Steve Petras Email and Phone Number

Stephen J. Petras, Jr., is Director of the Frederick K. Cox International Law Center of Case Western Reserve University School of Law where he is an Adjunct Professor teaching in the International LL.M. program. He is the United States National Director of the Canada – United States Law Institute. The Canada – United States Law Institute is an organization focused on researching, analyzing, and explaining legal issues of significance to Canada and United States. Started in 1976, its principals are Case Western Reserve University School of Law and the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Law. He serves on the Board of the Council of the Great Lakes Region and is its Immediate Past Chair. The Council of the Great Lakes Region is a bi-national council that was established in 2013, dedicated to the economic development and sustainability of the Great Lakes region. Mr. Petras retired from the law firm of Baker & Hostetler LLP at the end of 2018 where he was a partner in the Business Practice Group and where he had led its International Industry Team. He has been actively engaged in international legal, business and relations matters 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, Vice Chair of the Board of the World Affairs Councils of America, and President of the Cleveland World Trade Association. He is a member of the Northern Ohio District Export Council and continues to serve on the boards of several private companies and nonprofits. Mr. Petras obtained his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1979, and he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Physics from Wittenberg University in 1976.

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.