Michael Sloan

General Counsel & Senior Legal Executive | Commercial, Corporate & Technology Transactions | Venture Capital & Portfolio Management | Communications & Tech Regulatory

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About

Senior executive attorney with a proven track record of providing strategic legal counsel to companies, investors, and executives across technology, telecommunications, and venture capital sectors. Currently a Partner at Outside General Counsel LLP, I specialize in sophisticated commercial and corporate contracts, fund formation, capital raising, portfolio investments, and regulatory compliance. With over two decades of legal experience, I have advised on complex transactions, M&A, intellectual property protection, and governance matters. My background includes serving as General Counsel for a global venture capital firm and leading practice groups at top-tier law firms, where I negotiated high-stakes agreements and navigated intricate regulatory landscapes. Passionate about empowering businesses to thrive, I bring a collaborative approach to solving legal challenges and driving growth.

Experience

  • Partner at OGC (Outside General Counsel LLP)
    Feb 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    Mike counsels companies, investors, and executives on complex commercial and corporate transactions, providing business aligned legal guidance informed by his in-house experience as the general counsel of a venture capital firm and years as an AmLaw 100 Partner. He advises on fund formation, capital raising, portfolio investments, and regulatory compliance across U.S. and international jurisdictions. As a technology and communications lawyer, he negotiates complex software, cloud, cybersecurity, and infrastructure agreements and guides clients through shifting regulatory regimes. His practice also includes representing clients in high impact regulatory and appellate matters involving telecommunications, broadband, and emerging technologies. OGC is a unique law firm that offers the relationship and experience of a traditional law firm with the cost savings and speed of an alternative legal services provider. By combining top-notch legal talent and significant business acumen, our OGCs deliver the value and efficiency of an in-house lawyer, without adding to our client’s headcount or sacrificing quality. With 80+ attorneys, each having significant senior in house experience, OGC serves companies of all sizes either as a fractional general counsel or as a seamless extension to an existing legal department. OGC’s approach is simple: We offer practical legal advice and less over-lawyering. To learn more, visit OutsideGC.com.

  • General Counsel at C5 Capital
    Jun 2022 - Jan 2026 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    • Oversee legal operations for a D.C. and London-based venture capital firm with multiple funds and portfolio companies. • Manage fund creation, capital onboarding, transactions, and regulatory compliance across various jurisdictions. • Negotiate and draft key legal documents including partnership agreements and employment contracts. • Handle employment matters, dispute resolution, and intellectual property protection for the firm.

  • Partner and Chair, Communications Practice Group, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP at Davis Wright Tremaine
    Jul 2005 - May 2022 · 16 yrs 11 mos

    • Regulatory counsel to leading broadband providers and technology firms, advising on broadband, net neutrality, competition, wireless, transfers of control, and national security matters. • Advocacy before the FCC, federal courts, and public utility commissions nationwide, including high stakes, precedent setting proceedings. • Negotiation of major technology and commercial agreements spanning SaaS, cloud, cybersecurity, software licensing, and product development. • Leadership of the Communications practice group, driving recruitment, mentorship, and operational improvement.

  • Associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    2000 - 2005 · 5 yrs

    Predecssor firm (Swidler Berlin) merged with Morgan Lewis. • Focused on litigation and regulatory matters for telecom and communications clients. • Navigated complex federal and state regulatory frameworks. • Represented clients in disputes and administrative proceedings.

  • Associate at Sidley Austin LLP
    1996 - 2000 · 4 yrs

    Civil and administrative litigation for communications, health care, and government contracting clients.