Stephen John Petras Jr.

Stephen John Petras Jr.

Partner, Baker & Hostetler LLP
  • International Law, Business Law
  • Ohio
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Claimed Lawyer Profile
Biography

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. 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.

Education
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
J.D. (1979) | Law
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Honors: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, 1979
Activities: Student Bar Association, Student Court, International Law Journal
Case Western Reserve University School of Law Logo
Wittenberg University
B.A. | Physics
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Honors: Omicron Delta Kappa
Activities: Student Government, Vice President Society of Physics Students, President Senior Class President
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Professional Experience
Board Member
World Affairs Councils of America
- Current
Adjunct Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
- Current
International LLM Class on Doing Business in the United States of America
Chair of Board
Metro West Kiwanis Charitable Foundation
- Current
Chair of Board
Cleveland Council on World Affairs
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Awards
Membership
Alpha Kappa Epsilon International Business Honor Society
Professional Associations
Ohio State Bar  # 0007702
Member
Current
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Canada - United States Law Institute
Executive Committee Member
- Current
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Northeast Ohio International Business Network
Founding Board Member
- Current
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Northern Ohio District Export Council
Member
- Current
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Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, International Law Section
Chair
-
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Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group
President
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Ohio
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Practice Areas
International Law
Human Rights, Imports & Exports
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Websites & Blogs
Website
Contact & Map
PNC Center, Suite 3200
1900 East Ninth Street
Cleveland, OH 44114