Attorneys Paul J. Durham

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shareholder | Portsmouth, NH

Paul assists companies, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals with varied corporate matters including business formations, drafting complex domestic and international contracts, and licensing. As a former in-house Senior Counsel for an international television network, he understands the priorities of in-house lawyers and internal management teams, and brings a practical, business-minded perspective to his legal representation. Paul takes a holistic approach to legal advice, developing a big picture understanding of an organization’s objectives in order to help senior executives manage risks without losing sight of their overall vision and goals.

Paul has taught and guest lectured extensively on the subjects of business and publishing law, including at the University of New Hampshire School of Law, Southern New Hampshire University, Simmons College, and the New Hampshire Institute of Art. He is an award-winning author of books for young readers, having been honored by the New York Public Library, the American Library Association, and the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival.

Key Cases

  • Planned, drafted, and implemented Restricted Stock and other employee-incentive plans for multiple high tech manufacturers.
  • Created standard terms and conditions of sale and/or license for numerous manufacturers, service providers, and content creators.
  • Drafted and negotiated various CEO and senior-executive level employment agreements, including time and performance-vesting equity grants.
  • Prepared complex LLC Operating Agreements and shareholder agreements.
  • Represented a creative services agency in the negotiation of the television and sponsorship rights for a package of NCAA football games to be broadcast on a national cable television network.
  • Represented a producing team, including an Academy Award winning screenwriter, in the structuring and forming of an independent production company for development and production of independent films, including preparation of a private offering to initial investors.
  • Acted as outside general counsel to small and mid-size businesses in a variety of industries.

Admissions

  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Florida

Civic Involvement

  • Corporate Committee, The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH
  • Former Trustee, New Hampshire Writers Project
  • Greater Manchester Leadership Class of 2011
  • Regularly donates his time as a speaker at elementary and middle schools to help foster an appreciation of reading and writing among young people