Hire the Best Contract Managers

🏆TOP RATED PLUS🏆 $100+ Billion in deals over 20+ years. I started my career on Wall Street in Corporate, M&A, and Securities Laws. I now provide strategic legal counsel and business consulting tailored to high-stakes business initiatives as well as critical advice to startups and companies raising capital. 💬"Joe helped me buy back my company from my former partners and navigate difficult waters where soured friendships turned ugly. He was gracious and understanding, yet also highly astute, often saving me from myself. He was conscious of our budget and mindful of necessary next steps. He was time sensitive and readily available. He saved my business." 💬"I have consulted with Joe on several occasions myself and referred to him, and he has delivered above and beyond each time. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field, transparent, and very responsive. Highly recommend Raetzer PLLC!" 🔴CORE PRACTICE AREAS: Capital Raising: Structuring and preparing Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs), SAFE Notes, Convertible Notes, Promissory Notes, Bridge Notes, Warrants, Reg A, Reg CF, Reg D, and Reg S offerings. Business Consulting: Strategic review of current business, new business/product lines and market entrance. Business Transactions: Representing buyers and sellers in domestic and cross-border M&A. Startups and Growth-Stage Businesses: Formation, structuring, scaling, and preparing businesses for investment or acquisition. Exit Planning: Legal strategy and execution for business sales and investor exits. Strategic Advisory: Advising boards of directors, C-suite executives and founders on overall business strategy and business acquisition/disposition matters. 💬"Joe is incredibly knowledgeable and has been great to work with! He helped us initially with writing and reviewing our sales agreements and has become indispensable as we navigate a tricky situation with a finance merchant. Highly recommend" 💬"Outstanding legal expertise and absolutely great to work with. Highly recommend." 🔴LEGAL EXPERTISE: Structuring and negotiating complex M&A and capital markets transactions. Drafting core transactional documents: purchase agreements, subscription agreements, operating/shareholder agreements, and corporate governance materials. Advising on securities compliance, including Reg A, Reg D, and Reg S offerings, Blue Sky compliance, and SEC filings. Fund formation and structured finance: extensive experience with CDOs, CMBS/RMBS, and Investment Company Act issues. Partnering with senior management and boards to align legal strategies with business objectives. Collaborating with international counsel and multidisciplinary teams on multijurisdictional deals. 💬"Raetzer PLLC has been incredibly helpful for my business. Super honest, trustworthy and legitimate service! I will be hiring them again for my next acquisition deal." 💬"Professional service and extremely fast turn around. I enjoyed working with Joseph who drafted high quality contracts and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a top notch service!" 🔴TRACK RECORD: Former Senior Associate Attorney at international Corporate M&A powerhouse Clifford Chance and top Corporate & Structured Finance law firm Thacher Proffitt & Wood both in Manhattan (New York City), where I represented investment banks, public and private companies, private equity sponsors, startups and hedge funds on strategic transactions. Closed and supported multi-billion-dollar deals across industries and jurisdictions. Delivered practical legal solutions to drive successful outcomes for clients ranging from startups to global financial institutions. I am licensed to practice law in New York and Texas. Corporate & Securities Attorney | Strategic Deal Advisor | M&A and Capital Raising Specialist 💬"Joseph Raetzer assisted me with drafting my asset purchase agreement. He provided excellent legal support for a fraction of the cost compared to a larger law firm." 💬"Joseph and the Raetzer PLLC team were exceptional — professional, responsive, and thorough from start to finish. They provided clear guidance, moved quickly, and made what could have been a complex process seamless. Highly recommend their firm for anyone seeking reliable and efficient legal support." 💬"Raetzer PLLC worked closely with us to successfully execute the lease for our new office on Wall Street, providing valuable counsel throughout the process. Joe is punctual, meticulous, and an exceptional attorney — highly professional and a pleasure to work with." 💬"Joe always kept my best interest at heart and helped me navigate a sensitive business contract. Highly recommended. Thanks again"

A Story Steeped in Sound Jessie, known in the industry as the “Music Business Nerd,” blends a solid foundation in music business with specialized expertise in intellectual property. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business and Audio Production from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and a Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Jessie is currently pursuing a J.D. at the ABA-accredited Western State College of Law. This multifaceted background enables Jessie to offer comprehensive consulting services to artists, talent managers, and industry professionals alike. Jessie’s services focus on safeguarding the creative and financial rights of talent through intellectual property protection, meticulous contract review and negotiations, and conflict resolution. Jessie is also dedicated to helping artists establish and manage their royalty accounts, conducting royalty audits (not forensic accounting), collection of past royalties (where possible), and providing hands-on guidance for tracking and monitoring royalty payments. Known for an analytical, detail-oriented approach, Jessie empowers artists and their teams with the knowledge and tools they need to maximize revenue and protect their work in a competitive and complex industry. As a seasoned advocate