Brian A. Colao

Brian continues to influence and shape the face of the industry, providing valued counsel to DSOs nationwide in the following areas:

• Assisting lenders and private equity investors in buying, selling, investing, or lending in the DSO space
• Developing innovative regulatory compliant business models and numerous alternative business structures
• Conducting ongoing compliance on a broad range of issues applicable to the industry
• Defending DSOs in all manner of litigation and regulatory actions including state dental board investigations and complaints, state attorney general investigations and complaints, federal investigations and complaints, and private legal proceedings involving affiliated doctors

Brian also handles much of the same work in MSOs in the areas of anesthesia, radiology, chiropractic, physical therapy, dermatology, medical spas, optometry, ophthalmology, veterinary, orthopedic surgery, emergency room and primary care.

His knack for law and mentoring others has made a strong impact on many DSO professionals, and thousands have relied on his guidance. In 2019, he was one of only seven individuals and the only attorney selected for inclusion in Group Dentistry Now’s “DSO Influencer’s List.”

Brian is active in the community and sits on the Board of Directors of Women in DSO, a nonprofit professional association created to empower women in the DSO space and grow future women leaders of the industry.

Under his visionary leadership, Brian spearheaded the creation of Dykema’s award-winning Definitive Conference for Dental Service Organizations, which many consider to be the industry’s leading DSO conference. Since its inception in 2014, it now draws more than 1,500 attendees and represents a “who’s who” of all segments of the DSO industry.

Described as the industry’s best forum for fostering entrepreneurship and advancing innovative ideas, DSO leaders and investors alike consider this the must-attend event of the year, recognizing that Brian and the Dykema DSO group are ahead of the curve when it comes to legal implications that lie ahead for clients.

Brian speaks at dozens of conferences each year, and appears regularly on multiple podcasts and interviews covering a variety of topics.

In addition to his work with the health care and dental industry, Brian has a nationwide practice that focuses on all facets of complex commercial litigation, including:

• Contractual and franchise disputes
• Issues of corporate governance
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Theft of trade secrets
• Unfair competition
• Non-compete covenants
• Patent, trademark, and copyright infringement
• Fraud and deceptive trade practices
• Disparagement
• Lender liability

Brian served as lead trial counsel in many significant commercial disputes pending in more than 25 different federal districts in 20-plus states. He has appeared as lead counsel in numerous state court cases and throughout Canada.

He has also represented clients in domestic and international arbitration proceedings, including trying an excess of 50 jury and bench cases to judgment.