Education
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University of Denver, J.D., 1974
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Amherst College, B.A., 1967
Bar Admissions
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Michael Driver has carved out a unique practice as strategic counsel engaged in finding revenue-creating opportunities for his clients. His many years of experience in government contracting have afforded a deep understanding of how governments work and enable Mr. Driver to identify opportunities for his clients with local, state, national, and international governments. When acting on behalf of a client in a given industry, he makes it a point to become thoroughly knowledgeable about that industry. With that in-depth knowledge comes the ability to spot opportunities before others can.
Mr. Driver’s skill at helping his clients find ways to create revenue is not limited to government venues. He is frequently successful at bringing clients together in order to leverage their individual assets, or in creating alliances between his clients and the companies that are likely to use their products or services.
The deep understanding of his clients’ businesses also makes Mr. Driver adept at solving their problems. He knows well the importance of listening to understand every aspect of a client’s problem to ensure the most effective resolution. He then puts together a team, tailored to the client’s specific needs, which then attack the matter with the combined resources and expertise of the entire firm.
Mr. Driver has also had considerable success helping clients who encounter problems while dealing with government entities. He is often called upon to set up a mediated process that can considerably expedite projects that span numerous jurisdictions—such as the permitting of a pipeline, the placement of a transmission line, or the acquisition of land for a highway project. He attributes his success in this area to his ability to listen to the concerns of all parties and to get everyone focused on the process and agreed-upon milestones and timetables.
Capital Formation
While almost every business has a need to form capital, each situation is unique; accordingly, Mr. Driver knows it is important to develop financing opportunities with the client’s specific needs in mind.
Frequently, the most appropriate answer to a client’s financial needs can be found in venture capital or strategic alliances, and Mr. Driver has significant experience facilitating those arrangements. He often spots synergies by determining who is most likely to use a client’s product, and he will help his clients capitalize on those opportunities.
His background in government contracting also comes into play when a client seeks government funding for a project. In Mr. Driver’s experience, government funding can alter the dynamics of a client’s project by providing a new risk and reward system; government funding can also lend validation to the product being developed and to the company itself.
Energy and Natural Resources
Mr. Driver has spent a considerable part of his career in the energy, natural resources, and environmental arenas. He has experience assisting clients in all aspects of work with the U.S. Department of Energy, from cleaning up nuclear sites to siting transmission lines on public lands. A large part of the value he provides to clients in the energy area is to spot any political sensitivities and to help the disparate parties communicate with each other. He also has a solid understanding of the grants process within DOE, and can help companies navigate the funding process. California’s recent energy crisis has spurred a renewed interest in siting new power plants, and Mr. Driver can assist clients who need assistance with the siting process.
Information Technology and Communications
Every government contract has a technology component, and Mr. Driver’s understanding of the process helps him determine how companies in the information technology and communications fields develop revenue-creating opportunities with state and federal agencies.
As a corollary, Mr. Driver helps government contractors ensure that their rights in intellectual property are not tainted; often, with government funding comes the risk that the agency will consider the contractor’s technology non-proprietary. Mr. Driver has experience making certain that rights of contractors in their technologies are not compromised.
Professional Affiliations:
Denver Bar Association
Colorado Bar Association
American Bar Association
Pro bono, community, and political activities include or have included:
National Sponsorship Committee, Native American Rights Fund
National Executive Committee, Clinton for President; Clinton National Finance Committee; Presidential Inaugural Committee; Clinton Transition Team, Natural Resources Section
Advisory Committee on the Arts, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
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