Longtime Practice Chair Steven Bersticker to Retire Following Decades of Leadership
CLEVELAND, Ohio — July 1, 2026 — Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP (KJK) today announced that Alex Jones has been named Chair of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group, succeeding longtime practice leader Steven Bersticker, who will retire effective June 30, 2026, following a distinguished legal career and decades of leadership at the firm.
Jones will lead one of KJK’s largest and most established practice groups, overseeing attorneys who advise businesses, entrepreneurs, private equity groups, investors, and management teams on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities matters, ownership transitions, financing transactions, and complex strategic business matters.
The leadership transition reflects KJK’s continued investment in the long-term growth of its corporate platform and broader commitment to succession planning across key practice areas.
“Steve built an exceptional practice and established a standard of client service, professionalism, creative problem-solving, and leadership that has shaped this firm for decades,” said Jon Pinney, Managing Partner of KJK. “Alex is the right leader to build on that foundation. He brings strong transactional experience, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a clear understanding of where the market is heading. This transition reflects both continuity and growth for our clients and our firm.”
During his tenure as Chair, Bersticker played a significant role in the expansion of KJK’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group, helping guide clients through complex business transactions, market shifts, and generational transitions while mentoring attorneys across the firm.
“Leading this practice group has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” said Steve Bersticker. “I am very proud of the team we built, the clients we have served, and the culture we created together. Alex has earned the respect of both clients and colleagues alike, and I have complete confidence in his ability to lead the practice into its next chapter.”
Jones has extensive experience representing middle market businesses, founders, investors, and operators across a broad range of industries. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private company transactions, strategic growth initiatives, corporate structuring, and outside general counsel matters. He regularly advises clients through critical stages of the business lifecycle, including acquisitions, capital events, operational expansion, and exits.
“I have tremendous respect for what Steve built and for the trust our clients place in this firm,” said Alex Jones. “KJK has a strong platform, an outstanding team, and a client-first culture that positions us extremely well for continued growth. My focus is on continuing to strengthen client relationships, expanding our market presence, and helping businesses navigate increasingly complex legal and strategic challenges.”
As Chair, Jones will work closely with firm leadership to continue expanding KJK’s corporate capabilities, deepen client relationships across industries, and support strategic growth initiatives throughout Ohio and nationally.
About KJK
With offices in Cleveland and Columbus, KJK serves companies of all sizes and sectors, including Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofits, mid-market companies, small businesses, start-ups and other entrepreneurs. We are a full-service law firm built for business – and beyond. Our robust practice areas serve clients locally and nationally, with the combined experience of our skilled team of 50+ attorneys. For more information, visit kjk.com.