KJK’s Corporate & Securities Practice Group focuses on the entire life cycle of our clients’ businesses, including formation and capitalization of start-up companies, day-to-day business needs, private equity funds and independent sponsors, venture capital transactions, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), restructurings and recapitalizations, and succession planning for closely held businesses.
We assist our clients with a wide range of matters, including:
- Counseling on corporate governance and structure
- Advising on shareholder agreements
- Negotiating contracts with customers, suppliers and distributors
- Drafting confidentiality agreements
- Dealing with government agencies on regulatory matters

Legal Services
- Business Succession Planning
- Business Contracts
- Contract Preparation, Negotiation & Compliance
- Distribution & Supply Agreements
- Corporate & Regulatory Compliance
- Corporate Governance & Board Counseling
- Domestic & International Joint Ventures
- Labor & Employment
- Employment & Consulting Agreements
- Equity Compensation Plans
- Executive Compensation
- Fund Formation & Capitalization
- Fund Formation Capabilities
- Recapitalizations
- General Counsel Services
- Intellectual Property
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Roll-Up Transactions
- Private Equity
- Securities
- Primary & Secondary Public Transactions
- Private Placements
- Securities Compliance
- Securities Litigation
- Securities Offerings & Private Equity Financing
- Shareholder, Operating & Partnership Agreements
- Tender Offers & Proxy Contests
- Venture Capital
- Workouts & Restructurings
Corporate & Securities Practice Group
Securities Attorneys
KJK’s Securities attorneys are known for their hands-on in-house counsel approach. We represent companies of all sizes ranging from start-ups seeking angel investors to large, publicly traded companies.
Learn More about Our Client Offerings:
Global Lawyer
When critical issues arise around the world, our clients can rest easy knowing that they have access to highquality legal counsel from these market leaders, including complimentary 30-minute initial consultations. Let KJK’s membership in Meritas give you confidence that your interests at home and abroad will be given the same attention as your KJK matters.

Private Equity
KJK has significant experience representing private equity firms in both managing their investments and in handling day-to-day matters as general counsel to portfolio companies.
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
KJK’s Corporate attorneys have handled billions of dollars in acquisitions and sales of companies in a range of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, technology, retail and more.
CRITICAL BUSINESS CONTRACTS
KJK’s outsourced General Counsel services include negotiation of corporate contracts, including consulting agreements, licensing agreements, terms and conditions, master service agreements and non-disclosure agreements.
Public Companies
KJK’s Securities team regularly represents publicly traded companies in all aspects of their business, including preparing and filing disclosure statements, defending against proxy contests and representing shareholders in going-private transactions.
combined years of experience
M&A deal volume
team members
Complimentary Service:
Board Meeting Attendance
Including a trusted legal advisor at your board meetings is invaluable. One of our Corporate attorneys will attend these meetings to provide a fresh perspective, flag critical legal issues or serve as an impartial mediator for board discussions. We freely and happily participate in your organization’s board meetings, help set the agenda and facilitate the governance process.
Corporate & Securities
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OpenAI’s Governance Overhaul to Prevent Hostile Takeover
Strengthening Board Control OpenAI is exploring governance changes that would grant its nonprofit board enhanced voting rights to prevent a hostile takeover by Elon Musk. This move follows Musk’s $97.4 billion bid, which was rejected by OpenAI’s board, and his legal...
Corporate & Securities
ATTORNEYS

Steven C. Bersticker
CO-CHAIR

Kevin T. O'Connor
OF COUNSEL

Christopher J. Hubbert
CO-CHAIR

Jessica L. Wiedemann
PARTNER

Demetrius J. Robinson
PARTNER

Andrew J. Wilber
PARTNER

Jon J. Pinney
MANAGING PARTNER

Alex E. Jones
PARTNER
Contact
CLEVELAND OFFICE
1375 East Ninth Street
One Cleveland Center, 29th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114-1793
COLUMBUS OFFICE
10 West Broad Street
One Columbus Center, Suite 2500
Columbus, OH 43215