From Big Law to Main Street: Adam Yohanan’s Solo Journey as a Business Lawyer

The legal field is known for its well-established path, where law school graduates typically join established firms or pursue traditional legal careers. Adam Yohanan, a Brooklyn-based business lawyer, chose a different route — one that allowed him to take his future into his own hands. 

According to the American Bar Association, less than 1% of law school graduates start a solo practice. With his recent decision to launch his own law firm, Adam is defying the odds and bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the table. His corporate law background, paired with his passion for supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, artists, and entertainers, makes him the go-to legal advisor for small businesses across the United States. 

But representing Main Street wasn’t always part of his career path. 

“I was always interested in business, but I wanted to tackle it from the legal side,” says Yohanan. “I didn’t always know I would be a small business lawyer on my own. This has been the unexpected part.”

Yohanan’s journey to becoming a business lawyer started in the prestigious world of “Big Law” firms, where he honed his skills working for industry giants Milbank and Willkie Farr. However, Adam realized that his true calling was to serve the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives. 

“I aim to be a one-stop shop for local small businesses,” Yohanan says. “I have experience as someone who came from the big firms that were serving all the big banks. Now, I’m using those transactional law skills to serve Main Street, small businesses.”

As the founder of Yohanan PLLC, a boutique business transactional law firm, Adam Yohanan offers a wide range of services tailored to the specific needs of small businesses. From commercial contracts to business formations, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity finance, and intellectual property, Adam acts as a one-stop legal advisor for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the intricacies of the business world. 

Having ventured out independently for only a few short months, Yohanan has faced his fair share of challenges and successes. However, his transition from “Big Law” has allowed him to connect with his clients more personally, as they face similar challenges as small business owners.

“Being on my own is new, and it can be scary. But it’s something that most small businesses deal with,” Yohanan says. “I think a lot of the clients find me relatable because they see that I’m dealing with the same things. It’s helped me connect with them.”

Recently, Yohanan successfully closed an exciting merger deal between two local talent management companies. After the deal signed, the merged company brought Yohanan on as general counsel. 

“After I represent a company in a big deal, I try to stay on as general counsel to deal with all their day-to-day legal needs after dealing with a big picture transaction,” he says. “Being a general counsel allows me to learn the ins and outs of the company on the business side.”

While Adam’s firm is based in Brooklyn, his services extend beyond city limits. Adam’s reach is global, with clients throughout the United States and even in other countries. Whether it’s providing guidance on cross-border transactions or working with local counsel in international deals, Adam ensures that his clients receive the support they need to thrive in the global marketplace.

“I have acted as local counsel to companies in Canada, the UK, and Israel as they do business with US companies and expand to the US,” he says. “Similarly, I’ve represented US companies as they expand abroad. In order to be a good lawyer to Main Street USA, I need to have an international mindset.”

Adam Yohanan’s journey as a solo practitioner in the legal profession is a remarkable feat. By combining his experience from “Big Law” with a heartfelt dedication to serving small businesses, Adam is reshaping the business law landscape. As he continues to advocate for Main Street America, Adam Yohanan stands as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and a beacon of hope for those seeking legal guidance in the ever-evolving world of small businesses.