Domestic and international businesses alike rely on John’s strategic legal counsel for sophisticated mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations, capital raises, recapitalizations and joint ventures. His more than 38 years of legal experience spans various industries, including workforce development systems, government grants (and subcontracting), financial services, healthcare, technology, software, telecommunications, aerospace, energy (oil and gas, as well as alternative) and governance of federally regulated, Texas state NGO and quasi-governmental entities.
Careful and considerate, with attention to detail and the specific needs of each client in the forefront, John offers veteran skill in the financial services sector advising on complex regulatory and corporate governance issues for financial services industry companies, private equity funds, nonprofits, industry associations and family offices. He is skilled in matters involving federal and state securities law, FINRA and MSRB rules, and the Investment Company Act, Investment Advisers Act, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, M&A, and anti-corruption laws.
John also has extensive experience serving tax-exempt organizations, foundations, and charitable donors. He provides legal counsel in all aspects of nonprofit law, governance, regulation, and charitable giving. Mr. Dickey provides practical strategies and structures for sound nonprofit governance practices and critical legal documents attuned to the unique nonprofit needs of each client. His experience includes providing serving as outside general counsel to nonprofits and providing practical counsel on nonprofit management, operations, formation and dissolution. This includes legal counsel regarding developing SEC and state regulations issued as a result of recent legislation that impact investments of charitable organizations including foundations managed through family offices. As an example, for almost three and a half decades he has been legal counsel to a local workforce development board in Texas, a public – private governed nonprofit that is nationally recognized as a best in class in the workforce system.
Personally dedicated to getting to know his client’s unique business agenda, specific financial drivers and operations, John takes the time and a sincere interest in understanding much more than just the legal issues at stake, but also the overall commercial vision for the company. Because legal advice often brings with it a lasting impact for a business, John communicates the potential alternatives and the possible ramifications to his clients so that the right choice for the future can be chosen.
Having closed deals that range from millions to billions of dollars in value, John is at his best when negotiating transactions. A calming presence and clear communicator, John’s straightforward approach to negotiation includes knowing what motivates both his client and the other party, and anticipating the needs of each in order to close the deal.
John has completed the firm’s BT ValueWorks’ legal project management (LPM) training program on LPM techniques for the delivery of legal services.