Partner
Transactional attorney advising design professionals and business owners through mergers and acquisitions, ownership transitions, and the full range of decisions that shape a company’s future.
Kalyn Stern is a transactional attorney whose practice centers on the deals and decisions that define a business. She advises design professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs on mergers and acquisitions, internal succession planning, entity formation, and the day-to-day legal matters that keep companies running well. Her clients range from architecture and engineering firms navigating complex sales to family-owned businesses working through generational transitions.
Kalyn is known for being detail-oriented and analytical, with an ability to navigate technically complex transactions without losing sight of what matters most to her clients. She approaches each matter with a problem-solving mindset, looking for creative, equitable solutions rather than defaulting to an adversarial posture. Whether she is reviewing due diligence materials, negotiating purchase agreements, or drafting a nuanced shareholders agreement, she brings the same careful attention and strategic thinking to every stage of the work.
Before practicing law, Kalyn earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Biology from the University of California, a background that informs her analytical approach and gives her an edge when advising clients in technical and scientific industries. She earned her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she graduated cum laude.
Represented a large Southern California engineering firm in its sale to a publicly traded company. Worked closely and collaboratively with the client, buyer, and outside transaction consultants on all aspects of the sale, including review of due diligence materials, preparation of disclosure schedules, and negotiation and drafting of all transaction documents, including the purchase agreement, earnout agreement, and post-closing employment agreements.
Represented a flooring contractor in executing a long-term growth strategy. The plan began with the client’s expansion through the acquisition of a regional competitor and culminated in the sale of the company to a leading national firm.
Represented the founding owners of an engineering firm in internal succession planning, including formulating a plan to promote key employees into ownership and drafting a nuanced shareholders agreement to ensure the founding owners maintained appropriate levels of control.
Represented a family member in a multi-generational family business originally founded by the grandparents, where fractionalized ownership at the grandchild level had created significant operational complexity. Negotiated and prepared a buy-sell agreement, navigating both the logistical and emotional dimensions of the matter, to ensure the family legacy remained intact.
Represented a business in the negotiation of a lease at a large, highly trafficked, and visible outdoor mall.
Represented a commercial landlord in the negotiation of multiple leases with franchised tenants.
UC Irvine Business Law Society — Mid-Size Firms: Partner Panel
Outside the office, Kalyn can usually be found with her two senior dogs, traveling, or behind a camera. She is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, the Association for Corporate Growth, and Women on Course.
If you have questions or want to explore potential opportunities, we’d be glad to hear from you. Connect with our team to start the conversation, or learn more about what we offer and how we can support your goals.
