Braden O’Brien is an Attorney in the Firm’s Denver office and a member of the corporate practice group. After a pre-law career in various early-stage startups and multi-state sales for a cannabis equipment company, Mr. O’Brien recognized the significant challenges startups faced, especially in fundraising and navigating the intricacies of highly- regulated industries. This realization spurred Mr. O’Brien’s journey into law, where he aspired to alleviate challenges for entrepreneurs, enabling them to focus on their true passions. His legal practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and emerging companies’ matters, and broader corporate counseling. He advises buyers, sellers, founders, and investors on deal structuring, due diligence, negotiation of definitive transaction documents, entity formation, governance, and strategic transactions, with experience supporting clients in highly regulated industries including cannabis and food systems.
In law school, Mr. O’Brien’s dedication to supporting startups was evident. As managing director of the Deming Center Venture Fund, he led a team that performed due diligence on early-stage companies, investing in Colorado startups on behalf of the University of Colorado. He also valued his time at the school’s entrepreneurial law clinic, where he deepened his understanding of the tangible work attorneys do for founders. Further, through negotiation classes and competitions, Mr. O’Brien honed his skills in advocating for clients, ensuring their business interests were protected and enhanced. Since entering private practice, he has helped clients close middle-market M&A transactions, venture financings, and other strategic corporate matters. His experience includes drafting and negotiating purchase and ancillary agreements, coordinating closings and post-closing obligations, preparing disclosure schedules and data rooms, advising on capitalization and investor rights, and supporting corporate structuring and governance for emerging growth companies.
With an undergraduate degree in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Mr. O’Brien loves supporting business owners and is personally energized by working with the passionate, creative individuals who make up Buchalter’s clients. His background clearly informs his legal approach, making him adept at understanding client needs and delivering high-quality services. In working with Mr. O’Brien, clients can expect an attorney who not only understands their challenges but also anticipates their needs. As a reliable, empathetic, and solutions-oriented professional, Mr. O’Brien is an asset to any team or project and is genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.