As a member of Gould & Ratner’s corporate practice, Sevan Avakian counseled privately held and family-run entrepreneurial businesses in a variety of complex transactional and corporate governance matters, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, private equity and venture capital financings, corporate formations and reorganizations, and debt financing transactions. Sevan proved to be an indispensable resource for many notable companies, guiding his clients in a full range of legal matters throughout their life cycle.Additionally, Sevan represented angel investors, investment syndicates, and venture capital firms, assisting these clients with the formation of special purpose vehicles, investment clubs, and venture capital funds. As a co-founder of his own venture capital firm, Jordan Avakian Group, Sevan brought a valuable perspective to deal diligence and negotiation on behalf of investor clients.Sevan’s experience and clients spanned a variety of industries, including: technology and media; high-tech manufacturing; transportation; automotive sales and distribution; consulting and professional services; software design and development; digital marketing and strategy; consumer packaged goods; banking and financial services; and sports and entertainment. Entrenched in the business community, Sevan makes it a priority to introduce his clients to centers of influence within their respective industry.Sevan was named to the 2021, 2022 and 2023 editions of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” lists in the category of corporate law and the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Stars lists in the category of corporate law. During his time at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Sevan served as president of Loyola’s Business Law Society. Additionally, he was the regional champion and national quarterfinalist in the 2014 Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition.

•Researched and analyzed prevailing securities related issues, drafted rule amendments required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, drafted trademark agreements for the Exchange, and analyzed employment contracts made by the Exchange.•Prepared trial documents to be filed with the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.

•Researched and analyzed various corporate governance issues.•Assisted in the composition of law journal articles regarding the importance and impact of enterprise-wide risk management for the governance of public firms.

•Researched legal issues, composed legal memoranda, indexed evidence, and filed court documents.•Assisted in the preparation of a RICO trial involving over 2,300 pages of evidence.

•Assisted executives of various departments including finance, marketing, and basketball operations.•Drafted contracts, researched and analyzed trademark agreements, and prepared legal presentations.•Assisted in the development of a new injury reporting system for the stadium.

•Assisted six criminal defense attorneys as head intern during The People v. Drew Peterson trial.•Composed legal documents, researched case issues, filed motions, maintained evidence, and kept daily trial notes.