Sarah Holmes, Esq., Managing Attorney - Business & Intellectual Property
Sarah spent six years defending personal injury cases as a litigator in Pennsylvania and New Jersey state and federal courts. Her clients were large corporations, big box stores, and business owners who found themselves on the receiving end of a lawsuit.
Coming from a family of long-time midwestern corporate workers, Sarah always dreamed of shaping her own destiny as a business owner. She started her first business in her kitchen nine years ago and within a year and a half her products were sold in close to 100 stores across the country. She managed to accomplish that while still working full time in a law firm and with a new baby at home.
Her business ownership experiences allowed her to meet scores of other business owners who started asking her for legal advice. It was those entrepreneurs that inspired her to start her own law practice dedicated to independent business owners. She saw a clear need in the market for a business lawyer that was down to earth, approachable and actually experienced in owning and running a business. She launched Philadelphia Small Business Lawyer LLC (now Holmes Business Law, PC) in 2013.
Fun human facts: Sarah gladly traded her nearly two decades of city living for a house, yard and parking (!) in the suburbs a few years ago. She loves dogs and has a golden retriever and a geriatric pug. Her favorite food is pizza and she leaves cooking to the experts.
Sarah is also a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and Holmes Business Law, P.C. was a Philadelphia100 awardee for 2019, an award given to the 100 fastest-growing businesses in the region.
State Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania 2006 New Jersey 2006 Courts: Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2007 Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2012 Supreme Court of the United States, 2016
Named a Rising Star in Business Law by SuperLawyers, 2015, 2016
Heather Turner, Esq., Of Counsel - Wills, Estates & Trusts
Heather is an entrepreneur and estate attorney, having founded her own law firm in 2012 to serve the needs of families looking for peace of mind with estate planning. Through her work as a lawyer and former teacher, Heather brings a knowledgeable and gentle approach to the often-overwhelming process of estate planning.
The estate-planning process can be daunting, but having a Will and Power of Attorney is essential, no matter how large or small the estate will be upon one’s passing. Heather will work with you to understand your concerns, educate you on complicated legal jargon, and ensure that your needs and desires are met. Heather’s approach will give you confidence throughout the estate-planning process, no matter if it is the first consultation or the final step in estate administration. Heather makes the estate planning process stress free and friendly.
Prior to founding her own law firm, Heather worked as a litigation attorney for both plaintiffs and defense law firms, contributing to 150-200 working client cases each month. She received her law degree from Widener University School of Law and also earned a master’s in education from Drexel University. Heather has a deep knowledge of estate planning, administration, and probate and has worked alongside a seasoned and well-respected estates attorney for several years. Heather is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and handle cases in Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Philadelphia counties.
In addition, Heather’s endeavors in the community contribute to her legal work. She provides estate-planning services to PALM Senior Center in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, and New Horizons Senior Center in Narberth, Pennsylvania, and shares her knowledge when speaking to local parenting groups. As a mother of two, Heather is active in her sons’ school, serving as school treasurer, and parent volunteer.
Patrick Bello, Esq.- Of Counsel - Raising Capital & Investor Agreements
Patrick focuses on transactional corporate matters for small to mid-size emerging and high-growth technology businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, as well as sophisticated operating enterprises. Patrick’s goal is to provide a concierge-level of support and accessibility while balancing the need to keep costs down. He understands that much of the value of a transactional attorney comes with not only having a comprehensive understanding of the law, but also by displaying a firm grasp on operational knowledge and principles of business, all while becoming an active member of the client’s team. Patrick takes a practical approach to advising his clients, so he strives to establish strong working relationships and remain flexible in order to adapt with his client’s business ventures as they grow and evolve.
Among the matters on which Patrick advises clients are:
Entity Selection, Formation, and Structure
Raising Capital (Equity, Convertible Debt, and SAFE financings)
Angel Investing and Venture Capital
Mergers and Acquisitions (“M&A”)
Protecting Intellectual Property (“IP”)
Securities Offerings and Compliance
Recapitalizations
Business Operations and Growth
Corporate Governance
Website and Mobile App Terms of Use and Privacy Policies
Master Services Contracts and Data Privacy
SaaS Services and IP Licensing
Independent Contractor, Founder, and Employee Matters
Investor Pitch Decks and Due Diligence
Equity Issuances / Option Grants
General Consulting and Negotiations Support
Outside General Counsel
Patrick was the Director of Due Diligence for the Mid-Atlantic Region of an international Angel investing organization, and a former Adjunct Professor with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (“IEI”) in the Fox School of Business at Temple University. He graduated from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University, and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.