Ask Mark Jahnke how he's doing, and he will tell you he's living the dream. And while every attorney knows on some days that might ring sarcastic, Mark regularly means it.
For him, the dream is the opportunity to work with clients to help them achieve their dreams. Because clients recognize that his level of care and concern is something unique, Mark is often asked to serve on client boards, advisory groups or in other capacities that allow him to work hand-in-hand with management to achieve business goals or navigate challenges and complexities.
While day-to-day client counseling frequently occupies a portion of Mark's workday, his reputation has been built on and staked to the special skill he brings to advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other major corporate transactions. Several times Mark has represented one party in a deal only to be hired later by the other party in connection with a separate transaction.
A long-time client describes Mark as “the kind of lawyer that every CEO dreams of hiring,” and the lawyer he would want on his side of the table in any negotiation. As that client recognized, Mark does not pretend to be an expert in every area, but involves the right people as needed to help clients avoid unnecessary legal adventures. This echoes Mark’s recognition in Chambers USA as an “astute business lawyer and negotiator who is very easy to deal with,” and who will "fight for the things that are important with great practical judgment and a sense of humor.”
From 2000-September 2020, Mark was the President and CEO of Katz Teller. Mark’s ability to bring out the best in those around him, along with his leadership and judgment, help to keep us focused on achieving the level of service our clients expect and deserve.
In addition to handling a variety of matters relating to business organizations, including owner/shareholder relationships, business succession and related issues, and representation of C-level private and public company executives, Mark has represented a number of our clients, including those identified below, in significant acquisition, recapitalization and disposition transactions:
From 2019-2022, Mark was Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Cincinnati Children's is recognized internationally as a leader in pediatric medical clinical care, education and researchMark has led our firm’s United Way campaign for several years and has helped keep our firm as the community leader in terms of per capita giving. Mark and his wife, Karen, have chaired or co-chaired many United Way initiatives.
From 2005-2015, Mark was a member of the Board and Executive Committee and General Counsel for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.