ABOUT ERIKA
Future-focused attorney committed to a client-centered approach. With over two decades advising tech and startup companies, and over a decade as a Law Professor, I help guide founders through their legal issues through education, communication and strategy.
Being an entrepreneur is both challenging and exciting—and you want to spend your time and energy on building—-not worrying.
Let’s talk about setting your company up for success,
Erika J.S. Buell (fka Professor Buell)
Work Life
I help clients with their transactional matters.
I counsel clients on the full suite of startup formation and operation. I operate as the “fractional general counsel” for early stage companies including:
entity selection, corporate formation, non-disclosure agreements, licensing agreements, intellectual property protection and strategy, employment offer letters, stock option and restricted stock plans, financings, corporate governance matters, contract drafting and negotiation. For clients anticipating a financing or a sale, I help prepare the company for the due diligence investigation.
With my background as an educator, I strive to (i) be open to any and all questions, (ii) understand the client’s unique perspective and goals and (iii) provide educational content for founders who want a deeper understanding.
I graduated from a top-5 law school, worked in and received my training in “big law” and advised companies as in-house counsel. After a successful startup exit, I became a professor at Duke Law and the director of its Law & Entrepreneurship Program, where I taught courses such as Negotiation, Contract Drafting and Advising the Entrepreneurial Client.
I am currently building a client centered practice with Buell Law to help entrepreneurs and to increase access to legal services and education. I have my law license in North Carolina and Texas.
Personal Life
When not thinking about the future of law practice, startups and innovative businesses, I enjoy “van life” with my husband, exploring the beauty of North Carolina, Rhode Island and other destinations—especially those with music festivals. I am an Outward Bound alum, a NYC Marathon finisher and a former college ice hockey player. Mindfulness practice starts my day and I strive for gratitude while simultaneously trying to make the world a better place. I love spending time with my family—including our two adult children—visiting art museums, traveling, meeting new people, listening to music, continuously learning and following my curiosity.
