Michael E. Flowers | Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Michael E. Flowers

Of Counsel

(614) 456-1655

michael.flowers@steptoe-johnson.com

Office: Columbus

Energy

Business

Employment

Litigation

J.D. The Ohio State University
B.S.B.A. Bucknell University

Licensure: OH

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Biography

Michael Flowers focuses his practice in the areas of business, real estate, and corporate finance law. He is a former Chief Legal Counsel of KBK Enterprises (a multi-state real estate development company) where he was in charge of business activities and real estate projects. Mr. Flowers is a former partner of Bricker & Eckler, LLP and has extensive experience in corporate law, corporate governance, corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, formation of business entities, venture capital financing and emerging entity representation, and commercial real estate law.

Mr. Flowers was reappointed by Ohio Governor John Kasich as a member of the Columbus State Community College Board. He was also appointed to the Small Business Advisory Council by Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor. He is charged with advising the Lieutenant Governor on the adverse impact of government rules and regulations on small businesses.

Know-How

Alert

Risk Associated with Failure of Programs to Gain Timely Accreditation

White House Task Force Issues Guide for Campus Sexual Assault Response

Work Experience

2016 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
2008-2016 Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel, KBK Enterprises
1995-2007 Bricker & Eckler, LLP
1979-1995 Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP

Speaking Engagements

"Why Rule of Law is an Imperative," Columbus Business First, 2016

"Common Sense Initiative Improving Ohio's Business Environment," Columbus Business First, 2015

"How Magna Carta has Flexed an Enduring Legacy in our Nation," Columbus Business First, 2015

"Legal Services Needs Full Funding to Meet Rising Demands of Poor," Columbus Business First, 2015

"How Ohioans Win if They Know About Their Judiciary," Columbus Business First, 2015

"Rising Tide of Cyber Attacks Puts U.S. Businesses on Legal Defensive," Columbus Business First, 2014

"Why the Jury System Helps to Preserve America's Democracy," Columbus Business First, 2014

Key Experience

Served as lead counsel for all aspects of transactions for numerous developers including the formation of the ownership entity, negotiation and drafting of master development agreements, prepared contracts and agreements with architects, engineers, and other service providers, resolved real estate title issues, supervised document due diligence review, drafted and negotiated tenant leases, supervised work of outside law firms, and prepared required closing legal opinions

Managed all legal aspects of multi-state real estate development firm with projects valuing in the aggregate in excess of $500 million dollars

Experienced in corporate governance, corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, formation of business entities, venture capital financing, and federal and state securities law

Memberships & Awards

Professional

Board of Governors, American Bar Association (2012-2015)
Member, American Law Institute
Board Member, Rule of Law Initiative, American Bar Association
Member, Board of Trustees, Ohio State Bar Foundation (Received Ritter Award for Professionalism in 2005), 2010-2012
Peer Review Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell
The John Mercer Langston Bar Association Distinguished Leader Award, 2006
The Best Lawyers in America® 2005-2006 (Corporate, Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities Law)
The Ohio State University Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award, 2006
America's Top Black Lawyers, Black Enterprise Magazine, 2003
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Distinguished Alumni Award, 2000
Chair, Section of Business Law, American Bar Association (1999-2000)

Industry/Civic

Chair, Board of Trustees, Columbus State Community College
Member, Board of Trustees, Bucknell University (Chair, Audit & Risk Management Committee)
Member, Board of Trustees, National Church Residences (Board Secretary)
Member, Ohio Small Business Advisory Council (Appointed by Ohio Lt. Governor)
Advisory Council, The Center for Real Estate Education & Research, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University
President's Advisory Council, Elon University, Elon, NC (2011-2015)
Board of Trustees, Mount Carmel Health System (2002-2010, Chair, 2009-2010)