Introduction

Steve is a shareholder at Fredrikson & Byron and co-chairs the China Practice Group. He also practices in the areas of mergers & acquisitions, corporate law, international law, and securities law. He represents clients in both domestic and international business transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, private placements, venture capital and private equity investments, joint ventures, strategic alliances, distribution arrangements, and provides business and strategic counsel to a variety of companies. In addition to his domestic practice, Steve has completed transactions in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada and the former Soviet Union, and has represented international companies in their US operations.

Education

• University of Iowa, J.D., with high distinction, 1979
• University of Northern Iowa, B.A., with high honors, 1976

Bar Admissions

• Iowa, 1979
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1979
• U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern districts of Iowa, 1979
• Minnesota, 2005

Practice Areas

• China Practice, Co-Chair
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Corporate Law
• Securities
• International Law
• Private Equity & Venture Capital
• Agribusiness & Cooperatives
• Investment Management
• Commercial Law

Languages

• Russian

Selected Publications & Presentations

• Speaker, “Capitalizing on a World of Opportunities,” President's Club, Mason City, Iowa, February 7, 2011
• Panelist, “Contracting,” Innovations in Exporting Conference - Iowa Innovation Gateway, October 28, 2011
• Panelists, Minnesota International Center EnRoute Series: International Business in Asia, October 17, 2011
• “Four Legal Considerations for a Profitable Export Strategy,” International Update, Iowa Department of Economic Development, January/February 2011
• Presenter, “Navigating China’s Legal Landscape,” Eide Bailey’s seminar Doing Business in China What’s New? What’s Next?, November 23, 2010
• Presenter, “Capitalizing on a World of Opportunities,” 2010 Summer International Trade Forum, August 24-25, 2010
• “Top Legal Tips for Successful International Business,” Iowa Department of Economic Development, April 21, 2010
• “International Contracts,” North Dakota State University’s Export Management Certificate Program, through the North Dakota Trade Office, February 9, 2010
• Panelist, “Creating a Financially Viable Algae Company,” Fredrikson & Byron’s Midwest Algae Commercialization Workshop, August 18, 2009
• “How Your International Lawyer Can Make and Save You Money,” Cedar Rapids, Iowa Chamber of Commerce, March 5. 2009 and the NDTO Global Business Connections, March 12, 2009
• “Opportunities & Challenges of Exporting to the Middle East: Trends Before and During the Credit Crunch,” Iowa Agribusiness Export Partnership, Des Moines, Iowa, February 19, 2009
• “Managing International Agreements in China,” Iowa Department of Economic Development, February 13, 2009
• “Protecting Your Client in Chinese Sourcing and Manufacturing Contracts,” Minnesota State Bar Association, February 28, 2008
• “Contracts and Business Relationships in India,” Minnesota Trade Office Roundtable, February 13, 2008
• “Maximize Your Opportunities With Free Trade Agreements,” North Dakota Trade Office, January 16, 2008
• “Legal Issues in Exporting,” International Traders of Iowa, April 16, 2007
• “Successful Distribution in Japan,” Minnesota Trade Office, April 5, 2007
• “Establishing Business Operations in India,” Fredrikson & Byron’s Global Perspectives Seminar, October 11, 2007
• “Negotiating a Seed or Venture Investment Term Sheet,” University of Iowa Law School, September 28, 2007
• “Offshoring and Outsourcing – Opportunities and Risks,” Iowa State Bar Association, June 20, 2007
• “International Trade: Profitability Starts with a Plan,” Fredrikson & Byron’s International Focus Newsletter, June 2007
• “Effective International Contracts,” North Dakota Trade Office Global Business Connections Conference, March 22-23, 2007
• “Private Equity Transactions and Implications” (panelist), The Collaborative’s Private Equity Seminar, February 1, 2007
• “International Contract Issues for Iowa Business Lawyers,” Iowa State Bar Association Annual Meeting, June 2006
• “Special Issues in Cross-Border Contracts,” Fredrikson & Byron’s International Focus Newsletter, March 2006
• “International Business Law,” Iowa State Bar Association Business Law Manual, 2000 and 2005 editions
• “Exclusive Federal Jurisdiction and the Role of the States in Securities Regulation,” 65 Iowa Law Review 1201, 1980
• “Scienter and SEC Injunctive Actions Under Securities Act Section 17(a),” 63 Iowa Law Review 1248, 1978
• “Relieving the Habeas Corpus Burden: A Jurisdictional Remedy,” 63 Iowa Law Review 392, 1977

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association (Member, Committee on Negotiated Acquisitions)
• Iowa State Bar Association, Section Council, Business Law Section, 2005-present; Section Council, International Law Section, 2001-2005 (Chair, 2004-2005)
• Minnesota State Bar Association

Honors & Distinctions

• Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, 2006
• Iowa Governor's Export Service Award, 2001

Community Involvement

• Minnesota International Center, Board of Directors