Jack A. Bjerke

Partner

Columbus

T +1.614.462.4760

F +1.614.462.2616

jbjerke@bakerlaw.com

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Overview

Jack Bjerke practices in the areas of business and securities law, and has specific skill in sports and entertainment law and oil and gas law. Jack has unique experience in the auto racing industry. For more than 40 years, he has counseled and represented teams, drivers, sponsors and sanctioning bodies. Because Jack is responsive to his clients’ needs and quickly delves into whatever issues are facing them, he has developed lasting relationships.

Jack has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2006 in the area of Corporate Law.

Select Experience

Represents high-profile teams and drivers in the auto racing business, including open wheel racing, sports car racing and motorcycle racing. Manages drivers’ obligations with sponsors, media and race teams, and counsels on licensing of intellectual property rights. Handles representation of race teams, including those who have won the Indianapolis 500 seven times and the 24 Hours of Daytona race once, as well as representation related to all aspects of their business, including sponsorship, supply contracts and driver agreements.
Represented four private companies in three different industries in their initial public offerings through listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Provided counsel on all phases of corporate governance, deal structure, M&A and fundraising.
Represented a public company during its acquisition by a public Canadian corporation, advising on all aspects of the sale. Resolved federal and local tax and securities issues related to a domestic company’s evolvement into a Canadian entity listed in both jurisdictions (TSX and NASDAQ Bulletin Board).

Represents high-profile teams and drivers in the auto racing business, including open wheel racing, sports car racing and motorcycle racing. Manages drivers’ obligations with sponsors, media and race teams, and counsels on licensing of intellectual property rights. Handles representation of race teams, including those who have won the Indianapolis 500 seven times and the 24 Hours of Daytona race once, as well as representation related to all aspects of their business, including sponsorship, supply contracts and driver agreements.
Represented four private companies in three different industries in their initial public offerings through listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Provided counsel on all phases of corporate governance, deal structure, M&A and fundraising.
Represented a public company during its acquisition by a public Canadian corporation, advising on all aspects of the sale. Resolved federal and local tax and securities issues related to a domestic company’s evolvement into a Canadian entity listed in both jurisdictions (TSX and NASDAQ Bulletin Board).
Represented a public oil and gas client in California selling all its assets. Advised client on best selling practices and structured liquidation of the company.
Negotiated lease of rights to explore the Utica Shale Play in Ohio, including drilling participation agreements, as part of representation of oil and gas clients in Ohio.
Represented the first auto racing sanctioning body to ever become a public entity, including going public and listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Represents the promoter for the Mazda Road to Indy comprised of three levels of racing up the ladder to IndyCar.
Represents as general counsel the largest motorcycle advocacy membership organization, including representing the entity in all of its racing sanctioning activities. The entity is the largest sanctioning body for motorcycle racing in the world.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

The Legal 500 United States (2017 to 2019)
- Recommended in Industry Focus: Sport
The Best Lawyers in America© (2006 to Present)
- Ohio: Corporate Law
  - Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" (2021)
Columbus CEO, "Top Lawyers in Central Ohio" (2020)
Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" (2015, 2018)
Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent