To give your RFP the best chance of success, you should target firms that have a “dual personality”: deep SEC knowledge for the federal filing and specific Michigan “Blue Sky” experience to handle the LARA merit review.
Based on current 2026 data and historical performance, here are the top firms in Michigan to target with your RFP.
1. The Michigan “Blue Sky” Specialists
These firms are physically located in Michigan and deal with the LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) regulators on a weekly basis.
- Warner Norcross + Judd LLP (Grand Rapids / Detroit / Ann Arbor): One of the most active firms in Michigan for securities litigation and startup capital raising. They have former state regulators on staff who know exactly what “merit hurdles” the Michigan examiners look for.
- Foster Swift (Lansing / Detroit): Because they are headquartered in Lansing (where LARA is located), they have a “home-court advantage.” They specialize in small-to-mid-cap securities filings and “mock” compliance audits.
- Paesano Akkashian, PC (Bloomfield Hills): A specialized boutique that specifically lists Regulation A and Regulation CF as core practice areas. They are excellent for tech startups that need high-touch service without the “Big Law” price tag.
- Varnum LLP (Ann Arbor / Grand Rapids): Highly integrated into the Ann Arbor tech corridor. They are the “go-to” for high-growth tech firms that need to bridge the gap between Michigan-based founders and national investors.
2. The Tech & Venture Specialists
If your company is a high-tech or AI startup, these firms are best for drafting the “Risk Factors” and “Business Description” sections of your Form 1-A.
- Gunderson Dettmer (Ann Arbor): They are a global powerhouse for venture capital and high-growth startups, with a dedicated Ann Arbor office. They are “Tier 1” in prestige and can handle the most complex tech IP issues in a filing.
- Honigman LLP (Detroit / Ann Arbor): Consistently ranked as a top Michigan firm for corporate law and securities. They handle larger-scale Reg A+ Tier 2 filings and have a deep bench of IP attorneys to protect your tech.
How to Send Your RFP (The “1-2-3” Method)
- Select 3 Firms: Pick one “Global/Large” firm (like Gunderson or Honigman) and two “Local/Boutique” firms (like Paesano Akkashian or Foster Swift).
- Request a “Conflict Check” first: Before sending the full RFP, send a quick email asking if they can represent you. Mention any major investors or competitors you have to ensure there is no conflict of interest.
- Ask for the “A-Team”: In your RFP, specifically ask: “Who is the lead associate who will be doing the day-to-day drafting, and what is their specific Reg A+ experience?” Often, a partner signs the deal, but a junior associate does the work—you want to know who is actually writing your Michigan filing.
A Note on 2026 Legal Trends
As of early 2026, Michigan regulators have become more focused on AI disclosures. If your tech company uses AI, ensure your lawyer has experience with “AI Risk Factors.” Michigan LARA has recently flagged several tech companies for “AI Washing” (over-promising what their algorithms can do).
Would you like me to help you find the specific names of 2-3 partners at these firms who specialize in tech-focused securities raises?