Ben Kern

Benjamin D. Kern is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, based in the firm's Chicago office. Here are some key details about his background and practice:

Education and Credentials

• Benjamin Kern graduated from Cornell University Law School in 1997, earned his MBA from Cornell University in 1996, and obtained his BA from Indiana University in 1992. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Colorado.23

Career

• Kern started his career as an associate at Winston & Strawn and later became a partner at McGuireWoods before rejoining Winston & Strawn in 2014.13

Practice Areas

• Kern focuses his practice on technology companies and technology transactions. He represents strategic buyers and investors, with an emphasis on technology-focused transactions, as well as transactions involving growth-stage food companies, healthcare, life sciences, medical devices, and pharmaceutical companies.
• His practice spans a broad range of activities, including:
  • Representing technology companies from formation through capital transactions, intellectual property matters, personnel matters, commercial and strategic relationships, and exit strategies.
  • Handling technology licensing, procurement, joint ventures, outsourcing transactions, and the commercialization of university and institutionally-developed intellectual property.
  • Advising on investment, commercial, and exit transactions for high-growth companies.
  • Representing professional investors in various investment transactions, including seed-stage funding, convertible and bridge note transactions, and preferred stock transactions.
  • Managing complex global technology and infrastructure outsourcing transactions, as well as telecommunications and data privacy issues.123

Industry Expertise

• Kern's practice has spanned multiple industries, including:
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • Life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare
  • Wireless and alternative energy
  • Technology services
  • Enterprise and stand-alone software
  • Social networks, applications, and gaming
  • Device and component design, manufacturing, resale, and OEM transactions.123

Recognitions and Activities

• Kern has been named to “Illinois Rising Stars” by Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, from 2008 to 2010.
• He is a member of the firm’s Videogame, Gaming and Esports Group and serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Technology Association. He is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.23

Kern's extensive experience and broad range of expertise make him a valuable asset to Winston & Strawn's corporate and technology practices.