Barnes & Thornburg is pleased to announce significant additions to its Corporate Department with Keith Melman joining as a partner in Los Angeles, while partner Mark Kromkowski and counsel Matthew Kriege join the Chicago office.
Melman brings over two decades of experience guiding industry-leading organizations through complex legal and business challenges. Known for his attention to detail and ability to deliver results in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, Melman’s practice spans multiple sectors, including veterinary healthcare, entertainment, media, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
Melman most recently served as associate general counsel for Mars Science & Diagnostics, a global network of veterinary diagnostic laboratories within Mars Petcare, part of Mars, Incorporated. Previously, he was a principal legal advisor for veterinary services company VCA Inc., where he played a pivotal role in structuring and executing high-stakes transactions, including the $10 billion acquisition of VCA by Mars, Incorporated—a deal reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission. Following the transaction, Melman served as a principal legal advisor for Antech Diagnostics Inc., a division of Mars Science & Diagnostics.
“With nine new transactional partners in just the last six months, we continue to expand our corporate practice, particularly in areas such as M&A and private funds and asset management,” said Jahan Sharifi, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Corporate Department. “We’re excited to welcome Keith as part of this effort. With his backgrounds guiding organizations through high-value transactions, our clients will greatly benefit from his strategic counsel, innovative thinking, and ability to navigate complex legal and business challenges with clarity and confidence.”
Kromkowski, a leading private funds and asset management practitioner, represents investment funds and portfolio companies across a range of private equity and corporate M&A transactions. Kriege guides fund sponsors, portfolio companies, and institutional investors through the complexities of private capital transactions.
“We’ve been focused on strategically growing our transactional bench in Chicago, and Mark and Matt bring deep experience and knowledge in this critical area,” said Michael Carrillo, managing partner of the firm’s Chicago office.
Both Kromkowski and Kriege counsel fund managers on the creation, administration, and regulatory compliance of Rural Business Investment Companies (RBIC Funds), Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC Funds), and other private investment funds.
“In addition to their all-encompassing funds practices, Mark and Matt are among a small group of elite lawyers with substantial experience in SBIC and RBIC funds – unique experience that will be invaluable to our clients,” said Corporate Department Chair Jahan Sharifi.
With extensive experience in complex transactions, Kromkowski serves both private and public companies and provides comprehensive counsel to fund managers on all aspects of fund formation, administration, and compliance. He also advises financial institutions on matters related to private equity subscription lines of credit, along with net asset value and other hybrid credit facilities.
Kriege brings a broad corporate background and advises on fund formation, entity structuring, side letter negotiations, and operational compliance, with a focus on delivering practical, strategic counsel.
“Los Angeles is home to a wide array of companies, from innovative startups to some of the world’s most established and respected brands—and all of them need smart, innovative legal counsel like Keith,” said Kevin D. Rising, managing partner of the firm’s Los Angeles office. “His extensive connections in California, track record advising on high-stakes transactions and his ability to understand the needs of in-house teams make him a valuable addition to our office.”
Keith Melman received his J.D. from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Kromkowski earned his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. Kriege earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law and his B.S. from Northern Kentucky University.
With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Atlanta, Boston, California, Chicago, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, South Florida, Texas and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.btlaw.com.
