Business Details
22 Years
experience
Strategic Legal Counsel for Growth-Minded Companies
East Bay General Counsel PC is a boutique business law and strategic advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations navigate the intersection of law, business, and technology. With decades of experience founding and operating emerging growth companies, we provide pragmatic legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of clients ranging from early-stage startups to billion-dollar corporations. Our expertise spans complex transactions, corporate governance, intellectual property, and data privacy, with a particular focus on fintech, agtech, and digital commerce sectors. We serve as outside general counsel to Bay Area and international companies, guiding them from incorporation through successful exits. Our team combines legal acumen with real-world business leadership experience, including roles as CEOs and executives in technology-driven industries.We prioritize understanding each client's commercial goals to deliver strategic solutions that drive growth while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Our commitment to community engagement is reflected in pro bono work with nonprofit organizations and active local involvement. The firm's founders bring specialized knowledge in financial services innovation and agricultural technology, having pioneered ventures that address underserved market needs. We maintain a client-centric approach that emphasizes transparency, practical advice, and long-term partnerships built on trust and demonstrated results.
Services
Business and Commercial Law
Corporate Governance
Intellectual Property
Fintech Law
AgTech Law
CPG Law
Digital Commerce
Data Privacy
International Law
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have decades of experience guiding companies from incorporation to IPO
- Our attorneys combine legal expertise with real-world startup leadership experience
- We serve as outside general counsel to Bay Area and international companies
- We pioneered financial services solutions for underserved markets through our ventures
- Our team includes former CEOs with deep fintech and agtech industry knowledge
Services
Business and Commercial Law
We provide comprehensive legal counsel for business formation, corporate governance, and commercial transactions. Our attorneys help clients structure domestic and international operations while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. With experience spanning decades, we guide companies through complex transactions including equity financing and partnership agreements.
Intellectual Property Law
Our firm specializes in protecting clients' intellectual property assets globally. We assist with trademark registration, copyright protection, patent filings, and trade secret management. We help businesses develop IP strategies that align with their commercial objectives while safeguarding proprietary information and technological innovations.
Fintech Law
We offer specialized legal guidance for fintech companies navigating regulatory frameworks and innovative business models. Our services include compliance strategy, payment system regulations, and advising on financial technology standards. Our team includes former fintech executives who understand both legal requirements and industry-specific challenges.
AgTech Law
We provide legal counsel to agricultural technology companies working in biotechnology, food science, and sustainable farming. Our services cover technology licensing, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property protection. Our attorneys have decades of experience working with startups and investors in the agtech sector.
Data Privacy
We help organizations comply with data protection regulations including CCPA and GDPR. Our services cover privacy policy development, data breach response planning, and cross-border data transfer compliance. We provide practical solutions for managing digital commerce risks across multiple jurisdictions.
People
Chris Boas
Attorney & Founder
Seasoned business law attorney and former fintech/agtech CEO with expertise in corporate structures, commercial transactions, and intellectual property. Holds engineering and law degrees from Stanford and USF. Provides strategic legal solutions for emerging growth companies.
John Lass
Strategic Advisor
Former SVP of Strategy at CUNA Mutual Group with extensive experience in retail financial services and Silicon Valley startups. Provides strategic advisory services to growth companies. Holds Harvard MBA and University of Washington BA degrees.
Questions
What practice areas does East Bay General Counsel specialize in?
We specialize in business and commercial law, intellectual property, fintech, agtech, data privacy, and international law. Our attorneys provide strategic counsel for emerging growth companies and nonprofits across these sectors.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
We primarily serve venture-backed startups in fintech, enterprise software, ecommerce, and biotech. We also work with consumer packaged goods companies and nonprofit organizations in the East Bay and internationally.
How does your firm approach corporate governance?
We help clients establish appropriate domestic and international business structures while advising on best practices for corporate governance. Our approach combines legal expertise with practical business strategy.
Do you handle international legal matters?
Yes, we assist clients with international business setup, cross-border transactions, and compliance with global regulations. Our attorneys have experience operating businesses in Asia and Latin America.
What experience do you have with startup companies?
Our attorneys have founded and led multiple startups in financial technology and agricultural technology sectors. We provide comprehensive legal support from company formation through exit strategies.
