DLA Piper today announced that Kathleen Smith Ruhland has joined as a partner in the Corporate and Finance practice of the Minneapolis office. Ruhland joins DLA Piper from Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, where she was co-chair of that firm’s international practice.

 

Ruhland advises a variety of leading Fortune 500 and private companies, focusing her practice on cross-border transactions, including global M&A, restructurings and joint ventures in established and emerging markets throughout the world. Prior to joining Faegre, Ruhland served six years as an in-house lawyer with General Mills.  

 

“Kathleen’s practice spans the globe, and her cross-border work throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East is an ideal fit for our global platform,” said Roger Meltzer, global chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance practice. “She also brings a unique background in complex international tax issues that complements our cross-border transactional practice.”  

 

“Kathleen works closely with a number of prominent multinational corporations, including several in Minneapolis,” said Alan L. Kildow, managing partner of DLA Piper’s Minneapolis office. “Combined with her international experience, she brings a rare and significant tenure as an in-house lawyer that will be an important resource for our clients.”

 

Ruhland’s practice also focuses on advising companies on pre- and post-acquisition restructurings including significant experience in principal/commissionaire structures, complex reorganizations and other group restructurings. She also counsels multinational clients on compliance issues under US laws, including the Office of Foreign Control Sanctions Programs, anti-boycott legislation and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

 

“Kathleen is the second high-profile partner to join the Minneapolis office of DLA Piper in the past year. Michael Macaluso, whose practice focuses on private investment funds, corporate finance and capital markets, joined us last June,” explained Kildow. 

 

Ruhland is also a former certified public accountant with Big Four firm experience. She received a B.A., cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas and a J.D., magna cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law.