Stephen John Petras Jr.

Steve Petras practices international business transactions as a partner in the Business Practice Group.  He has facilitated commercial and corporate transactions in most countries throughout the world. When representing companies seeking to expand operations in foreign jurisdictions or in business transactions with parties from different countries, Steve seeks to create effective and efficient corporate and tax structures and enforceable agreements in the multiple jurisdictions involved. Furthermore, he advises on the compliance of the business activities and the parties with the applicable U.S. and foreign laws and regulations. Steve has deep experience representing clients in the manufacturing and technology industries, where his technical background and interest enables him to better fit the transaction with the underlying technology of his clients’ businesses.

Steve has led BakerHostetler’s International Industry Team since 1998. He is actively engaged in the international community of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio having served as the President of the Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group, Chair of the International Section of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Chair of the Board of the Cleveland Council on World Affairs, and President of the Cleveland World Trade Association.  He is an Adjunct Professor in the International LL.M program of Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Dedicated to increasing international business in the United States and Ohio, Steve has been appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce as a member the Northern Ohio District Export Council and by Governor Voinovich as an Ohio Commodore.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America.

Experience

-      On behalf of The Clinton Foundation’s HIV/AIDS Initiative, negotiated agreements for supply of antiretroviral medicines to treat adults and children suffering from or living with HIV/AIDS in the numerous developing countries of that program. These agreements covered the supply of drugs by pharmaceutical companies as well as the supply of testing equipment and supplies by the biomedical equipment manufacturers.  These agreements and the infrastructure created enabled millions of people to receive life-saving treatment.

-      Involved in structuring working capital financing transactions for the mining and delivery of natural resources using innovative security and payments methods.  This structure enabled the client to provide working capital on trade-by-trade basis at very low risk but significant revenue.

-      Numerous international mergers and acquisitions spanning the transaction value range from nominal to over US$ Billion. 

-      Prepared major sourcing and outsourcing agreements enabling expansion of operations to India, the Philippines and other countries.

-      Prepared numerous international joint venture agreements for manufacturing, software development, marketing, research and other purposes for client business expansion into China, Brazil and other countries.  These projects cover various technologies, products, and services including automobile parts, appliance components, food products, machinery, environmental remediation equipment, and others.

-      Established U.S. operations for foreign companies through new entities, startup operations, joint ventures, and other arrangements, including selection of available incentives.

-      Performed international coverage analysis of reinsurance and insurance issues concerning large losses caused by such things as legal compliance failures and product defects.

-      Prepared product representation and distribution agreements across the world for technology-based clients, including the auto, medical, life sciences, machinery, gearing, software, housing, plumbing supply, aviation, and numerous other industries.

Recognitions

-      Alpha Kappa Epsilon International Business Honor Society (2005 to present)

Memberships

-      . Law Institute: Executive Committee

-      Ohio Commodore: Appointed by Governor Voinovich (1996)

-      Cleveland Council on World Affairs: immediate past Chair of the Board

-      Cleveland World Trade Association: past president

o   World Trade Center of Cleveland: Advisory Board

-      Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group: past president

-      Northeast Ohio International Business Network: Founding Board Member

-      United States Department of Commerce: Northern Ohio District Export Council member

-      American Bar Association: International Law Section

-      Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association: International Law Section, past Chair

Community

-      Cleveland State University James J. Nance College of Business Administration International TRADE Program: Advisory Board

-      Case Western Reserve University School of Law: Society of Benchers, Member

-      MetroWest Kiwanis Charitable Foundation: Chairman