Michael Bresnahan headshot.

J. M Bresnahan Jr

Senior Counsel

J. M Bresnahan Jr

Senior Counsel

J. Michael Bresnahan is a senior counsel with Foley & Lardner LLP and a member of the firm’s Fund Formation & Investment Management Practice. Michael counsels fund managers on the formation and operation of venture capital, private equity, private credit, real estate and hedge funds including fund and management company structuring, side letter negotiations, secondary sales and Investment Advisers Act registration and compliance. Michael also advises on public pension plans, university endowments, fund-of-funds, family offices and other institutional investors on investments in private funds, commingled and single investor funds, alternative investment vehicles, direct and co-investment opportunities, and the formation and operation of separately managed accounts.

In addition, Michael regularly advises on SEC, CFTC and tax matters, and provides regulatory and policy guidance and strategic recommendations in response to market changes. He also manages clearing relationships for his clients and ensures compliance with all exchange and federal regulations.

Michael has experience drafting and negotiating counterparty trading agreements including ISDA Master Agreements, Compensation Agreements and Credit Support Annexes. He regularly works with prime brokers to establish and maintain credit arrangements including designation notices and customer-to-customer and four-way double give up agreements to trade OTC assets.

Awards and Recognition

  • Received, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Corporate Law (2021-2024)
26 February 2024 Article

New SEC Marketing Rule FAQ: IRR Calculations When Using Subscription Lines

On February 6, 2024, SEC staff issued FAQ guidance with respect to registered investment advisers’ obligations under Rule 206(4)-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
11 September 2023 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Trading Technologies in Acquisition of Abel Noser Solutions

Foley & Lardner LLP represented Trading Technologies International, Inc. (TT), a global capital markets technology platform provider, in its acquisition of Abel Noser Solutions, LLC, an industry-leading provider of transaction cost analysis (TCA) for investment managers, brokers, asset owners, and consultants, from Abel Noser Holdings, a majority-owned portfolio company of Estancia Capital Partners.
17 August 2023 Honors and Awards

Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Best Lawyers in America

Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced today that 236 of the firm’s attorneys across 20 U.S. offices have received recognition in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
14 February 2023 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Bluestone Equity Partners in Launch of Growth Equity Fund Investing in Sports, Media, and Entertainment

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to private equity firm Bluestone Equity Partners (Bluestone) in the successful closing of Bluestone Capital I, L.P., its inaugural $300 million growth equity fund (the Fund) focused on the global sports, media, and entertainment industry.
24 January 2023 Honors and Awards

Foley Attorneys Named to 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers List

Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to announce that 23 of its Chicago attorneys have been named to the 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.
18 August 2022 Press Releases

Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Best Lawyers in America

Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced that 250 of our attorneys across 20 offices have received recognition in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.