Michael Gottlieb is an experienced attorney practicing in Oregon and Washington. Throughout Mr. Gottlieb's career, he has been deeply involved in the challenges of the restaurant industry, from a business and legal perspective. The owners of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs have unique challenges. Many are family owned businesses that have the complexity of a larger enterprise. Many are owned by restaurant-savvy individuals who are not experienced in the legal and regulatory world. And with ever-shrinking margins, many simply cannot afford expensive attorneys to help them.

Mr. Gottlieb has advised restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and catering companies on a wide variety of issues. He offers reduced rates to these clients to help them succeed.

Mr. Gottlieb advises restaurateurs on numerous issues including:

Start-up and On-Going:

  • Entity formation (LLC, Corp) and governance
  • Leases and tenant improvements
  • Equipment leases and purchases
  • Loan negotiation and contracts
  • Investor/Lender solicitation, negotiations, and contracts
  • Credit card merchant contracts
  • Partnership agreements
  • Vendor contracts
  • Liquor licensing, application denials or conditions
  • Health Department licensing
  • Employment contracts, policies and procedures, and employee handbooks
  • Affiliated company agreements (e.g. multiple outlets)
  • Management company agreements
  • Business licensing
  • Sidewalk café permits
  • Lottery licenses
  • Trademarks and servicemarks
  • Purchase or sale of a restaurant, bar, night club, or catering company
  • Estate planning to protect assets from future creditors

Disputes and Litigation:

  • Regulatory violations (OLCC liquor license violations, noise ordinance violations, occupancy permit violations, health code violations, BOLI actions)
  • Vendor disputes and settlements
  • Debtor representation (defense for lawsuits from creditors)
  • Defense for personal injury and premises liability claims
  • Partnership disputes
  • Negotiations with payroll/taxing authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service, Oregon Department of Revenue, Oregon Employment Department, Washington Department of Revenue, and Washington Department of Labor and Industries

Representative Current and Former Clients:

  • The 720 Room
  • Bartini
  • Be Zinful Catering
  • Blackstone American Grill
  • Brix Tavern
  • Cafe Nation
  • Dog House Saloon
  • Duck Pond Cellars
  • Greek Cusina
  • Hamburger Mary's Portland
  • Liner & Elsen Wine Merchants
  • Pearl Catering
  • Portland Sports Bar and Grill
  • Rivers American Grill
  • Tillicum Tavern
  • Urban Fondue
  • Urban Studio
  • Studio 503
  • The Viper Room
  • Voodoo Lounge

Affiliations and Education:

  • Member, Oregon State Bar
  • Member, Washington State Bar
  • Member, Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association
  • Participant, Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service, Restaurant/OLCC Panel
  • Juris Doctorate, cum laude, Certificate in Business Law, Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College

Contact Mr. Gottlieb for a free consultation at 503-546-0498 or www.gottlieb-law.com.