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Steven Guynn on Options after Law School

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:45 -0400

When students graduate from law school, they face a wide range of options, whether they choose to launch their career or continue their education. Many graduates may undertake a clerkship or an internship to gain firsthand legal experience and build their resumes. Others will take the bar exam immediately. Still others may choose to pursue another degree, such as a master of laws or a master of jurisprudence. These degrees allow individuals to explore in depth a specific segment of law and prepare for careers teaching at law schools.

Law school graduates who have passed the bar and who want to begin working immediately often join law firms as associates, meaning that they work under partners, who have a financial stake in the firm. Most associates aim to eventually become a partner, although some will work for years to achieve partner status, and others may never receive the offer. Outside of major law firms, other options include working in government positions, serving as in-house counsel at a corporation, and founding a practice. Lawyers who choose to work for themselves should have a clear plan for attracting and maintaining clients.

After earning his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, Steven Guynn completed a clerkship with the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. He has since served as a corporate attorney and partner at multiple international firms.

Steven Guynn on Investing in the Russian Economy

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:41:18 -0400

Over the course of his extensive career as a corporate attorney with King & Spalding and other major global law firms, Steven Guynn oversaw numerous multimillion-dollar transactions on behalf of clients. He was instrumental in closing one of Russia’s largest-ever foreign investments when he represented TNK-BP in an oil and gas operational joint venture.

In its second survey on the desirability of investing in the Russian economy, Ernst & Young found that the country had taken significant strides in positioning itself as a leading destination for foreign direct investment. In 2012, nearly one-fifth of global potential investors had a positive view of investing in Russia, a boost of 8 percent over a previous assessment. In 2011, the country appeared to gain further respect with its announced decision to become a member of the World Trade Organization and its creation of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

Russia today offers the increasing stability that comes with diverse and extensive natural resources, a powerful labor market and an educated workforce, increasing consumption of goods, and a growth in investments. Additionally, the country’s government agencies have recently placed emphasis on battling the corruption that has plagued the national economy.

As Russia stays on track to become the biggest market for consumer goods in Europe by 2018, its leaders should continue to focus on improving the domestic political and regulatory infrastructure and boosting support for research and development.

State-Owned Investment Vehicles: Sovereign Wealth Funds

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 06:29:11 -0400

A successful attorney who has been a partner at three global law firms, Steven Guynn has worked in private equity, joint ventures, restructurings, and debt and equity capital markets. Steven Guynn has also served as legal counsel in many transactions involving sovereign wealth funds.

Sometimes established with balance of payments surpluses, sovereign wealth funds are state-owned vehicles that can also draw from governmental transfer payments, official foreign currency operations, and the proceeds of privatizations. Sovereign wealth funds protect a state’s budget from sudden changes in exports and revenues. In addition to creating greater diversity and securing larger returns than traditional foreign exchange reserves, sovereign wealth funds increase total savings and provide valuable funding for development projects. The funds also allow monetary policy officials to dissolve unnecessary liquidity.

Aside from sovereign wealth funds, states can also choose to utilize investment vehicles such as sovereign wealth enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and public pension funds.

Steven Guynn: A Brief History of the Euro

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:10:00 -0500

Steven Guynn: A Brief History of the Euro

Corporate attorney Steven Guynn has served as a partner in three major international law firms. The publication Euromoney recognized him on numerous occasions in its annual Guide to the World’s Leading Capital Markets Lawyers for his extensive work on behalf of high-profile clients in Europe.

On January 1, 1999, after decades of discussion, the European Central Bank launched the euro, the new common currency of 12 participating countries. Initially used only in an electronic format for transactions among financial agencies, the euro became legal tender, in the form of coins and banknotes, in all eurozone member nations in 2002.

The goals that led to the euro’s creation included reduction of prices and maintenance of stable rates of foreign exchange, which member nations anticipated would lead to significant increases in trade. Though some member nations initially expressed concerns about retaining their individual sovereignty, the Maastricht Treaty of 1991 established the European Union and called for the creation of an associated Economic and Monetary Union. In 1998, member nations established the independently run European Central Bank to administer the implementation of the euro. Now the only form of monetary exchange in all eurozone nations, the euro is also legal currency in several small non-eurozone countries.

In the planning process, government agencies concentrated on acknowledging their common heritage by basing the now-familiar euro symbol on the Greek letter epsilon, as well as by designing banknotes to include illustrations of historic and architectural landmarks. Through a variety of media, the Euro 2002 Information Campaign prepared citizens in participating nations for the changes involved in the move to the common currency.

Steven Guynn: What Venture Capitalists Look for in Investments (Part Two)

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:58:12 -0500

In the previous part of this article about venture capitalists, Steven Guynn discussed the importance of a strong management team and market for companies seeking investors. Outside of these requirements, investors also look for a solid business plan and strong engineering capacity.

The organization should be able to clearly outline what the investment will allow it to accomplish. As a result, companies should have a clear and concise business plan that demonstrates their paths for future development. Managers should have a clear vision for the scalability of the business. All financial projections must be deeply rooted in real-world expectations and should reflect several different possible and likely outcomes.

The best path to impressing investors often involves new, proprietary technology that will have a real effect on the market. Companies with talented engineers have greater potential to create a line of important products rather than a single successful product, so venture capitalists often want to know details about the individuals creating the company’s products.

Challenging a Public Agency for the Public Good

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 04:28:05 -0500

Corporate attorney Steven Guynn has built up more than 20 years of experience directing mergers and acquisitions, sovereign wealth management strategies, and a wide variety of multimillion-dollar international financial transactions. He has also contributed his time and expertise to pro bono work, including significant efforts on behalf of the Alliance for Sensible Airspace Planning. Concerned government officials and citizens in the New York City area created the organization because of their belief that changes in Federal Aviation Administration procedures would have a negative effect on their communities.

