Peter K. Blume

Peter K. Blume is a member of the firm’s Corporate Practice Group, where he practices primarily in the areas of corporate law, securities, investment management, and private equity transactions. Peter is the Co-Leader of Clark Hill's Investment Management Practice Team and previously served as Head of Thorp Reed & Armstrong's Corporate Practice Group. He has over 25 years of experience representing businesses ranging from start-up ventures to public companies on a wide array of issues, including formation, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, public and private offerings, and joint ventures. Peter regularly acts as outside counsel for clients in a variety of industries, assisting senior management with transactional needs and planning, corporate governance, securities transactions, and general business matters. He also is actively engaged in advising broker-dealers and investment advisers on regulatory compliance issues, including SEC, FINRA, and state enforcement matters. Peter is a frequent lecturer on these and other topics for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Peter was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020 in the field of Corporate Law. He is also "AV" rated (the highest rating available) by his peers in the Martindale-Hubbell Directory.

Publications / Presentations

• "SEC Decides Not To Appeal Rule 14a-11 Proxy Access Decision; Rule 14a-8 Stay Expires Next Week," E-Alert, September 2011.
• Presenter, "Recent Legal Developments Affecting Investment Advisers," Financial Planning Association of Pittsburgh - Financial "Four"um, October 2010.
• Speaker, “Federal Enforcement Actions Against Gatekeepers: Recent Trends in DOJ and SEC Actions Against In-House Counsel,” Delaware Valley Association for Corporate Counsel (DELVACCA) seminar, August 2010.
• Lecturer, CFP® Continuing Education Conference, “Ethics in an Ever-Changing Regulatory World,” February 2010.
• Co-author, “A Survey of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, June 2009 (PBI No. 2009-5748).
• Speaker, “A Survey of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” PBI seminars in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, June 2009.
• Moderator, “Oversight of Non-Traditional Investments Products,” Duquesne University Symposium on “Ethics, Regulations and Risk Management: A New Paradigm for the Financial Services Industry,” April 2009.
• Speaker, "Antitrust Developments Affecting the Flat Glass Industry," National Flat Glass Logistics Council Meeting, Atlanta, February, 2009.
• "Cease and Desist! How to Send An Order and What to Do if You Get One," TEQ Magazine, December 2004.
• Author, "Investment Management Update: SEC Heightens Focus on E-Mail In Investment Adviser Examinations," Communique, December 2004.
• Co-author, "SEC Proposed Rule-Making: Registration Of Hedge Fund Advisers," Client Update, July 2004.
• Co-author, "Standards of Professional Conduct for Attorneys Practicing Before the SEC," Pennsylvania Bar Institute, June 2003 (PBI No. 2003-3412).
• Co-author, "E-Commerce, Legal and Practical Issues," Pennsylvania Bar Institute, July 2000 (PBI 2000-2575).

Experience

Numerous registration statements, periodic reports and proxy solicitations on behalf of issuers and shareholders of publicly traded companies, including investment companies and other financial services companies.

Experience in the fund formation area includes the formation of numerous private funds through U.S. and international securities offerings, representing funds and investors in the preparation and negotiation of fund formation and investment documents, and restructuring the terms of existing investment funds.

Representing venture capital and private equity firms in early- and later-stage financings, restructurings, and other transactions.

Representation of investment advisers and broker-dealers in SEC, FINRA, and state securities commission audits and enforcement actions.

Initial Public Offering of two Mutual Funds, including all SEC and state registration filings.

Numerous private placements of securities and other venture financings on behalf of issuers, including a major Pennsylvania-based broker-dealer.

Representation of senior officers of public company in major SEC investigation.

Counseling employee benefit plans and their advisors on securities law issues affecting such plans. 

Representation of Independent Directors and Audit Committees of Investment Management Companies.

Co-Solicitor: Allegheny County Industrial Development Authority, Allegheny County Residential Finance Authority, Allegheny County Higher Education Building Authority, and the Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority.

Representation of non-profit corporations in a wide array of zoning and land-use matters.

Representation of developers in joint ventures and real estate limited partnerships.

Negotiation of leveraged-lease transactions with Japanese banks on behalf of major integrated steel manufacturer.

General Counsel to a major national food processing and distribution company.

Ongoing representation of a national food distributor in multi-state lease and mortgage financings.

Counsel to several private, independent schools and to their tax-exempt foundation arms.