fund in Southern MN
- General Counsel to technology company with software and hardware to reduce highway collisions due to impaired drivers