Alyson’s experience includes representing clients ranging from startups to public companies in corporate and transactional matters. She has represented both companies and investors in public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity matters, finance transactions, equity investments, internal reorganizations, corporate governance, and general corporate matters.
Alyson began her corporate legal practice at DLA Piper from 2015 – 2018. Prior to joining Vela Wood, she was an associate at Akin Gump from 2018 – 2021.
Alyson was selected to the 2023-2025 Super Lawyers Rising Stars lists and chosen as one of D Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under 40 in 2025. She is active in her community as a member of Southlake Executive Women and local MOPS chapter.
She graduated from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law (USC) in Los Angeles, California. While in law school, she served as a topic editor for the Hale Moot Court Honors Program. Prior to law school, Alyson graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas with a B.A. in Plan II Honors and Government.
Alyson grew up in Vienna, West Virginia. As a working mom to two young children, Alyson is passionate about advancing equity in the workplace and fostering sustainable practices that enable parents to thrive as both professionals and caregivers. Outside of the office, she enjoys needlepoint, interior design, cooking and baking, traveling, and, most importantly, spending time with her husband, daughter, son, and two Golden Retrievers.
Select Representations
- Represented a Dallas-based venture capital firm in a number of domestic and international debt and equity investments
- Represented a Dallas-based startup in the food allergy industry in its initial Safe offering and Series Seed equity financing
- Represented a domestic RFID technology provider in a recapitalization
- Represented a Houston-based search fund in its acquisition of a landscaping company in Nevada
- Represented a Dallas-based technology provider focused on the transportation and logistics industry in its initial Series Seed fundraising
- Represented a North Carolina-based investor in a number of equity investments focused on the gaming and casino industry
- Represented a Texas-based drone-system company in its $1M crowdfunding campaign
Presentations
- “Venture Capital 101: What is VC & How Startups Fundraise,” Carroll High School Business Academy (April 10, 2026)
- “Raise Ready: Legal Resources Every Founder Needs Before (and During) Their Raise,” VW x Plug and Play Frisco & McKinney (April 7, 2026)
- “Stronger by Design: Laying the Legal Foundation for Your Studio,” Reboot Fitness Consulting Retreat (November 13, 2025)
- “Founder’s Legal Toolkit: What Every Startup Should Know About IP, Equity & Incorporation,” Tie Women/Tie Dallas (August 27, 2025)
- “Setting a Strong Foundation: Key Skills for Every Associate,” Dallas Young Lawyers Association (May 21, 2025)
- “Start Smart: Navigating Legal and Tax Challenges,” Tie Dallas (August 29, 2024)
Fun Facts:
- Fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending a live Jeopardy taping where she met Alex Trebek
- Survived a true arctic plunge in the partially-frozen Jacques-Cartier River in Quebec, Canada
- Enjoys making everyday an adventure with the help of her two Golden Retrievers, Louis and Clark
Education:
- University of Southern California Gould School of Law, J.D.
- University of Texas at Austin, B.A., Plan II Honors and Government
