Maritza "Shay" Nelson
Founder & Managing Attorney | MSN Law Office

Maritza "Shay" Nelson

Founder & Managing Attorney, MSN Law Office

Super Lawyers Maritza Nelson

Prior to founding MSN Law Office, Maritza “Shay” Nelson spent seven years as a corporate litigator at two of the nation’s largest law firms (BakerHostetler and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman). During that time, Shay handled high-stakes federal cases—from trade secret disputes and trademark infringement suits to complex commercial litigation.

That courtroom experience revealed a glaring reality: the vast majority of business disputes and catastrophic legal fees stem from avoidable gaps—vague contracts, unwritten partner handshakes, or misunderstood compliance rules.

Shay built MSN Law Office to break the traditional law firm mold. By shifting away from unpredictable hourly billing and focusing on proactive Outside General Counsel, Shay provides growing businesses and nonprofits with sophisticated, C-suite legal counsel before problems arise.

Academic Background & Personal Life

Shay is a proud graduate of Howard University, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science summa cum laude and were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, before earning their Juris Doctorate from The University of Texas School of Law. 

Beyond the law, Shay is an active community leader who has served on boards for organizations across Central Ohio. In their spare time, Shay is a dedicated saltwater aquarist, an avid sci-fi and fantasy reader, and a struggling blues-rock guitar and bass player.

Admissions

Education

J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, 2007

B.A., Howard University, 2004

Community and Bar Association Activities

Prior Firms

Other Recognitions

Representative Client Industries

Clients range from start-ups to growing businesses and nonprofits with nearly 100 employees across a wide variety of industries, including:

Outside General Counsel & Strategic Advice

Professional & Financial Services: Accounting, Architecture, Insurance, Outsourcing, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Healthcare & Life Sciences: Medical & Dental Practices, Home Health Care, and Life Sciences.

Commercial & Multi-Unit Enterprises: Construction and Franchisees.

Nonprofit & Social Enterprise Governance

Charitable & Advocacy Organizations: Charitable Foundations, Criminal Justice Organizations, and Social Justice Organizations.

Youth & Community Services: Family & Youth Services, Education Services, and Recreational & Youth Sports.

Institutional Governance: Nonprofit Business Associations.

Brand Protection & Intellectual Property Strategy

Technology & Digital Platforms: SaaS Platforms and IT Services.

Media, Arts & Entertainment: Content Creators, Independent Film, Media Production, Music, and Photographers.

Consumer Products & E-Commerce: Clothing Brands & Retailers and Consumer Wellness Brands.

Strategic Business Contracts

B2B & Professional Agencies: Consulting Firms and Marketing Agencies.

Hospitality & Venue Operations: Event Spaces, Food Trucks, and Restaurants.

Commercial Services: Commercial Cleaning Services.

Employment Law & HR Compliance

High-Headcount & Shift-Based Workforces: Commercial Cleaning, Food Trucks & Restaurants, Fitness Centers, and Hair Salons.

Clinical & Care Teams: Home Health Care and Medical & Dental Practices.

Ready for Sophisticated Legal Counsel for Your Business or Nonprofit?

MSN Law Office serves startups, scaling businesses, and tax-exempt nonprofits across Ohio. Whether you need custom business contracts, trademark registration, or full Outside General Counsel support, we deliver transparent, flat-fee legal solutions with zero billing surprises.