After three decades in practice, Steve is an attorney to whom clients turn for his hard-earned expertise and the calm demeanor he brings to complex and challenging circumstances.
As chair of the firm’s Corporate Practice Group, Steve advises buyers, sellers and investors in mergers and acquisitions, private equity and commercial financing transactions. He has represented clients in both public and private transactions in a range of industries that include manufacturing, distribution, technology, real estate, transportation, energy, education, banking and consumer products.
Steve takes a comprehensive approach to his work for clients, offering them assistance with all facets of the planning, structuring, financing and operations of their businesses. He serves as outside general counsel for several of his clients.
One of Steve’s specialties is guiding private equity groups, including independent sponsors, in their investments, then assisting in the management of portfolio companies including debt and equity financings, recapitalizations, follow-on acquisitions, restructuring and liquidity events. In these types of transactions and others, Steve has expertise in representing both buyers and sellers.
Prior to joining KJK in 1989, Steve served as law clerk to Ohio Supreme Court Justice Ralph S. Locher, a former mayor of Cleveland. Steve was raised in Spain and enjoys international travel and scuba diving.
“My father ran a Fortune 500 company, and I learned from his example of being calm and collected in challenging situations. I bring a cool head to my work, because that’s the most constructive way to solve problems and achieve success for our clients.” – Steven C. Bersticker
“Steve has served as our trusted counsel since we began our first fund in 2007. He and KJK have been involved in all legal aspects of our business, including entity formation, providing ongoing regulatory compliance and handling the acquisition and legal needs of many of our portfolio companies. Steve provides outstanding service, high-quality advice and a balanced approach to solving problems. His deep knowledge of the transactional aspects of the private equity business has been truly appreciated. I heartily recommend him and his firm.”
— Jay Greyson, Partner – Supply Chain Equity Partners
“Steve is an outstanding corporate lawyer. I have worked with him for more than 20 years and he is responsive, detailed and forward-thinking. Steve knows how to maintain the often delicate balance between getting our deals done and protecting our legal interests.”
— Ronald “Chip” Weinberg, Jr., Managing Director – Weinberg Capital Group