for artists’ rights and a passionate educator, Jessie Monville combines business savvy with a deep legal understanding, making a meaningful impact across the entertainment landscape. Jessie’s goal is to support a fair, transparent, and artist-driven music industry where creatives can flourish with an understanding of how their original works, and likeness are protected and compensated. *****IMPORTANT HOUSEKEEPING NOTES***** As I genuinely strive to "leave people better than I found them," I care very much for helping as many people as possible in understanding "The Machine." In my efforts to do so and against the urging of many amazing attorneys I work with, I keep the hourly rate quite low for the work product provided. That said, there have been a few instances of late where (perhaps innocently), a few have reached out with what started as a simple question and went on to many, requiring quite a bit of time. Please know that it would be disrespectful for those clients who are paying for consulting, for me to spend more than a couple minutes on a question without an agreement. I know it is likely unintentional, and I will always make a comment such as, "any further assistance will need to be contracted" in order to be fair to the clients who are paying for consulting. Always happy to hear your questions and help provide an estimate in advance. Appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your understanding and patience on responses and response times, as in order to accommodate clients from around the globe, I try to have unique hours where I am often working in the middle of the night into the early morning and again mid/late afternoon in order to accommodate as many time zones as possible and often on weekends. Therefore, while I am able to schedule calls/video consultation in a wide range of hours/days, please know if I have not answered your message quickly (and you are not a currently contracted client) it is likely I am recharging, taking a meal break, or in the middle of working on something for a client and I will answer as soon as possible. (Generally within 12 hours of receiving a message from a non-contract client) If you have a truly urgent need, i.e. song is releasing in 24 hours, or you received a "scary letter" please type URGENT clearly and as the first words. This, will capture my attention in less time. Lastly, in an effort to ensure all clients walk away with a better understanding of how "the machine" works in their unique situation, I will always do my absolute best to give you the options you have, possible outcomes of those options and generally standard industry practices in the given situation. Often this can be news that is not comfortable or what someone wishes to hear. Please know that it is my duty to be honest and transparent and sometimes, that is to give information that is not what a client hoped for. Just know, most situations are able to be worked out. In some cases it may be a little costly or time consuming, but it is more often than not the case that there are solutions. Where a matter requires a licensed attorney to assist, I work with several spanning several states, and they are happy to provide an Artist Friendly quote. ****MY GIFT TO CLIENTS**** Any client who has hired me for a total of $250 or more, may request a free copy of the guide I have been working on for years that breaks down: royalties, what they are, the registrations you actually need, and how "the money moves". Not a client or under $250? You may send a proposal for 1-hour of consulting with a note that it is for the guide, and I will send you the password protected document (24hrs).

Recognized by The Legal 500 GC Powerlist (2021–2026), I support attorneys and legal teams where execution matters most. I ensure contracts, disputes, and legal workflows move forward with structure, clarity, and control — not delays or rework. If your matters need to stay organized, on track, and progressing consistently, I step in and make that happen. I don’t just support legal work — I make sure it moves. I work at the intersection of legal operations, transactions, and cross-border structures, supporting environments where execution, clarity, and control are critical. With 20+ years of experience supporting U.S.-facing legal teams, executives, and multi-entity environments, my focus is ensuring that legal processes do not stall, transactions progress, and complexity is translated into structured, manageable workflows. Core areas of execution: Legal Operations & Workflow Execution Designing structured workflows that bring visibility, accountability, and follow-through into legal operations — including document management, intake, client coordination, and deadline control. Transactions & Contract Support Supporting contract drafting, review, and multi-party transaction processes where alignment, timing, and execution are critical to closing. Litigation & Arbitration Support Supporting dispute environments through drafting assistance, document control, discovery workflows, and preparation for hearings and mediation. Family Office & Cross-Border Structures Supporting multi-jurisdictional environments requiring coordination, governance, and alignment across legal and operational structures. Across all engagements, my focus remains consistent: • Bringing structure to complexity • Ensuring visibility across processes • Maintaining control over documentation and timelines • Supporting execution from initial setup through completion Legal work only creates value when it moves — when deadlines are met, information is controlled, and stakeholders remain aligned. Bilingual (English–Spanish) and experienced working remotely with distributed teams, I support attorneys and leadership teams who require reliability, responsiveness, and structured execution. If you need someone who can step into complex legal environments and ensure that work progresses with clarity, control, and consistency — I can add value immediately.

