Sean Jones focuses his practice on securities and corporate governance matters, and regularly represents public companies in a broad range of equity and debt capital markets transactions. He advises his clients and their boards of directors on SEC reporting, disclosure issues and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. Sean also assists his clients in merger and acquisition and financing transactions, and his experience extends across a number of industries including technology, energy, health care, and manufacturing.
Sean has received numerous professional awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America® Charlotte “Lawyer of the Year” in Securities/Capital Markets Law for 2017, 2019, and 2024, in Securities Regulation for 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025, and in Corporate Governance law for 2023.
In addition to lecturing and authoring articles for seminars and presentations, Sean served as an Adjunct Professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law from 2006 through 2011 where he taught an advanced business law seminar. Sean previously served as managing partner of the Charlotte office for seven years and as a member of the firm’s management committee.
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® as "Lawyer of the Year" for Securities Regulation in Charlotte, 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® as "Lawyer of the Year" for Securities/Capital Markets Law in Charlotte, 2017, 2019, and 2024
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® as "Lawyer of the Year" for Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law in Charlotte, 2015, 2021, and 2024
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® as "Lawyer of the Year" for Corporate Governance Law in Charlotte, 2023
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in Charlotte
- Corporate Governance Law, 2011-2025
- Corporate Law, 2009-2025
- Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, 2010-2025
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2008-2025
- Securities/Capital Markets Law, 2007-2025
- Securities Regulation, 2011-2025
- Recognized by Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A in North Carolina: Charlotte & Surrounds, 2009-2016 and 2021-2024
- Named to the North Carolina Super Lawyers list for Securities and Corporate Finance Law, 2006 and 2009-2018
- Society for Corporate Governance (Southeastern Chapter), Member
- Mint Museum of Art, Advisory Board (past Chair of Board of Trustees)
- Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Former Member of Board of Directors
- The Light Factory, Former Member of Board of Directors
- 50-Mile Multiple Sclerosis Challenge Walk, 2005-2006 and 2013-2015
- Member, North Carolina Bar Association, Business Law Section, Legal Opinion Committee
- Adjunct Professor, North Carolina Central University School of Law (Advanced Business Law Seminar), 2006-2011
- Guest Lecturer on Securities Regulation, University of California, Irvine School of Law, 2022-2024
- Guest Lecturer on Securities and M&A matters at University of Tennessee College of Law, February 2010
- “Director Responsibilities and Liabilities,” National Association of Corporate Directors Annual Directors College, October 2009 and November 2010
- “SPECIAL REPORT – Bailing Out Underwater Options Takes Deft Approach,” co-authored article with Mike Denny, Charlotte Business Journal, January 2009
- Guest Lecturer on Securities Laws at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, November 2007 and March 2008
- “Corporate Responsibility and Governance” and “Attorney Reporting-Up Requirements,” Sarbanes-Oxley Act Lorman Seminar, September 2007
- “Recent Developments in Legal Opinions,” Kennedy Covington Business Law CLE, April 2007
- “Section 409A - Executive Compensation Disclosure Rules: Update and Review,” Audio Conference , February 2007
- “Corporate Responsibility And Governance,” Sarbanes-Oxley Act Lorman Seminar, September 2006
- “Securities Law for Tax Lawyers,” Fifth Annual North Carolina/South Carolina Tax Section Workshops, May 2006
- “ISS Proxy Voting Guidelines: 2006 Updates for Equity Plans and Executive Compensation,” Carolinas Chapter of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals, March 2006
- “Going Public and Other Securities Issues,” presentation at Private Equity and Mezzanine Finance Annual Conference, November 2005
- “Letters of Intent and Commitment Documents,” CLE presentation, August 2005
- “High Yield Debt Offerings,” CLE presentation with Mike Denny, May 2005
- “Structuring the Financing Commitment for a Leveraged Acquisition,” presentation for UNC School of Law Seminar, The Art of Advising Emerging Growth Companies, November 2004
- “Going Private Transactions,” CLE presentation, October 2004
- “Legal Opinions,” CLE presentation, March 2004
- Quoted, SEC Pauses Climate Disclosure Rule, Cites Litigation ‘Complexities, E&E News, 5 April 2024
- Quoted, "Environmentalists, Conservatives Sue SEC Over Climate Rule," Investment News, 26 March 2024
- Quoted, “SEC Rule to Shine Light on Climate-Juiced Disasters," E&E News, 22 March 2024
- "K&L Gates’ Sean Jones and Julie Rizzo help diverse clientele navigate the ESG chaos," Wolters Kluwer, 12 May 2023
- "Albemarle closes USD 1.7 billion notes deal," International Business Reports, 19 May 2022
