John Chapas II, ESQ.

---

John Chapas is a valued partner for client executives in the strategic decision-making process, risk assessment and tolerance, and cost / benefit analysis.  He works with clients in numerous industries and offer practical solutions regarding day-to-day legal issues as de facto outside general counsel, including for technology, manufacturing, financial services, private equity, consulting, family-owned and chemical companies.  He has acted as team leader and budget manager for numerous projects and personnel.  

John counsels clients daily in the delivery of practical solutions regarding vendors, customers, contracts, data security, intellectual property, emergencies, governance, business law and other issues which require immediate analysis and answers.

Owner: The Law Office of John W. Chapas II, Esq., April 2018 - Present

Partner: Reed Smith LLP (f/k/a Reed Smith Shaw & McClay LLP), May 2000 – April 2018 (Associate prior to January 1, 2007; Firmwide Alternative Fees Committee; Pittsburgh Marketing Committee; New Associate and Summer Associate Mentor)

University of Virginia School of Law: Charlottesville, Virginia J.D., 1996- Top third of class.  

Select Activities and Honors: Student Bar Association (SBA) - Class Representative; Peer Advisor; Journal of Social Policy and the Law – Editorial Board; First Year Council (student government of first year class); Moot Court Competition.

Miami University: Oxford, Ohio B.S. in Business, 1993- Magna Cum Laude and with University Honors; Minor in History.  

Select Activities and Honors: Beta Gamma Sigma; Phillip R. Schriver Scholarship; Anna Thomas Memorial Scholarship; A.H.E.P.A. Scholarship; Honors Program; SPERS (junior honorary) – President; Miami Lacrosse.

Author of numerous articles, including:  

"Why Are My Competitors Outsourcing IT? Should I?", TechnologyLawDispatch.com,  February 18, 2016. 

"Data Security: You Must Know Where the Data is Located Before You Can Secure It", TechnologyLawDispatch.com, April 18, 2016.

“Is Your Company’s Data Secure? A Quick Check,” The Legal Intelligencer, May 13, 2015. 

“Managing Regulatory Risk in the Cloud,” (with Anthony Diana, Esq.) The Legal Intelligencer, December 9, 2014.  

“First Steps Critical When Entering Cloud …” Pittsburgh Business Times, July 5, 2013.  “Don’t Ignore the Risks of BYOD Programs,” Law360, February 20, 2013.  

“M & A: A Team and Goal-Focused Perspective,” Law360, September 13, 2012.  

“Auld Lange Syne New Year’s Resolution (Records Management),” Law Technology News, Dec. 1, 2011.  

“The Importance of Data Security When Outsourcing or Using Cloud Computing,” Boardmember.com, March 21, 2011.  

“Joint Venture: A Good Idea Or Too Much Trouble?” Law360, April 5, 2010.  

“What Your Company Needs to Know About Software Licenses,” Pittsburgh Business Times, July 3, 2009.  

“Selling Business Not As Simple As You Might Think,” Pittsburgh Business Times, April 4, 2008. 

For more recent articles, please check out the "Quick Hits Blog" via the LINK at the top of this page. 

Various speaking engagements, including regarding negotiation strategy and techniques, contracts, divestitures, technology transactions, commercial agreements, cloud computing, data security, records retention and compliance, including a CLE to the the legal department of one of the biggest financial institutions in the world. entitled “Information Matters: Managing Data Risk” in May 2017.

He is active in his community - coaching sports, acting as Chief and Assistant Chief in the YMCA Indian Guides and Indian Princess programs, and with his church.