Michael Johnson Legal LLC

Lawyers for Small Businesses and Physicians

Connect

PERSONAL SERVICE

Building personal relationships is the cornerstone of our practice.

Flat Fee Packages

No shock-billing here! You will know what to expect.

Preventive Lawyering

Consult us in advance to avoid legal spend.

About Michael

Too many physicians are left guessing on their contracts because they lack access to a lawyer who understands their unique needs. Physician contracting is a detailed, nuanced area of the law. We pride ourselves on serving physicians with a personalized evaluation of their contracts, thoughtful negotiation strategies, and enforcement when necessary.

Large law firms often price themselves out of this market with excessive overhead and marketing that raises costs, not quality. Our mission is to change this and provide a voice for physicians. I designed our lean, client-centered practice so we could faithfully serve small businesses and physicians, not mega-corporations. We would love an opportunity to help you achieve your goals.

Read More

ESTIMATED COST OF REPLACING A PHYSICIAN (AMA)

ESTIMATED PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE BY 2034 (AMA)

TYPICAL EARNINGS FOR THE FIRST 2-5 YEARS POST-TRAINING (ME)

Physician Contract Law

Protecting Your Career in Medicine

Z

Employment

Evaluating and negotiating your physician employment contracts.

Read More +

Knowledge is power, and our primary goal is to help you evaluate and understand what your physician contract means for your career and life plan. We use our experience to identify potential advantageous areas to negotiate, and help you pursue your goals.

Z

1099 – Independent Contractor and Locums

Protecting independent contractors and locums/part time contracts.

Read More +

Full-time W2 employment is not always best. The flexibility and control afforded by 1099 IC and Locums contracts can be a great addition to your full-time employed position, or can be your primary employment. We help you navigate the unique issues independent physicians face with these contracts and help you pursue maximum value.

Z

Partnership

Guiding you to favorable ownership rights in private practices.

Read More +

The nature of a ‘partnership’ contract creates unique rights and responsibilities between you and your partners. We help understand and negotiate those terms, evaluating what this change means for your life plan and career.

Z

Arbitration and Litigation

Prosecuting and defending your legal claims.

Read More +

Noncompete, Nonsolicit, Term and Termination, Compensation, Breach of Contract, Fraud, and Employment claims… lean on our background and experience to preserve and defend your legal rights through arbitration or litigation.

Z

Renegotiation + Exit Strategy

Strategizing how to renegotiate and exit your current practice (they go together for a reason!)

Read More +

Advising physicians on thoughtful ways to obtain a better legal relationship through renegotiation and obtaining new employment offers. If you are wondering, “How should I navigate changing practices?” – You are in the right place!

Z

PHYSICIAN COMPENSATION

You deserve fair, clear, and enforceable compensation packages.

Read More +

We have the MGMA data and the experience to interpret that information to assist you in evaluating compensation packages. This information, especially when paired with local competitive offers and the ability to leave, can create leverage to renegotiate compensation. We help you advocate for appropriate compensation for your work.

Business Law

Personal service on a customized budget

Z

Formation and Incorporation

Navigating the early stages of your business, including corporate formation, operating agreements, and business consulting.

Read More +

I help start-ups set their business up for success. For example, there are several different corporate forms with unique advantages. Multi-member LLCs need to have a written operating agreement, executed by all members, clearly delineating ownership interest, management responsibilities, and how a member can dissociate.

Read more on this topic in this post, “LLC Operating Agreement: Every LLC Needs One”.

 

Z

Contract Design and Strategy

Securing and negotiating the key contracts that form the legal foundations of your business.

Read More +

It is vital to strategically design the legal relationships between the business and its most valuable employees, co-owners, independent contractors, suppliers, and clients. Contracts should be in writing. Although handshake agreements can be quick and efficient, the business may be disadvantaged when a dispute arises.

Z

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Preserving and defending your business through litigation and dispute resolution.

Read More +

I assist businesses by litigating and resolving a wide variety of issues, including LLC member disputes, breach of contract, B2B torts, consumer protection, and any other claims that may arise. I am equally involved in representing plaintiffs and defendants, and have extensive experience in all stages of litigation.

Read more on this topic in this post, “Demystifying Small Business Litigation“.

Z

Mergers and Acquisitions

Growing, acquiring, or selling your business through small business M&A.

Read More +

You can become a business owner or grow your existing business by acquiring another business. You also have the option of cashing out and selling your business. A merger or acquisition (“M&A”) includes a purchase of assets or of stock of another company. You may initially think of M&A as something only the largest companies do, but often great value can be purchased by merger or acquisition of a small company.

Z

Outsourced General Counsel

Part-time general counsel and risk management on a personalized budget for your business.

