Colleen Pleasant Kline

Partner

100 S. Charles Street
Suite 1600
Baltimore, MD 21201

T 443.392.9411

colleen.kline@nelsonmullins.com

Colleen is a transactional lawyer who serves as outside general corporate counsel and advisor to middle market clients. She assists her clients in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, succession planning, venture capital investments and general corporate governance matters. She regularly advises clients on Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger notification filings.

Her diverse client base includes privately held companies, portfolio companies, private equity firms, American subsidiaries of foreign owned entities and public companies, government contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and real estate entities and serial entrepreneurs.

companies, private equity firms, American subsidiaries of foreign owned entities and public companies, government contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and real estate entities and serial entrepreneurs.

Experience

Following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.

Mergers and acquisition counsel for buyers and sellers in transactions of both privately and publicly held industries. Past and present industries represented include:
- Construction and Construction related services
- Government contractors
- Industries co-owned by foreign and domestic parties
- Professional Services
- Manufacturing and Distribution
- Transportation and Logistics
- Technology
- Travel
- Building Services
- Waste and Recycling
Has advised privately held companies on all corporate legal matters related to the entire life cycle of their business including:
- General corporate governance
- Business succession plans
- Formation
- Growth, financing and recapitalization
- Operation
- Internal owner disputes
- Partnership dissolution as well as other exit strategies
- Mergers and acquisitions
Has advised clients on a variety of matters related to the Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger notification filings.

Education

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, JD (2001)
Hood College, MBA (1999)
Cornell College, BA, cum laude (1996)

Admissions

Maryland
District of Columbia

Practice Areas

Industries

Articles & Speeches

Visit Idea Exchange

Recognitions

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IFLR1000 USA, Highly Regarded in M&A (2021)
The Best Lawyers in America® – Venture Capital Law (2020–2022)
The Daily Record: Named an Honoree for Leadership in Law (2019)
MyCity4HER: Honored with Spirited Woman in Balance Award, honoring those who pay it forward and help others (2017)
SmartCEO Baltimore: Named winner of BRAVA Award, honoring exemplary female leaders (2017)
Maryland Super Lawyers® - Rising Stars – Business/Corporate (2013–2014)
The Daily Record: Named one of Maryland's Top 100 Women (2013)

Professional Activities

ACTIVATE® Advisory Board Member (2009–2010)
American Bar Association
Association for Corporate Growth
Baltimore Bar Association, Member of the Business Law Section
Baltimore Junior Association of Commerce, Inc., Legal Counsel (2003–2008)
Greater Baltimore Technology Committee (2002–2006)
Maryland State Bar Association, Chair of the Mid–Market and Small Business Committee of the Business Law Section (2007–2010)
National Association of Women Business Owners, Member (2007–2012)
Women in Business, Center Club (2011–present)

Community

Meals on Wheels for Central Maryland, Director/Officer (2012–present)
Giving Spirits Foundation, Inc., Director/Officer (2013–present)
Women Presidents Organization (2012–present)
Friends of Southwest Baltimore, Inc., Director/Officer (2002–2005)
Walters Art Museum Development Committee Member (2009–2015)
Walters Enthusiasts, Chair (2012–2015)
William T. Walters Association with the Walters Art Museum: Member (2007–2015); Co–Chair (2009)

Overview

Her diverse client base includes privately held companies, portfolio... companies, private equity firms, American subsidiaries of foreign owned entities and public companies, government contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and real estate entities and serial entrepreneurs.