David Kern

Managing Partner

David.Kern@lewisbrisbois.com

David Kern is the managing partner of the Akron, Ohio office of Lewis Brisbois, Chair of the Tax Practice, and a member of the Corporate Practice. Mr. Kern works with clients to develop and execute business savvy legal and tax strategies for businesses from early stage through maturity and sale or merger, with a view towards maximizing benefit to their owners and investors.

As an experienced corporate and tax “deals” lawyer and strategist, often Mr. Kern acts as primary outside counsel to middle market companies owned by private individuals, investment and private equity firms, and public companies. He manages litigation matters strategically with the client’s ultimate business goals in mind, and to achieve the best financial impacts and business solutions. His practice is focused on helping companies and their owners build value and manage risk. 

Mr. Kern’s specific industry experience includes aviation, aerospace, HVAC, e-business, manufacturing, and healthcare. He has negotiated and closed several hundred transactions including partnerships, business sales and acquisitions, and corporate finance in technology, distribution, aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare. 

Primary Area(s) of Practice

  • Corporate
  • Complex Business & Commercial Litigation
  • Tax
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • COVID-19: Contracts & Force Majeure
  • COVID-19: Tax Implications
  • COVID-19: Commercial & Contractual Litigation Disputes
  • COVID-19 Response Resource Center

Additional Experience

Admissions

Ohio

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio

Associations

  • Akron Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Ohio State Bar Association

Awards & Honors

  • Listed by Best Lawyers in America® (2003–2024)
    • Named Best Lawyers in America® 'Best Lawyers' Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates (2024)
    • Named Best Lawyers in America® ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2024)
    • Named Best Lawyers in America® ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Akron Tax Law (2015, 2023)
    • Named Best Lawyers in America® ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Akron Corporate Law (2009)
  • Recognized in Best Lawyers Business Edition® for Trusts and Estates Law (2015)
  • Selected for inclusion in Ohio’s Super Lawyers® (2004–2020), as voted by his peers
    • Recognized in Super Lawyers Business Edition® for Tax Law (2014)
    • Recognized in Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel® for Tax (2009)
  • Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating of AV® Preeminent™, which is the highest possible rating in both legal and ethical standards as established by confidential opinions from members of the Bar.

Education

Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.

L.L.M., 1992

Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio

Juris Doctor, with honors, 1990

The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1990

Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana

Bachelor of Science, 1983

Pro Bono & Philanthropy

  • Trustee, Jewish Community Board of Akron
  • Trustee, Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank Foundation
  • Graduate, Leadership Ohio

Certifications

  • Completed C.P.A. Examination