BIOGRAPHY
& RESUME

Val Antczak has provided legal and business advice to clients in a number of industries.  His most valuable role is as a trusted adviser, bringing his diverse experience as an advocate, business lawyer, and business advisor to bear on a client’s most critical needs.  He has participated in running a major law firm, and as general counsel of energy and biotech companies.  He has both experienced the excitement of a client’s growth, as well as managed the disappointment of downsizing a company.  The most important skills he brought as manager and legal adviser are a solid understanding of the law, objectivity and a focus on the client’s vision.  As a board member of a public company said during a difficult period, Val’s advice is “steady and wise.”

Val is presently looking to grow his practice where he can best use his unique experience, as a general business law adviser, with particular emphasis on helping startup companies.  In an age of specialization, he is still very willing to serve as an advocate for a client, whether in court or with a client’s business partner.  As importantly, he is able and willing to advise a client with the broader perspective of his experience, able to negotiate a business resolution while willing to develop a dispute resolution strategy. 

Resume

GENERAL COUNSEL / EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Corporate and commercial law attorney with in-house and major law firm background.  Special expertise in the energy and biotech industries.  Skilled at assisting senior management in achieving business goals using sound legal strategies.  Proven ability to handle corporate governance, compliance, SEC, IP, and transactional matters as well as litigation.  Exceptional negotiation, diplomacy and team-building skills.  Strong strategic planning and organizational skills.

Areas of Expertise:

Contract Negotiation

• Corporate Restructuring
• Business Management
• SEC
• Governance
• Business Development
• IP Supervision
• Strategic Planning
• Regulatory Issues

“Val was both counselor and lawyer to the Board of Directors and management during a period of change for the Company.  He provided leadership and steady, objective advice on all legal matters confronted by a public company in a complex industry.  The breadth of Val’s experience also allows him to provide unique business and people insights required for senior management to address complex business decisions.”

-Hunter Jackson Ph.D., Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, Navigen, Inc.

HONORS

• Received highest professional peer rating possible for 15 years from Martindale Hubbell AV Rating.
• Recognized in Best Lawyers in America.
• Recognized as a leading lawyer in Utah in by Utah Business. 

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

• Managed the in-house legal department consisting of six attorneys, a patent agent, three paralegals and associated professionals in 3 locations, handling business development, IP, human resource matters and public company issues.
• Part of senior management team which redefined and restructured biotech company from 500+ to fewer than 50 employees to respond to changed economic and market conditions.
• Advised Board of Directors and management on corporate governance issues including disclosure and transitional issues related to a shift in management and company restructuring.
• Responsible for all legal aspects of biotech company, including governance, regulatory and SEC requirements.
• Principal legal advisor for Board of Directors and other executives on all legal matters. Led asset sale transactions and refinancing of all company debt obligations.