Ezekiel L. Callanan, Esq.
Areas of practice
Business law
Startup law
Transactional law
Contracts law
Securities – Exempt
Trademark law
Copyright law
Licensed to practice in
Maine
Massachusetts
Education
University of Connecticut, BA (Psychology, Anthropology), 2003
University of Maine School of Law, 2008
Contact
75 York Street
Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 370-4180
zeke@opticliff.com
Zeke is a creative business attorney who enjoys being a lawyer AND a human being (at the same time).
Zeke founded Opticliff Law in 2012 to fill a gaping hole in the Portland legal market – an affordable, approachable business law resource that provides practical, real-world advice and solutions to micro and small businesses in Maine. Pro bono legal resources were overrun, and had financial guidelines that were too low to serve the middle class; big firms were too expensive and stuffy; and general practice lawyers, while abundant, were not knowledgeable enough in the areas of copyright, trademark, and business law to be truly helpful. Enter Zeke’s sweet spot.
He thrives on new ideas and brainstorming with clients about thinking bigger, and more creatively, and helping people grow mere ideas into sustainable business plans. He works with startups, growing companies, and evolving relationships by focusing his practice on entity formation and strategy; everyday business contracts; transactional law; intellectual property protection and licensing; and complex fundraising compliance.
When Zeke’s not working
Zeke loves to laugh, eat, play, dance, and explore with his wife and 2 sons. With friends, he loves to expand his beer palette, and brainstorm the next great startup that will save the world from the political dumpster fire that is burning in Washington (and all other problems). For exercise and distraction, he loves to play, watch, and carry on ridiculous conversations about, basketball. Formerly an avid telemark skier and whitewater kayaker and raft guide, Zeke still relishes those days by spending quality time with the mountains and rivers a few times each year.
Zeke’s involvement in Maine’s community
Zeke is very involved in his community and supports the local economies in Portland and Maine. Each year, he volunteers countless hours in a variety of ways.
He’s actively involved in the non-profit sector, having co-founded the (sadly, now defunct) Maine Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts in 2008 while still in law school, and was an active board member of Creative Portland / Portland Arts and & Cultural Alliance for 9 years. Zeke is a perpetual presenter for essential startup and entrepreneurial resources including SCORE; the Women’s Business Center at CEI; Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (formerly MCED); New Ventures Maine (formerly Women, Work & Community); Southern Maine Community College; and the Small Business Development Center. Zeke currently sits on the board of directors of his sons’ nonprofit school, The Children’s Center.
True to the entrepreneurial clients he represents, Zeke also partners with his brother Nick, as co-producers of fun-forward events like the Stache Pag and the Bearded Brewfest.