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John D. Allison

John Allison is a partner in the Charlotte office and represents multi-national public and private companies in a variety of complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs, investments, and joint ventures, in the technology, energy, finance, consulting, construction, retail, security, manufacturing, maritime, cosmetics, airline, and other industry sectors. His cross-border mergers and acquisitions practice often involves numerous parties and operations in multiple countries and the complex international, tax, and regulatory issues associated with those types of deals. As the operations of his clients have spread overseas, he has also gained experience handling international matters in over 40 foreign countries involving issues relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.S. export control laws, anti-boycott laws, bank guarantees, international treaties and conventions, Incoterms, dealer protection laws, currency exchange controls, and other matters impacting cross-border transactions. 

John served as law clerk to the Honorable Robert F. Chapman, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1991-92.

Prior to joining K&L Gates, John was an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of a national law firm.

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2021 Lawyer of the Year, Mergers and Acquisitions Law - Charlotte
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, International Trade and Finance Law, Project Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2008-2023
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2018-2020 Lawyer of the Year, Mergers and Acquisitions Law - Charlotte
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2015 Lawyer of the Year, International Trade and Finance Law - Charlotte
  • North Carolina Super Lawyers, Business/Corporate Law, 2006 - 2009, 2013-2014
  • North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society, 2016 (inaugural year) - present
  • “Behind the Boilerplate -- A Closer Look at Indemnification and Exclusion of Consequential Damages,” NC Continuing Legal Education Presentation, August 2018
  • “International Business Opportunities: Keys to a Successful Start,” Panelist, The Presidents’ Forum of Charlotte, December 2014
  • “Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: What Is It and How Not to Run Afoul of It,” North Carolina World Trade Association Export Compliance Seminar, February 2012
  • “International Business Opportunities: Keys to a Successful Start,” Panelist, The Presidents’ Forum of Charlotte, December 2011
  • “Traps for the Unwary – Legal and Contractual Issues Doing Business Overseas,” North Carolina World Trade Association Meeting, February 2011
  • “International Joint Ventures,” Association of Corporate Counsel Charlotte Chapter Meeting, October 2010
  • “International Joint Ventures,” NC Bar Business Law and Corporate Counsel Section Joint Annual Meeting, February 2009
  • “Select Legal Issues to Consider in Export Transactions,” North Carolina World Trade Association, Carolina West Chapter Meeting, July 2008
  • “Maximizing Global Partnerships,” Panelist, NC Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) Globalization 2008 Conference, February 2008
  • “Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances,” NC Bar Business Law Section Annual Meeting: International Law Considerations for Corporate Counsel & Lawyers, February 2006
Additional Thought Leadership Pages
  • "Extension Of The HSR Waiting Period Increases Acquirer Risk," Law360, 15 October 2021
  • Doing Business in the United States: A Guidebook for Non-U.S. Companies Operating in the United States, June 2021
  • Doing Business in the United States: A Guidebook for Foreign Companies Operating in the United States, 2009
  • International Business Ventures: A Guidebook for Companies Operating in Foreign Jurisdictions, June 2001
  • “Selling Goods Globally and Dealer Protection Laws,” Newsletter of the North Carolina Business Association's International Law & Practice Section, October 1999
  • “Prepare for Dispute Before Signing Contract,” The Business Journal, April 1999
  • “Know Rules Before Hiring a Dealer to Sell Goods Overseas,” The Business Journal, August 1998
Additional News & Event Pages
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