With 350+ 5-star client reviews, I am proud to serve a growing client list here on Upwork. As an experienced business and corporate attorney, I provide end-to-end legal support; handling everything from day-to-day contract management to complex transactions, governance, and compliance. Many of my clients treat me as their on-demand legal department. I draft, review, and negotiate all key agreements, guide leadership through business restructuring, oversee equity and financing documents, and help ensure corporate formalities are observed. Whether you’re a startup, established company, or investor, I deliver practical legal solutions that protect your interests and support sustainable growth. Building on years of experience working with entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies alike, I’ve earned a strong reputation for simplifying complex legal issues and turning them into clear, actionable agreements. From Nondisclosure Agreements and Master Service Agreements to Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements, I help clients avoid risk, stay compliant, and move deals forward efficiently. I also assist with Privacy Policies, Terms & Conditions, and compliance programs—keeping businesses aligned with evolving privacy and data protection laws across multiple jurisdictions. Beyond contracts, I advise on entity formation, ownership structure, capital contributions, and internal governance. This includes drafting operating and shareholder agreements, implementing compliance frameworks, and providing ongoing guidance on employment, IP, and commercial matters. I also offer a flat-fee AI Contract Review & Rewrite service for clients who start with ChatGPT or LegalZoom templates. These drafts often miss key provisions or state-specific compliance requirements. I transform them into enforceable, attorney-grade agreements tailored to your goals. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: "We had the pleasure of working with Austin on the development of our franchise agreement. He exhibited an exceptional level of efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process. His deep expertise in legal matters and understanding of our unique requirements led to the creation of a highly comprehensive and well-structured franchise agreement." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: "Working with Austin has been a pleasure. His attention to detail and expertise ensured everything was done to the highest standard. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal services." Please reach out if you need a lawyer who can help you with: ✏️ Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation ✏️ Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) ✏️ Non-Compete & Non-Solicitation Agreements ✏️ Shareholder Agreements ✏️ Partnership Agreements ✏️ Operating Agreements (LLC) ✏️ Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs) ✏️ Stock Purchase Agreements (SPAs) ✏️ Membership Interest Purchase Agreements ✏️ Joint Venture Agreements ✏️ Franchise Agreements & Disclosure Documents (FDDs) ✏️ Vendor & Supplier Contracts ✏️ Licensing Agreements & IP Assignments ✏️ SaaS Agreements & Software Licensing Agreements ✏️ Technology Transfer Agreements ✏️ Website & App Terms of Service / Terms & Conditions ✏️ Privacy Policies (U.S. & International) ✏️ Cookie Policies & Tracking Disclosures ✏️ E-Commerce Terms (Refund, Return, & Shipping Policies) ✏️ Community Guidelines & User Conduct Policies ✏️ Consulting Agreements ✏️ Investment Agreements & Subscription Agreements ✏️ Convertible Notes & SAFE Agreements ✏️ Stock Option Plans (ISOs, NSOs) ✏️ Equity Grant Agreements & Phantom Equity Plans ✏️ Loan Agreements & Promissory Notes ✏️ Escrow Agreements ✏️ Manufacturing & Supply Agreements ✏️ Distribution & Reseller Agreements ✏️ Marketing & Influencer Agreements ✏️ Master Service Agreements (MSAs) ✏️ Business Lease Agreements (Commercial Real Estate) ✏️ Independent Contractor Agreements ✏️ Employment Agreements & Severance Packages ✏️ Executive Compensation Agreements ✏️ Corporate Governance Documents & Bylaws ✏️ Demand Letters & Cease-and-Desist Letters ✏️ Corporate Compliance Policies & Employee Handbooks ✏️ Mergers & Acquisitions Support ✏️ Corporate Restructuring ✏️ Business Formation & Incorporation (LLCs, Corporations, Nonprofits) Please do not hesitate to contact me. It would be a pleasure to add you to my growing list of satisfied clients. I am happy to provide my services through both hourly and flat-fee options. I look forward to working with you! Best, Austin ** TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH UPWORK'S TERMS OF SERVICE , PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SENDING OR SHARING ANY CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OR SPECIFICS OF YOUR LEGAL MATTER PRIOR TO THE INITIATION OF A FORMAL PROJECT OR A PAID CONSULTATION. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CONSULTATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH UPWORK. ANY COMMUNICATION OUTSIDE OF UPWORK PRIOR TO A FORMAL ENGAGEMENT IS NOT PERMITTED AND CONSTITUTES A BREACH OF UPWORK'S TERMS OF SERVICE. **

