Michael D. Cross Jr.

As a Partner at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC, Michael Cross brings more than two decades of experience advising privately held companies, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations in all aspects of business law. His practice spans corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, partnership and LLC law, franchise law, employment law, and commercial real estate. Known for his pragmatic and creative problem-solving, Michael helps clients structure, protect, and grow their businesses while navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes.

Michael’s work encompasses everything from negotiating executive employment agreements and commercial leases to structuring multimillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions. He has also developed a strong niche advising nonprofit and charitable organizations on formation, governance, and tax-exempt compliance. Clients value his ability to combine deep technical knowledge with practical business insight—an approach that consistently helps them achieve efficient, results-driven outcomes.

Beyond his legal practice, Michael is a frequent lecturer and author on topics of business law, employment law, and leadership. Over his career, he has taught more than 30 continuing legal education seminars and served for eleven years as an adjunct professor, teaching courses in business law and leadership. His professional recognition includes repeated listings in Super Lawyers, Rising Stars and Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite.

An active leader in the Alpharetta community, Michael serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and as Trustee and Citizen Representative for the Alpharetta Public Pension Plan. He previously served as Chairman of the Alpharetta Development Authority and as an elected member of the Alpharetta City Council. Outside the firm, he is deeply involved in youth sports and local ministry, having coached over 2,000 youth games and participated in church music and outreach for decades.

Michael earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 2000 and his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2007. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Anderson University in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Georgia and Indiana and is a Certified Retirement Plan Fiduciary.

Guided by the philosophy, “Work hard, treat people well, add an element of faith, and good things will happen,” Michael approaches every client relationship with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to delivering practical, long-term solutions.