David W. Bland, Attorney-at-Law

2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 300, Durham, NC  27517 - 919-806-4247

david@davidwbland.com – www.davidwbland.com – http://linkedin/in/com/davidwbland

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

Business Professional, Attorney, and Entrepreneur with over 10 years successful experience including 8 years as a practicing attorney. Experience in diverse fields including management, operations, marketing, and law. Successfully founded and managed two small businesses, formulating and implementing policies and procedures, cultivating new business, marketing, identifying and raising capital, and researching markets. 

·         Proven leadership with demonstrated expertise in building client/customer relations. 

·         Demonstrated management skills, including budgeting, cost control, and external/internal relationship building.

·         Respected for integrity, diligence, and intelligence. 

·         Organized, highly motivated and detail-oriented problem solver; articulate, patient, and thorough. 

·         Ability to direct complex projects from concept to fully operational status.

New Business Development - Small Business Management

Corporate Planning - Risk Management

Policies and Procedures - Organization Development - Problem Solving/Analysis

Market Research and Analysis - Market Development - Advertising - Public Relations

Customer/Client Service – Customer/Client Relationship Building

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS

·         Launched and ran the daily operations of a home furnishings company, importing goods from Vietnam for sale to national retail chains.  Secured capital, organized the company structure, set up and managed accounting and technology, and conducted market research into the home furnishings industry. Maintained contact with Vietnamese suppliers, conducted research into internet sales options including business-to-business sales.

·         Researched A.C. Nielsen television market areas for purposes of negotiating and drafting a geographical non-compete clause in an employment agreement with ABC/Walt Disney Co.

·         Successfully researched and negotiated favorable provisions in an artist-for-hire agreement, including technical aspects of production and delivery of paintings as well as copyright provisions, with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League as a portion of a larger, multi-million dollar art acquisition agreement.

·         Researched copyright law, North Carolina consignment statutes, and case law pertinent to the visual arts. Advised and assisted on the formation of corporations or limited liability companies.  Advised on framework for accounting, arranged financing for operations, and assisted in all aspects of strategic business planning. Drafted bills of sale and consignment agreements.

·         Consulted with and advised visual artists on gallery representation and alternative sales channels. Researched local, regional, national, and international art markets; tracked comparable sales; networked with galleries and art consultants; marketed to potential buyers, including private collectors, Fortune 100 companies, and high net worth individuals; and organized exhibitions. Achieved multiple sales of medium to high dollar artworks.

·         Performed, with minimal oversight, due diligence on two multi-million dollar acquisitions by Smart Online, Inc., Reviewed all customer contracts, supplier contracts, employment agreements real estate contracts, and all other relevant documents of target companies. Made recommendations as to validity of contracts, desirability of maintaining contracts, and possible corporate issues. 

·         As general practice attorney, advised small businesses on formation and structure, compiled employee handbooks for businesses, drafted non-compete agreements, drafted wills and trusts, and closed real estate transactions.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Attorney, Bland Law PLLC    2001-present

General law practice

·         Negotiated multiple high-dollar contracts for clients in the arts and entertainment field.

·         Conducted due diligence on two multi-million dollar corporate acquisitions.

·         Advised on the formation and structure of multiple corporations, including non-profit ventures.

·         Counseled corporate clients with regard to employment matters, including drafting employee handbooks and non-compete agreements.

·         Mediated numerous Superior Court cases, including the successful settlement of several cases thought to be intractable.

Managing Partner, Phoenix Overseas Ltd.     1998-1999

·         Collaborated on business planning and launch of a home furnishings trading company.

·         Researched, identified, and imported home furnishings from Asia for sale to national retail chains.

·         Explored options for custom manufacture of home furnishings in Asia.

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor – UNC-Chapel Hill, 1996

·         Admitted to North Carolina Bar in 2001

·         Certified as a Superior Court Mediator in 2006

Bachelor of Arts – UNC-Chapel Hill, 1992