The world of business holds immense appeal for Michael Vitale. To Michael, it’s entrepreneurs who drive the economy forward. He enjoys helping businesses grow by assisting with filing incorporation paperwork, offering defense work during litigation and helping companies raise capital to get going. “It’s exciting to work with someone who says they have an idea, and want to see if they can raise money and create a business from that,” Michael says. “It’s fun to watch and help them start the business and grow it from just an idea. Some have done really well, and it’s exciting to know you were there from the beginning.”
As an attorney who primarily practices in business law, Michael focuses on product liability, construction disputes and litigation, labor and employment litigation defense, commercial litigation, business planning and commercial transactions. He also serves as primary outside counsel for several private corporations and advises these clients in matters that include litigation management, employment contracts, human resources and labor relations issues and strategic planning. Michael’s knowledge of litigation is an asset in advising companies with regard to general business affairs that often have the potential to result in litigation, and his knowledge of business helps him advise his business clients when confronted with a lawsuit or claim.
Michael’s career in law started at the Bowling Green law firm Harlin Parker in 1994. In 1995, he was one of the first attorneys hired by Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C. in Knoxville, Tenn., to open an office in Bowling Green. Michael then became a partner at Wyatt Tarrant & Combs LLP in 2002, leaving in January 2009 to join ELPO. He is a partner at ELPO and serves on the firm’s Practice Management Committee.
Michael’s experience and knowledge of how business is conducted is his greatest skill set, and something he uses every day. It’s a great complement to his law degree. “I’m very interested in business and am a great admirer of those willing to risk so much to chase a dream,” Michael says. “Being a part of that is one of the greatest benefits of my job.”
