People

Michael Portillo
J. Michael Portillo
Special Counsel

Overview

Michael Portillo represents entrepreneurs and emerging companies in the technology, renewable energy, and life sciences industries at all stages, from formation and seed financing through development of the business and venture capital financings to the liquidity event.

In his role as an outside general counsel, Michael serves as a trusted advisor to his clients, providing advice and support for governance matters, day-to-day operations and a variety of transactions, including financings, mergers and acquisitions, technology transfers and strategic partnerships.

In addition to his company-side work, Michael also has significant experience representing venture capital and strategic investors in early-stage and growth-stage financings.

Prior to joining Baker Botts, Michael was an associate in the Finance Group of another international law firm, representing lenders and borrowers in a wide range of financing transactions.

Admission & Affiliations

  • State Bar of Texas
  • J.D., Northwestern University School of Law 2015
    magna cum laude
    Order of the Coif
    Associate Editor, Northwestern University Law Review
  • B.A., History, Princeton University 2011

Experience

Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Represented the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Barnes & Noble, Inc. in its $683 million acquisition by Elliot Advisors (UK) Limited
  • Represented Equitrans Midstream Corporation (NYSE: ETRN) in its acquisition of EQGP Holdings, LP and its proposed simplification plan
  • Represented Ascent Capital Group, Inc. in its combination with its operating subsidiary Monitronics International, Inc. (d/b/a Brinks Home Security) in connection with Monitronics’ prepackaged restructuring
  • Represented EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) in divestitures of certain of its upstream and midstream Appalachian gas assets

Private Equity/Venture Capital

  • Represented multiple life sciences, technology, and energy companies in early stage venture capital financings and general corporate matters
  • Represented a venture capital fund in multiple early and late stage venture capital financings

Capital Markets

  • Represented Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP in its $430 million offering of senior notes
  • On-going counseling of public-traded companies on ’34 Act compliance and disclosure