👤 PHILIP M. FORNARO
Founder / Managing Attorney
Overview
Philip Fornaro works directly with business owners to bring structure, clarity, and coordination to complex decisions.
With over 30 years of experience, his focus extends beyond legal work. He operates at the intersection of:
- business strategy
- relationships
- execution
helping clients move forward with confidence in situations where multiple variables are in play.
How He Operates
Philip’s approach is grounded in a simple idea:
Better outcomes come from clarity, alignment, and strong relationships.
He works closely with clients to:
- understand how their business actually operates
- identify what matters most
- align advisors and stakeholders
- move decisions forward in a coordinated way
This is not episodic legal work — it is ongoing involvement in how businesses function and
evolve.
Building the OGC Model
Philip built Fornaro Law around the Outside General Counsel model to address a common problem:
Businesses often receive fragmented advice from multiple sources without coordination.
The OGC model brings:
- structure to decision-making
- alignment across advisors
- consistency in execution
His focus is to continue expanding this model to work with businesses operating at a high level of complexity — particularly those navigating growth, transition, and multi-layered decision environments.
Relationship Capital
A core part of Philip’s work is building and leveraging long-term relationships.
He is known for:
- connecting clients with the right professionals
- aligning business owners and advisors
- creating opportunities through those relationships
He believes:
Legal advice without business perspective — and without connection — is incomplete.
Light Bulb Moments (LBM)
Philip is also the creator of Light Bulb Moments (LBM) — a platform centered on conversations, ideas, and relationships across business and life.
Through LBM, he:
- engages with business owners, operators, and thought leaders
- builds relationships across industries
- creates ongoing dialogue around how people think, operate, and grow
LBM is not separate from his work — it is a key driver of it.
It serves as a catalyst for:
- building trust
- strengthening relationships
- expanding networks
- uncovering opportunities
It reflects Philip’s belief that:
relationships are not a byproduct of business — they are the foundation of it.
Business Perspective
In addition to his legal practice, Philip is actively involved in business and real estate ventures.
This provides:
- direct exposure to risk, growth, and capital decisions
- practical understanding of how businesses operate
- the ability to advise beyond legal theory
Leadership & Development
As Founder and Managing Attorney, Philip focuses on:
- training and developing the team
- teaching problem-solving and perspective
- encouraging ownership and initiative
He is committed to building an environment where:
- people grow
- ideas are encouraged
- and clients benefit from a stronger, more capable team
How He Defines a Strong Day
A strong day includes:
- connecting with strategic partners
- engaging with clients inside their business
- learning something new
- helping someone move forward
- solving a problem others would avoid
Client Experience
Philip is deeply focused on the client experience.
His priorities include:
- responsiveness
- accessibility
- proactivity
- clear communication
His goal is that every interaction leaves clients feeling:
👉 informed
👉 supported
👉 confident in their direction
Beyond the Practice
Philip is actively involved in the community and supports various charitable initiatives.
He believes that creating value extends beyond business — and that relationships, contribution, and community are all part of long-term success.
Start a Conversation
If you are navigating complexity, growth, or change — and need clarity, coordination, and the right relationships — Philip and the Fornaro Law team can help.