Vice-Chair, Transportation & Logistics Practice Group, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Jonathan’s work has always focused on the movement of goods through the supply chain. Today this is both a top challenge and a source of opportunity for almost every company. He knows the players in the game, mobilizes quickly, and his Chambers USA National Band 1 ranked practice has the best bench in the business.
Clients call on Jonathan from across all points in the supply chain including the manufacturers, retailers, technology companies, carriers, forwarders, and brokers that work collaboratively to keep our shelves stocked and roadways safe. This work is often unseen but he knows that it is critical to commercial success and national security – and he knows it is fun!
Our legal work is often behind the scenes just as the many operational functions that are accomplished every day for the flow of goods. Frequent legal issues range from regulatory licenses and permits, establishing relationships with contractors or suppliers and customers, international trade compliance, safety training and threat awareness, implementation of practical operational paperwork, claims handling and incident response, government investigations and enforcement, to litigation or arbitration for the disputes that arise. We are trusted by our clients to handle matters with a clear understanding of the legal needs, risk tolerances, and company objectives that often change across the corporate lifecycle from start-up to maturity.
Practicing law with the vision and voice of truly knowing supply chain management is exciting. Jon’s role advising companies on these matters began with a large transportation and logistics holding company. He was close to the business as in-house counsel and an officer of the subsidiaries performing freight forwarding, NVOCC, indirect air carrier, and customs brokerage operations. His background in this area grew to include an U.S. Customs Broker license, MBA with emphasis in Supply Chain Management, and recognition as a Certified Fellow by the American Production and Inventory Controls Society (APICS).
True industry participation and thought leadership has been very fulfilling. Jon’s articles or quotes by journalists have been published over 130 times and he has presented over 50 times at conferences in the US and Canada. The call to serve can be even more impactful. It has been a privilege to sit on a federal advisory committee by appointment of the US Transportation Secretary, another by appointment of the US TSA Administrator, and on a district export council by appointment of the US Commerce Secretary. His membership in the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores by appointment of the Governor as well as his roles as a voting member on committees of many transportation and logistics trade associations are also valuable experiences.
