R. Steven Kestner

Partner

Cleveland
T +1.216.861.7558
F +1.216.696.0740

Overview

Steve Kestner concentrates his practice on mergers and acquisitions, transactions and securities law. He advises and represents clients in the areas of domestic and foreign mergers and acquisitions, and works with public and private companies, private equity and venture capital firms. His securities law work has included registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to both debt and equity financings, and annual and periodic reports and proxy statements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. He works closely with NYSE and NASDAQ companies.

Steve is the former Chairman of BakerHostetler, having served in that role from 2004 through 2018. Before serving as Chairman, Steve chaired the firm's national Business Group and served as a member of the firm's Policy Committee, its governing body.

Steve has been named one of America's Leading Business Lawyers by Chambers USA since 2005, and he was elected to The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation in January 2008.

He serves on the Board of Directors of Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ: PLPC). Preformed Line Products designs and manufactures products and systems for the energy, telecommunications and cable industries worldwide.

Steve is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Museum of Art, serving on the Board since 2004, and served as Chairman from 2012 to 2016.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Chambers USA: Corporate/M&A in Ohio (2005 to 2022)
    • Band 3 (2005 to 2013, 2018 to 2019), Band 4 (2014 to 2017, 2020 to 2022)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2013 to Present)
    • Ohio: Mergers & Acquisitions Law
      • Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" (2016)
  • Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent

Memberships

  • The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation

Community

  • Preformed Line Products Company (NASDAQ: PLPC): Board Member
  • The Cleveland Museum of Art: Board of Trustees (2004 to present)
    • Chairman (2012 to 2016)
  • Greater Cleveland Partnership: Board of Directors (2006 to 2018)
  • United Way
    • Executive Campaign Cabinet (2007 to 2018)
    • Philanthropic Society (2008 to 2018)
  • St. Ignatius High School: Board of Regents (2005 to 2010)

Admissions

  • Ohio, 1979

Education

  • J.D., The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, 1979
  • B.A., Mathematics and Economics, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1976