Joe Wallin

For entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and savvy investors across the Washington region, navigating the intricate legal landscape of startups, corporate finance, and significant business transactions can be the difference between success and stagnation. In this specialized field, Joe Wallin stands out as a highly respected and influential attorney based in Seattle, Washington. Associated with the reputable firm Carney Badley Spellman, P.S., Mr. Wallin has dedicated his career to guiding early-stage and growth companies from their inception through to successful exit, and he also represents the investors and founders who fuel their journeys.

With a career spanning over three decades, Joe Wallin has not only earned a reputation for his exceptional legal acumen but has also been a proactive voice in shaping policies that support the growth of the startup ecosystem. He is well-known for his involvement in advocating for laws that make it easier for companies to raise capital, including having drafted the first version of Washington's equity crowdfunding law. His deep understanding of corporate law, coupled with his hands-on experience in the startup world, makes him an indispensable resource for anyone involved in business ventures in Washington State.

Joe Wallin's office is conveniently situated in the heart of Seattle, Washington, within the prestigious Columbia Center. The full address is 701 5th Ave #3600, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. This prominent location in one of Seattle's tallest and most recognizable buildings offers excellent accessibility for clients throughout the Puget Sound area and beyond.

The Columbia Center's downtown setting means it is exceptionally well-connected by Seattle's robust public transportation network. Numerous King County Metro bus routes stop within easy walking distance, and the Sound Transit Link Light Rail has a station nearby, providing convenient access from various neighborhoods in Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding communities. For those traveling by car, the office is strategically located with quick access to major interstate highways like I-5 and I-90. While downtown Seattle parking can be competitive, several parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity of the Columbia Center, offering options for visitors. The central and well-appointed location underscores the firm's professionalism and commitment to serving its diverse clientele with ease.

Joe Wallin focuses his practice on the unique legal needs of early-stage and growth companies, as well as the individuals and entities that invest in them. His comprehensive suite of services includes:

• Startup Company Formations: Assisting new businesses with the legal groundwork for their establishment, including choosing the right business structure (e.g., LLCs, corporations), drafting foundational documents, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Angel and Venture Financings: Guiding companies through the complex process of raising capital from angel investors and venture capitalists, including drafting and negotiating term sheets, investment agreements, and related financing documents. He also represents investors in these transactions.

• Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Providing legal counsel for both buyers and sellers in significant business transactions, including asset purchases, stock purchases, and other forms of mergers and acquisitions, from due diligence to closing.

• Equity Compensation: Advising on the design, adoption, and administration of various equity compensation plans, such as stock options, restricted stock units, and other incentive arrangements, crucial for attracting and retaining talent in growth companies.

• Stock Option/Equity Plan Administration: Assisting companies with the ongoing management and compliance related to their equity compensation plans.

• Revenue Loans and Alternative Financing Structures: Exploring and implementing various non-dilutive or alternative financing methods to suit the specific needs of a growing business.

• Cannabis and CBD Law: Providing specialized legal advice within the evolving regulatory framework for cannabis and CBD-related businesses.

• General Counsel Services: Offering ongoing legal advice to companies on a range of day-to-day business matters, essentially acting as an outsourced general counsel.

• Securities & Corporate Finance: Guiding clients through the intricacies of securities laws, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations related to capital raises and corporate financial transactions.

Joe Wallin's professional profile is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his expertise and influence in the startup and business legal community:

• Pioneer in Startup Law: He has been actively helping early-stage companies and their investors since the late 1990s, making him one of the most seasoned attorneys in Seattle focusing on the startup ecosystem.

• Award-Winning Attorney: Joe Wallin has been consistently recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law, Business Organizations, and Clean Tech Law for multiple years, including 2018-2022 and 2024. He has also been listed as one of Washington's Super Lawyers since 2009. These accolades are based on rigorous peer reviews, reflecting his high standing among his legal colleagues.

• Legislative Influence: He played a crucial role in the development of Washington's equity crowdfunding law, having drafted the first version of the bill and testifying in its favor. This demonstrates his commitment to fostering a favorable legal environment for startups and small businesses.

• Author and Thought Leader: Joe Wallin is the co-author of "Angel Investing: Start to Finish," a comprehensive guide for investors and entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of angel investing. He also contributes to legal blogs and has been published in outlets like the Wall Street Journal, sharing his insights and expertise.

• Public Policy Advocate: As a member of the Angel Capital Association's Public Policy Advisory Council, he actively advocates for policies that aim to make it less challenging for companies to raise capital, showcasing his dedication beyond individual client representation.

• Comprehensive Client Support: He represents companies from their very inception to their eventual exit, providing ongoing general counsel services. This continuity of support is invaluable for businesses as they grow and evolve.

• Strategic Partnerships: His affiliation with Carney Badley Spellman, a full-service law firm, means clients benefit not only from his specialized corporate and securities expertise but also from access to the firm's robust litigation team for any disputes or contract enforcement needs.

In the realm of highly specialized corporate and business law, firms like Joe Wallin's, operating within Carney Badley Spellman, typically do not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. The legal services provided are highly tailored to the specific needs and complexities of each startup, emerging company, or investor transaction.

However, prospective clients interested in Joe Wallin's expertise can expect a professional and comprehensive initial consultation. During this consultation, businesses and individuals can discuss their legal needs, explore potential strategies, and gain an understanding of the scope of services and the firm's fee structure. While specific details on consultation fees or billing arrangements are best confirmed directly with the firm, corporate and transactional legal services are generally billed on an hourly basis. It is always recommended to contact Joe Wallin's office to discuss your unique situation and understand how their services align with your business goals and budget.

For businesses, startups, and investors in Washington seeking expert legal guidance from Joe Wallin, you can reach out using the following contact details:

• Address: 701 5th Ave #3600, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

• Phone: (206) 669-0997

• Mobile Phone: +1 206-669-0997

The team at Carney Badley Spellman is available during business hours to assist with inquiries and provide information on scheduling a consultation with Mr. Wallin.

For entrepreneurs, founders, and investors building and growing businesses within the vibrant Washington State economy, Joe Wallin offers an unparalleled combination of legal expertise, industry insight, and advocacy. His deep specialization in early-stage and growth companies, corporate finance, and mergers & acquisitions directly addresses the critical legal needs of the local startup and business community. Washington residents can benefit immensely from his decades of experience guiding companies from nascent ideas to successful exits.

His accessible location in the iconic Columbia Center in downtown Seattle further enhances his suitability for locals. It ensures that businesses across Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound region can easily access his office via various transportation methods, making expert legal counsel practical and convenient. Beyond his direct client work, Joe Wallin's active involvement in shaping state crowdfunding laws and his role as a public policy advocate demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the business landscape for local entrepreneurs. He's not just a lawyer; he's a contributor to the ecosystem that helps Washington businesses thrive.

His consistent recognition as a "Lawyer of the Year" and "Super Lawyer" by his peers is a testament to his high ethical standards and legal proficiency, providing local business leaders with confidence in his capabilities. When navigating complex financing rounds, strategic acquisitions, or simply setting up a new venture, having Joe Wallin's seasoned advice means local businesses are supported by an attorney who is deeply invested in their success and the overall economic growth of the Washington State.