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. 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.

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

J.D. (1979) | Law

1976 - 1979

Honors: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, 1979

Activities: Student Bar Association, Student Court, International Law Journal

Wittenberg University

B.A. | Physics

1974 - 1976

Honors: Omicron Delta Kappa

Activities: Student Government, Vice President Society of Physics Students, President Senior Class President

Board Member

World Affairs Councils of America

2014 - Current

Adjunct Professor

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

2012 - Current

International LLM Class on Doing Business in the United States of America

Chair of Board

Metro West Kiwanis Charitable Foundation

1984 - Current

Chair of Board

Cleveland Council on World Affairs

2009 - 2012

Membership

Alpha Kappa Epsilon International Business Honor Society

2005

Ohio State Bar  # 0007702

Member

Current

Canada - United States Law Institute

Executive Committee Member

2013 - Current

Northeast Ohio International Business Network

Founding Board Member

2004 - Current

Northern Ohio District Export Council

Member

2003 - Current

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, International Law Section

Chair

2006 - 2008

Greater Cleveland International Lawyers Group

President

1996 - 2004

Ohio

Since 1979