Martin George Prego

Martin George Prego

PREGO Law Group PLLC
  • Business Law, Securities Law, Arbitration & Mediation
  • Florida
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&AResponsive Law
Biography

I bring a unique combination of legal, business, and executive experience to my role at Prego Law Group, PLLC. With over 25 years in the banking and financial services industry, including time spent as a C-suite executive and compliance leader, I offer deep insight into the complexities of regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic business growth.

My career includes leadership roles at Merrill Lynch, Espírito Santo Bank, Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, and Brickell Bank. In these roles, I led compliance programs, addressed complex regulatory issues, and managed high-stakes mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. My hands-on experience in banking operations and thorough understanding of financial regulations have made me a trusted advisor for businesses seeking not only legal solutions but also informed guidance that draws on business acumen.

I hold a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and a certificate in Advocacy and Problem-Solving. I combine my legal knowledge with my business experience to provide client-centered, concierge-level counsel to entrepreneurs, fintech startups, and growing businesses. In addition to my work at Prego Law Group, I serve as an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline, where I teach future attorneys how to build client-focused law firms and develop effective trial advocacy skills.

My strategic insight, shaped by decades of executive leadership experience, makes me an invaluable partner for clients seeking to navigate the complex legal and regulatory challenges of today's business world.

At Prego Law Group, I offer more than just legal counsel—I provide business-driven strategies that help clients succeed in competitive industries.

Education
William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. (2018) | Law / Advocacy / Alternative Dispute Resolution
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Professional Experience
Attorney at Law
PREGO Law Group PLLC
- Current
President
Brickell Global Markets, Inc.
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Group Chief Compliance Officer
Brickell Bank
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Intern
PRATT Law PA
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SVP AML Officer
Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust
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Chief Compliance Officer
Espirito Santo Bank
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Various
Merrill Lynch
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Certifications
CAMS
Association of Anti-money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS)
Professional Associations
The Florida Bar  # 1022152
Member
Current
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FIBA
Member
Current
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FBA
Member
Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Florida
The Florida Bar
ID Number: 1022152
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Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
Practice Areas
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Securities Law
Arbitration & Mediation
Business - Arbitration/Mediation, Consumer - Arbitration/Mediation, Family - Arbitration/Mediation
Additional Practice Area
  • Banking Law
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. How can I protect and formalize IP ownership in a temporary business collaboration?
A: When entering a collaborative business relationship—especially one involving the use and potential co-development of intellectual property—it is important to take steps early on to clarify ownership rights, permitted uses, and expectations for any future commercialization.

Under Florida law, the absence of a written agreement can lead to ambiguity regarding intellectual property ownership and use, which could create challenges down the line. To safeguard your contributions and avoid future misunderstandings, it’s generally advisable to formalize your arrangement in writing. This may include: (I) An intellectual property agreement or joint venture agreement that clearly outlines ownership of existing and future materials, the scope of permitted use during the collaboration, and terms for any future distribution or royalty arrangements; (ii) A licensing framework for how the IP can be used within the partnership and under what conditions it may be used outside of it.; or (iii) Confidentiality or non-disclosure provisions, if proprietary methods, curricula, or business strategies are being shared.

Because intellectual property and partnership matters can be complex and highly fact-specific, I strongly recommend consulting with an attorney familiar with Florida business and IP law. A qualified attorney can help draft a clear, enforceable agreement tailored to your goals and ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the collaboration. Best of luck!
... Read More
Q. Am I obligated to take possession of a malfunctioning boat purchased in Florida?
A: Under Florida law, whether a buyer is obligated to take possession of a purchased item—such as a boat—despite post-sale defects, depends on several factors, including the terms of the sales contract, the nature of the defects, the seller’s opportunity to cure them, and any warranties provided by the manufacturer or dealer. Generally, unless the contract explicitly allows for a return or cancellation, Florida law does not grant an automatic right to return a product solely because of dissatisfaction or defects, particularly if the seller is actively attempting to repair the issues under warranty. However, if the defects are substantial and render the product non-conforming to what was promised at the time of sale, you may have remedies under Florida’s version of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), including the right to reject non-conforming goods or revoke acceptance under certain conditions. Whether the buyer has legally taken “possession” or “ownership” may also turn on when the title is transferred under the contract, which is a fact-specific determination. For personalized guidance and to assess the specific rights and obligations under your contract and Florida law, it’s best to consult with an attorney. ... Read More
Q. Forming LLC in Florida with similar name and DBA process
A: Under Florida law, here’s how your situation would play out and what you need to know and do:

1. LLC Naming Rules

Florida requires that the name of your LLC be distinguishable from any other entity registered with the Florida Division of Corporations. So, if "Visionaire Enterprises" already exists, “Visionaire Enterprise” likely won’t be allowed as the official LLC name, even with a minor variation.

✅ “Visionaire Legacy, LLC” is a good workaround if that name is available. You can form your LLC under that name.

2. Using a DBA ("Doing Business As")

In Florida, a DBA is called a fictitious name. You can operate your LLC under a fictitious name like “Visionaire Enterprise,” even if that’s not your LLC’s legal name — but only if the name is available and doesn’t infringe on someone else's rights.

⚠️ Important: Even though you might be able to register the fictitious name “Visionaire Enterprise”, it could still raise trademark or unfair competition concerns if the existing "Visionaire Enterprises" operates in a similar field. This could expose you to legal risk.

3. Steps to Take

✅ A. Form the LLC

Go to Sunbiz.org

Check that “Visionaire Legacy, LLC” is available.

File Articles of Organization online ($125 fee).

You’ll also need a registered agent in Florida.

✅ B. Register a Fictitious Name (DBA)

Once your LLC is formed:

Search the name “Visionaire Enterprise” to see if the fictitious name is available.

If it is, file a Fictitious Name Registration on Sunbiz ($50 fee).

The form requires a disclaimer that you’re not infringing on anyone else's rights.

✅ C. Optional: Trademark Search

Before using “Visionaire Enterprise” publicly:

Run a Florida and USPTO trademark search to ensure no one else holds rights to it.

This minimizes your legal risk of rebranding later.

4. Consulting Counsel

Since you mentioned you haven’t yet consulted legal counsel: a short consult with a Florida business attorney can help you assess risk and move faster without future issues — especially because name similarity can lead to legal disputes or rejection by Sunbiz.
... Read More
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Contact & Map
PREGO Law Group PLLC
N Miami
11098 Biscayne Blvd. STE 100-A
Miami, FL 33161
US
Telephone: (305) 498-6114
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed