Starting a new business takes guts. New business owners and entrepreneurs need an attorney that can empathize with their concerns and guide them through difficult decisions and legal jargon.

This is where I can be helpful. My name is Joseph Murphy and I am an attorney at the law firm of McNeice Wheeler, PLLC living in Seattle and focusing on the needs of small business and entrepreneurs. Personally, I think this is the most exciting stage of your business where I can be most helpful.

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Originally a finance guy, I ended up with a law degree and a Masters of Law in Tax. My experience includes working with cutting-edge technology sensors for weather, agriculture and communications. Additionally, supporting development of mobile communications platforms supporting Machine-to-Machine (“M2M”) and Internet of things (“IoT”) devices. My five-man team built a cellular company with the capacity to compete against the big four carriers. Our goal was cutting cost of communications for developers. In short, I love technology, telecommunications, and working with entrepreneurs.

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I am familiar working with 800 pound gorillas in the mobile industry requiring me to navigate the regulatory environment of the FCC, GSMA, and Public Utility Commissions. I have experience and enjoy working with Patent Attorneys and assisting on Trademark and Copyright licensing. I draft Purchase and Sale Agreements, Employment Contracts and Settlement Agreements. I’m familiar with international tax strategies for Subpart F income, Domestic Business and Tax Planning along with the co-related estate tax planning necessary for business owners and executives. I enjoy and have experience working on litigation matters ranging from arbitration disputes to Federal Court cases against Fortune 100 companies. (Here is a tip - as a small business, do not fight much larger companies unless it is necessary)

I prefer working with small businesses and start-ups because there is a level of energy and excitement that does not compliment large corporations.  The pace moves fast and issues arise which need to get resolved quickly.  As a small business, your largest advantage is your ability to acclimate fast to changing environments by solving problems quickly. I am driven by participating and helping my clients get to the next level where they need teams of attorneys.

I have a law degree from University of Denver and my LL.M in Tax from the University of Washington School of Law. My Bachelors in Business Administration with a focus on Finance is from Gonzaga University.  My path has earned me titles such as Attorney, General Counsel for a telecom and tech company, Financial Advisor, Law Clerk, and Stock Broker. Planning (business and individual), in my experience, is paramount to succeeding.