Mr Michael P. Cross | Partner

Michael D. Cross, Jr.   joined Briskin & Associates in May 1999 as a law clerk, became an attorney with the law firm in 2000, was named the firm's Vice President / Director of Marketing in 2005, and became an equity member of the law firm in 2008, when it was renamed Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC.  Michael's practice focuses on matters involving business law , including general corporate transactions, mergers & acquisitions, partnership and LLC law, and franchise law; employment law , including executive employment agreements, employment manuals, sales, distributor, and independent contractor agreements, and employment litigation; commercial real estate , including commercial lease preparation and negotiation, sales, acquisitions, and construction; and non-profit organizations , including the formation of and application for tax-exempt status for charitable organizations, private foundations, and trade associations.

Michael received his law degree from Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia and received his LL.M. in Taxation with honors from the University of Alabama School of Law . He received his B.A. in Political Science from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. Michael is admitted to practice in the States of Georgia and Indiana. He also belongs to various professional associations, including the Georgia Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association.

Michael also is a frequent writer and speaker. He has lectured at several continuing legal education seminars, primarily focusing upon LLCs, partnership taxation, and various matters pertaining to the operation of LLCs and corporations. Michael has been a co-author of the materials provided at each seminar. Michael currently serves as an adjunct professor of business law, ethics, media law, entrepreneurial law and organizational leadership for graduate and undergraduate courses at Reinhardt College , where he has been a member of the adjunct faculty since January, 2001, and he regularly speaks regarding various business concerns at events sponsored by other groups as well, including chambers of commerce and insurance and financial planning organizations.

Michael serves on a variety of advisory boards and steering committees. He currently is a member of the board of directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and serves as an officer and director of the Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation, Inc. Michael is a current and founding member of the steering committee of the 400 Technology Connection and is a frequent emcee for 400 Technology Connection events. He also currently is chair of the 400 Technology Connection's Small Business Subcommittee. Michael previously has served on the Small Business Committee for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, in which capacity he participated in interviewing and choosing the recipients of the Small Business Person of the Year Award in 2003 and 2004. He also serves on the President's Advisory Board for Reinhardt College's North Fulton Center.

Michael also has been quite involved in advising municipalities and elected officials. He has been appointed to and current serves on the board of directors of the Economic Development Authority of the City of Alpharetta (where he also serves as Treasurer and Secretary) and on the Downtown Development Authority for the city. He also was appointed by the Mayor of Johns Creek to three separate search committees charged with recommending a permanent City Attorney, municipal judges, and City Solicitor for the City of Johns Creek, which was formed in 2006.

Since 2005, Michael has served on the Advisory Council for Georgia Congressman Tom Price (for which he served as Chairman of the Business and Finance Subcommittee in 2006). Michael also has served as a member of the advisory board of Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley since 2004.

Michael also is very involved in the community. In 2004, Michael received the Chamber of Commerce's prestigious Harry P. Rucker Jr. Volunteer of the Year award for his volunteer work with the Chamber. Michael also enjoys providing pro bono assistance to non-profit corporations and charitable organizations through his work with the Georgia Lawyers for the Arts and ProBono Partnership Atlanta. Michael and his wife have volunteered with several successful political campaigns, including the campaigns of the U.S. Congressman for Georgia's 6th Congressional District, Georgia's Secretary of State, and members of the Fulton County Commission. They also are active members of their church, where Michael has been actively involved in the music ministry. Michael also has served as president and director of his community's homeowners' association.

Michael and his family live in Alpharetta Georgia.