Read More +

I am here to simplify potentially complex legal issues and help you focus on your core competencies. I deliver value in management and retention of employees, insurance coverages and risk management, employment agreements and handbooks, ongoing contract management, accounts receivables, and leases.

Read more on this topic in this post, “Small Business General Counsel“.

Virtual Law Practice

Reducing costs, not quality.

I have practiced remotely and virtually since the inception of Michael Johnson Legal. My goal has been to aggressively reduce overhead and marketing costs to ensure you are paying for my legal expertise instead of a view from an expensive office. I have offices in Milwaukee and New Orleans, but 99% of my client communications are completed virtually.

The Process

Step 1

Free initial consult via Zoom (1 Hour)

Step 2

Detailed physician contract evaluation report

Step 3

Follow up Zoom conference (1 Hour)

Step 4

Send tailored negotiation letter to employer

Step 5

Evaluate the employer response! Are you ready to sign, negotiate further, or walk away?!?

Schedule an Initial Consult

What People Say

Testimonials

"He will be my first call."

“I received a demand letter from a former business partner with what I believed to be a fraudulent lawsuit. When faced with a long and potentially costly trial I reached out to Michel to help resolve this matter. I must say his professionalism as well as his communication skills and availability were a huge comfort in a very stressful time. As a result of working with Michael I was able to reach a settlement that worked for both me and my former business partner. I would highly suggest working with Michael, and if I’m ever faced with a similar situation, he will be my first call.”

T.B. – Small Business Owner, Medical Distribution

"...he always had my business interests at the forefront."

“During the initial months of COVID-19 shutdowns, my commercial tenant stopped paying. Michael’s legal and business expertise helped guide me through a challenging and shifting legal landscape. I felt he always had my business interests at the forefront. He helped me through demand letters and strategic communications to renegotiate the commercial lease and avoid costly default and eviction proceedings.”

M.T. – Commercial Landlord

"All physicians should consult Michael before they sign any employment contract."

“Michael evaluated and negotiated my moonlighting contracts through residency and my first attending contract. Physicians are often shy about pushing for what they deserve. Michael can help you push for more. Michael is great at simplifying the intentionally-frustrating legalese in employment contracts and helping advocate for what is important to you. He understands how physician employment contracts have a huge impact on your life and your family because we have gone through this process as a family. All physicians should consult Michael before they sign any employment contract.”

ALLYSON DARGA M.D. – MICHAEL’S WIFE, PSYCHIATRIST, POTENTIALLY BIASED REVIEWER!

Blog

View All

Schedule an Initial Consult

I WILL GET BACK TO YOU BY THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY

Unless I am in trial, I will promptly return your message before the end of the next business day. Almost all of my prospective client appointments are virtual. Please indicate whether you would like to meet by phone call, FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype. Please also note that nothing you put in the message box shall create an attorney-client relationship and shall not be held confidential. If you know who the adverse party will be on your issue, please include that party in your message so that I may check for potential conflicts.

Follow Us

physiciancontracts

671

physiciancontracts

I prefer 90 to 180 days notice period for first contract physicians because it is very difficult to seamlessly transition into a new job in less time than that and avoid missing paychecks. When you factor in interviewing, getting an offer letter, getting a contract, negotiating the contract, waiting for credentialing, privileges, being approved with various payors, and other onboarding issues, it can be exceedingly challenging to transition jobs in less than 90 days. For early career physicians, having an unexpected gap in employment and missed paychecks could be exceedingly costly financially. After a couple decades, it could be easier to navigate a temporary loss of income, but I like to prioritize ensuring that early career physicians have a protected offramp that allows them to avoid unexpected financial issues during an exit. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

Open
I prefer 90 to 180 days notice period for first contract physicians because it is very difficult to seamlessly transition into a new job in less time than that and avoid missing paychecks. When you factor in interviewing, getting an offer letter, getting a contract, negotiating the contract, waiting for credentialing, privileges, being approved with various payors, and other onboarding issues, it can be exceedingly challenging to transition jobs in less than 90 days. For early career physicians, having an unexpected gap in employment and missed paychecks could be exceedingly costly financially. After a couple decades, it could be easier to navigate a temporary loss of income, but I like to prioritize ensuring that early career physicians have a protected offramp that allows them to avoid unexpected financial issues during an exit. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

I prefer 90 to 180 days notice period for first contract physicians because it is very difficult to seamlessly transition into a new job in less time than that and avoid missing paychecks. When you factor in interviewing, getting an offer letter, getting a contract, negotiating the contract, waiting for credentialing, privileges, being approved with various payors, and other onboarding issues, it can be exceedingly challenging to transition jobs in less than 90 days. For early career physicians, having an unexpected gap in employment and missed paychecks could be exceedingly costly financially. After a couple decades, it could be easier to navigate a temporary loss of income, but I like to prioritize ensuring that early career physicians have a protected offramp that allows them to avoid unexpected financial issues during an exit. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023 ...