The Alliance formed in 2007 to oppose the FAA’s redesign of the airspace serving John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as LaGuardia, Westchester County, and Newark Liberty International Airports. The proposed changes would have led to more aircraft stacking, and would have shortened the distance required between planes on approach and as they maintained holding patterns. Additionally, the new regulations would have lowered takeoff and landing floors and would have led to increased traffic at JFK and Newark.

The Alliance argued that these changes would increase air pollution and noise and possibly decrease local property values. The group initiated a lawsuit against the FAA, referencing its failure to undertake required environmental assessments and to exercise appropriate caution regarding flight path and air traffic changes. Additionally, the group directed lobbying efforts at legislators and the public in Washington, D.C. and Connecticut. Steven Guynn assisted the Alliance in establishing nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service and in creating a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) organization.

Steven Guynn: What Venture Capitalists Look for in Investments (Part One)

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:36:28 -0500

A respected lawyer, Steven Guynn has extensive experience in global financial markets, especially in the area of private equity.

When venture capitalists consider potential investments, a company’s management team and its target market are two of the most important factors.

First, the company should have a proven management team with individuals experienced in different areas of business. Often, investors care more about the managers than the actual business itself. The best idea can easily crumble without strong leadership behind it, but great leaders can make even lackluster ideas a success. In general, managers should complement each other, bring different strengths to the table, and agree about the direction of the company to the extent that bickering does not halt development.

Outside of leadership, the company should identify a very specific market that it plans to target and be capable of demonstrating the growth potential for that market. Investors will not give venture capital to a company planning to enter a low-growth industry, and many are not interested in start-ups entering a mature industry. Investors typically seek to back innovators and game-changers.

Steven Guynn Explains the Benefits of Investing in Private Equity

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:39:21 -0500

An experienced lawyer, Steven Guynn focuses primarily on capital markets, international transactions, and private equity.

Private equity investments allow investors to diversify their portfolios and ultimately reduce overall risk. Balanced and diversified portfolios often prove safer than those focused in a single industry. Often, private equity investments can significantly add to a balanced portfolio. Also, private equity investments have generally produced higher absolute returns than public equities, at least for the last couple of decades in the United States.

Larger private equity funds often hold the majority of stock in the associated companies and thus are in a position to create the conditions needed for rapid growth for that particular company. The uniqueness of the small companies market means that funds have somewhat more control over the success and failure of their investments. Sometimes, these funds have developed close relationships to entrepreneurs whom they trust and who have historically performed consistently.

Although private equity poses a number of benefits to the investor, no investment comes without risk. Individuals should thoroughly discuss benefits and risks with professionals before choosing to invest.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969: An Overview

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 02:22:00 -0500

Attorney Steven Guynn has donated his services to a number of worthy causes, including nonprofit organizations and individuals in need. Offering pro bono representation for the Alliance for Sensible Airspace Planning, Steven Guynn organized a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) to fund the group’s efforts on behalf of residents in New York and Connecticut who were affected by the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposed changes to airspace usage. Guynn played a leadership role in bringing suit against the FAA, citing violations of the Clear Air Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Enacted on January 1, 1970, by Richard Nixon, NEPA arose in large part from changing attitudes regarding conservation and new attention to the damage wrought by irresponsible environmental practices. Preceded by such landmark legislation as the Wilderness, Clean Air, and Clean Water Acts, NEPA codifies the procedural requirements for both environmental assessments and environmental impact statements prepared by federal agencies. Today, NEPA applies to all federal, state, or local projects that require federal funding and/or permits.

The Rope

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:00:52 -0500

Steven Guynn working his way up the mountainside.

On The Hike

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:05:33 -0500

Group meeting at the beginning of the expedition (Image Credit: Steven Guynn)

Before Takeoff

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:10:42 -0500

City View

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:56:56 -0500

Steven Guynn: An Introduction to Private Equity: Part Two

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:05:00 -0500

Venture capital refers to funding issued to high-risk start-up companies in their early stages. Companies that receive venture capital funding typically feature a high upside, which appeals to venture capitalists and venture capital firms. In many cases, venture capital funds seek out businesses with innovative business models or technologies, often in the fields of information technology, software, and biotechnology.

Unlike venture capital firms, which typically pool money from multiple investors, angel investors are affluent individuals who use their own money to fund high-risk, high-potential startups. Because angel investors bear no responsibility to maximize return on investment for other entities, they enjoy freedom to invest in companies of their choosing. Angel investors typically exchange seed funding for equity ownership or convertible debt.

About Steven Guynn

Steven Guynn is an accomplished legal professional with years of experience in the financial sector. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his work by industry publications such as Euromoney, which has listed him in the Guide to the World’s Leading Capital Markets Lawyers every year since 1998.

The Potential for Improvements to Aircraft Noise Mitigation

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:09:38 -0400

Working with the Alliance for Sensible Airspace Planning (AfSAP), attorney Steven Guynn provided pro bono services to facilitate both the group’s lobbying efforts and its plans to sue the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for violations of federal law. Opposed to the FAA’s plan to alter airspace usage around airports in the New York metropolitan area, Steven Guynn and AfSAP fought for changes to the plan and encouraged a reevaluation of its potential environmental impact.

Over the years, many advances have contributed to aircraft noise mitigation, including residential soundproofing, strategic land planning, and restrictions on airspace usage. In the United States, some measures have been implemented on a broad scale, such as the modification of flight paths and patterns in high-impact regions surrounding airports in Washington and California. These rules have mitigated the deleterious effects of aircraft noise pollution on schools and residential neighborhoods. Other ways to reduce aircraft noise pollution include building retrofits and prohibiting flights from taking off and landing at certain times of day.