Steve Proctor, Chair of the firm's Business Group, has counseled numerous clients in establishing operations in the U.S.; corporate reorganizations; mergers; divestitures and acquisitions; and entity formation.
As a member of the firm's Distribution & Sales Group, Mr. Proctor prepares and negotiates sale and purchase agreements; financing agreements; and security, loan and inter-creditor agreements. He advises clients on the sale, financing, securing and repossessing of collateral, including inventory and equipment, under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
In addition, Mr. Proctor works with clients to protect their intellectual property, including the preparation, review and negotiation of intellectual property license and nondisclosure agreements.
Mr. Proctor is a frequent author and has written several publications for legal journals such as The Practical Lawyer and the Illinois Bar Journal. His articles have addressed topics including sales and use tax, sales contracts, corporate documents and employment law.
Mr. Proctor has served the community through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services since 1985, first at the Hull House Legal Clinic, and, since 1992, at the Asian Human Services Legal Clinic. He was recognized for his volunteer work by being awarded the 1991 Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Distinguished Service Award; the 1995 Asian American Bar Association Community Service Award; and the 2006 Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Proctor is also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity.
Prior to his legal career, Mr. Proctor served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1973, including service in Korea from 1970 to 1972. He also lived and worked in Japan from 1977 to 1979, where he studied Japanese language and culture.
Mr. Proctor enjoys website design and programming and has prepared websites, without charge, for nonprofit organizations. He also enjoys running and has completed four marathons.
Negotiated and implemented a $60,000,000 divestiture of two subsidiaries, involving intellectual property, securities, employment, licensing, and asset valuation issues.
Negotiated, implemented and established a successful joint venture, whose sales now exceed $50,000,000.
Negotiated equipment sale and finance agreements, including long-term agreements representing millions of dollars in sales and financing.
Defended and represented employers in negotiating satisfactory resolutions to disputes involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment, age discrimination and contract claims.
Defended and represented suppliers in resolving claims from distributors and sales representatives.