Michael B. Staebler is a commercial practice partner in the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP. He concentrates his practice in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and real estate. He has extensive experience representing private and public businesses in the entire range of corporate matters, including their acquisition and sale, issuance of securities, corporate finance, and contract negotiations.

Mr. Staebler is highly recognized for his expertise in the formation, management, and operation of venture capital firms and in the financial and operational requirements of growing small and medium size businesses. He has served as counsel to more than 100 venture capital firms and licensed Small Business Investment Companies throughout the United States and has participated in financing large numbers of new and high tech businesses on behalf of his clients. Mr. Staebler maintains the country's largest practice in the formation and licensing of Small Business Investment Companies by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Mr. Staebler has served as a Director of the Michigan Strategic Fund, a public agency that created and administers a wide variety of venture capital and economic development programs in the state. He has participated on many governmental advisory committees concerning venture capital and economic development and actively works in community affairs.

He earned his JD cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School (1969), following his graduation from Harvard College with a BA magna cum laude in American history (1966).