UpWork's most experienced attorney freelancer. Licensed attorney with 15 years of experience. Trusted advisor to businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals seeking practical legal guidance, strategic risk assessment, and effective solutions to legal and business challenges. Experience includes contracts, labor & employment matters, business disputes, liability issues, intellectual property, legal research, and strategic advisory services. Graduate of Vermont Law School and Seton Hall University with four advanced degrees. Since launching my practice, I have assisted more than 1,000 businesses and individuals with contracts, disputes, employment matters, risk management, compliance, and strategic legal guidance. I focus on practical solutions, responsive communication, and helping clients make informed decisions that protect their interests and achieve their objectives. Just read what my clients have said below.

I'll help you draft and review clear, business-friendly contracts that protect your interests, identify hidden risks, and help you close deals with confidence without unnecessary legalese. I am a contract law specialist skilled in contract drafting, legal writing, legal research, corporate law, probate law, and real estate agreements. I help businesses, startups, and professionals with precise contract drafting; contract review; legal agreements; clear legal documentation; strong terms & conditions; privacy policies; non-disclosure agreements (NDAs); operating agreements; partnership agreements; commercial real estate leases; trusts, estates, and wills; and corporate compliance. My work focuses on drafting, reviewing, strengthening, and delivering accurate, well-structured legal documents that protect your interests and reduce risk while ensuring clarity and compliance. With a solid foundation in Civil Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, and Employment Law, I routinely assist clients with complex documentation, entity formation, regulatory compliance, policy drafting, and contract management. I bring a disciplined approach to document analysis, file documentation, and legal drafting, ensuring every deliverable is accurate, concise, and tailored to the client’s goals. I have supported litigation teams with legal research, pleadings, and motion drafting, and I also serve as a trusted assistant for startups and small businesses, offering guidance on LLC structuring, privacy policies, NDAs, commercial leases, and risk mitigation strategies. My work reflects a commitment to professional integrity, clear communication, and practical, business-oriented solutions. Whether preparing high-stakes agreements or building out compliance frameworks, I deliver the level of precision and reliability expected from a seasoned legal consultant. █▓▒░░====== 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 - Contract Drafting & Contract Review - Terms & Conditions, Service Agreements, Privacy Policies - NDAs, Commercial Agreements, Partnership/Founder Agreements - Trust, Estates, & Wills - Prenuptial (prenup) and postnuptial (postnup) agreements - Corporate Law support: LLC formation, corporate documents, governance - Real Estate Law: commercial leases, equipment leases, property agreements - Legal Research for civil, corporate, employment, and litigation matters - Litigation support: pleadings, motions, and document analysis - Risk management guidance for small businesses and startups - File documentation, legal correspondence, and administrative support █▓▒░░====== 𝐌𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬 - Clear, concise, and compliant legal drafting - Thorough and efficient legal research - Strong understanding of civil, corporate, real estate, and employment law - Reliable communication and fast turnaround - Ability to simplify complex legal issues into actionable solutions █▓▒░░====== 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐈 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 I support: - Individuals, professionals, small businesses & startups - Real estate investors & property managers - Contractors, consultants, & service providers - Law firms needing overflow drafting or research - Corporate teams seeking documentation and compliance support █▓▒░░====== 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 Every project receives a tailored approach rooted in careful analysis, precision drafting, and a commitment to meeting your business goals. Whether you need a single agreement reviewed or a complete legal framework built from scratch, I deliver work that is accurate, structured, and ready for practical use. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭. 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝.