ESG in a Nutshell The goal of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programs is simple: minimize risk, increase shareholder value and contribute to solving societal problems; but do so in a way that is at the same time good for your business, society and the...
OVERVIEW & EXPERIENCE
Over the 30-plus years of his career, Christopher has served companies ranging from technology start-ups to publicly-traded utilities with a focus on securities law and corporate governance. He has extensive experience in capital formation from public and private sources, Securities Exchange Act reporting for public companies, tender offers and proxy contests.
Christopher also counsels companies in matters of equity compensation, contract negotiations and mergers and acquisitions, and he serves as corporate secretary for both public and private corporations as well as non-profits. He’s known for the accuracy of his work, even in the most complex transactions.
He’s a native Clevelander, frequent traveler and history buff whose civic involvement has included a position on the board of the Cleveland Heights Historical Society.
Representative Experience
- Represented a retail eyewear company in its initial public offering, subsequent secondary offering and acquisition by public tender offer
- Assisted a Northeast Ohio technology start-up in its formation, structuring and first and second rounds of private angel financing
- Counseled a pet products company through an auction process and ultimate sale to a strategic buyer
- Represented a dissident shareholder in his successful proxy campaign to reject a merger proposal and his subsequent replacement of the board
- Served as counsel to a publicly-traded utility company in connection with its offering of rights to its shareholders to acquire additional shares of stock
- Represented a OTC Markets listed company in connection with a reverse stock split and “going private” transaction
- Assisted a family-owned chain of gas stations/convenience stores in the sale of the business to a Canadian corporation
- Worked with a group of investors in their acquisition of a controlling interest in a publicly-traded “shell” company
- Counseled a Northeast Ohio provider of medical imaging equipment and services with all aspects of its business
- Represented a shareholder group in its successful bid for representation on the board of directors of a publicly-traded provider of medical services and in its ouster of the chairman of the board
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Professional Affiliations
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law, adjunct professor
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- OTCQX Marketplace, Designated Adviser for Disclosure
- Phi Delta Phi, The International Legal Honor Society, past president
Awards
- Selected to Ohio Rising Stars, 2005-2006
BAR / COURT ADMISSIONS
- Ohio State Courts
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
- Cleveland Heights Historical Society, trustee
- Forest Hills Home Owners, trustee
MEDIA MENTIONS
PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
- “Falling Stock Prices and Rising Compliance Costs Make Going Private an Attractive Option,” Law & Fact Magazine, October 2003
PRACTICE AREAS
EDUCATION
- Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., 1991, magna cum laude
- The University of Michigan, A.B., Philosophy, 1988, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa