M. Brad Hill
Business Law Attorney
Brad is a North Carolina business attorney who brings first-hand experience with the pressures, decisions, and pivots that define business life, having been on both sides of the relationship as a former startup executive.
Brad works with clients at every stage of the business life cycle, from formation through exit. He advises on securing startup capital and investments, corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, labor and employment matters, and tax strategies. Whether a client is launching a new venture or navigating a complex transaction, Brad approaches each engagement with the same goal: practical, results-oriented counsel that helps businesses move forward.
Beyond transactional work, Brad leans on his litigation and compliance experience to serve as a steady general counsel resource for clients facing day-to-day legal challenges. Having drafted contracts and enforced them in court, he understands both how agreements are structured and how they hold up under pressure, a combination that helps clients avoid disputes before they start.
Brad is also recognized as a leading attorney in bail bonding law. He advises bail agents and surety companies on bail bond forfeitures and related legal matters, and has pursued numerous appellate decisions that have shaped the law in this area. Brad has also advised lawmakers on statutory changes and their practical impact, and regularly presents at industry conferences and events. He is a continuing education instructor licensed by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, where he educates bail agents and other industry stakeholders on bail bonding law.
Outside of his practice, Brad gives back to the entrepreneurial community, serving as a mentor and coach in programs such as UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and UNC’s SoftLaunch.
- J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 2012
- B.S., University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2009
- American Bar Association, Member, Business Section (LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Entities Committee and Middle Market and Small Businesses Committee)
- Mentor and Speaker, UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Speaker, North Carolina Bail Agent Association
- North Carolina
- United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
One surprising thing people don’t know about me is… I’ve worked as a professional gambler. While it may be taboo to some, many of the most successful investors and business leaders have a connection to the world of gambling. From counting cards in blackjack to betting on sports, a successful gambler finds a (legal) edge and uses it to beat the odds. I find that same strategy works well in the business world too.
My Motto: “Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation.” I firmly believe you can make your own luck in this world.
What I admire most about my clients is their willingness to take risks. Starting and growing a business is not for the faint of heart and requires one to set aside any fear or hesitation. Most of my clients wake up every day knowing that failure is a possibility, but they push forward and bet on themselves and their team. It is a special trait and one that never ceases to amaze me.
Representative Experience
- Advise companies on corporate structure to optimize for tax planning, investment, and acquisition.
- Guide startup and emerging companies through fundraising rounds, including unregistered securities offerings.
- Develop comprehensive equity and executive compensation plans for growing companies that need to attract or retain key talent.
- Negotiate and draft complex operating agreements, partnership agreements, joint-venture agreements, and other governing documents for sophisticated business ventures.
- Represent business owners through the process of selling their business.