I prefer 90 to 180 days notice period for first contract physicians because it is very difficult to seamlessly transition into a new job in less time than that and avoid missing paychecks. When you factor in interviewing, getting an offer letter, getting a contract, negotiating the contract, waiting for credentialing, privileges, being approved with various payors, and other on boarding issues, it can be exceedingly challenging to transition jobs in less than 90 days. For early career physicians, having an unexpected gap in employment and missed paychecks could be exceedingly costly financially. After a couple decades, it could be easier to navigate a temporary loss of income, but I like to prioritize ensuring that early career physicians have a protected offramp that allows them to avoid unexpected financial issues during an exit. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

Open
I prefer 90 to 180 days notice period for first contract physicians because it is very difficult to seamlessly transition into a new job in less time than that and avoid missing paychecks. When you factor in interviewing, getting an offer letter, getting a contract, negotiating the contract, waiting for credentialing, privileges, being approved with various payors, and other on boarding issues, it can be exceedingly challenging to transition jobs in less than 90 days. For early career physicians, having an unexpected gap in employment and missed paychecks could be exceedingly costly financially. After a couple decades, it could be easier to navigate a temporary loss of income, but I like to prioritize ensuring that early career physicians have a protected offramp that allows them to avoid unexpected financial issues during an exit. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

I prefer 90 to 180 days notice period for first contract physicians because it is very difficult to seamlessly transition into a new job in less time than that and avoid missing paychecks. When you factor in interviewing, getting an offer letter, getting a contract, negotiating the contract, waiting for credentialing, privileges, being approved with various payors, and other on boarding issues, it can be exceedingly challenging to transition jobs in less than 90 days. For early career physicians, having an unexpected gap in employment and missed paychecks could be exceedingly costly financially. After a couple decades, it could be easier to navigate a temporary loss of income, but I like to prioritize ensuring that early career physicians have a protected offramp that allows them to avoid unexpected financial issues during an exit. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023 ...

Physicians often get tripped up with the idea of a “contract term“… The term of the contract should not matter because you should have a termination without cause clause that allows you or the employer to end a legal relationship with 90 to 180 days of notice. The “term” should not mean that you or the employer are locked in and cannot leave the legal relationship for that long of a period, as being locked into a long relationship under threat of legal action, can be exceedingly problematic for your career plans, life goals, and frankly, your mental health. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

Open
Physicians often get tripped up with the idea of a “contract term“… The term of the contract should not matter because you should have a termination without cause clause that allows you or the employer to end a legal relationship with 90 to 180 days of notice. The “term” should not mean that you or the employer are locked in and cannot leave the legal relationship for that long of a period, as being locked into a long relationship under threat of legal action, can be exceedingly problematic for your career plans, life goals, and frankly, your mental health. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

Physicians often get tripped up with the idea of a “contract term“… The term of the contract should not matter because you should have a termination without cause clause that allows you or the employer to end a legal relationship with 90 to 180 days of notice. The “term” should not mean that you or the employer are locked in and cannot leave the legal relationship for that long of a period, as being locked into a long relationship under threat of legal action, can be exceedingly problematic for your career plans, life goals, and frankly, your mental health. #physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023 ...

Physicians often get tripped up with the idea of a “contract term“… The term of the contract should not matter because you should have a termination without cause clause that allows you or the employer to end a legal relationship with 90 to 180 days of notice. The “term” should not mean that you or the employer are locked in and cannot leave the legal relationship for that long of a period, as being locked into a long relationship under threat of legal action, can be exceedingly problematic for your career plans, life goals, and frankly, your mental health.#physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

Open
Physicians often get tripped up with the idea of a “contract term“… The term of the contract should not matter because you should have a termination without cause clause that allows you or the employer to end a legal relationship with 90 to 180 days of notice. The “term” should not mean that you or the employer are locked in and cannot leave the legal relationship for that long of a period, as being locked into a long relationship under threat of legal action, can be exceedingly problematic for your career plans, life goals, and frankly, your mental health.#physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023

Physicians often get tripped up with the idea of a “contract term“… The term of the contract should not matter because you should have a termination without cause clause that allows you or the employer to end a legal relationship with 90 to 180 days of notice. The “term” should not mean that you or the employer are locked in and cannot leave the legal relationship for that long of a period, as being locked into a long relationship under threat of legal action, can be exceedingly problematic for your career plans, life goals, and frankly, your mental health.#physicianemploymentcontract #physicianemploymentcontractreview #physicianemploymentlawyer #physician #physicians #physicianresident #resident #residents #medstudent #medstudents #medicalstudent #medicalstudents #DocsNegotiate2023 ...