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Evan C. Sheets

I work with clients to turn ideas into reality.

Contact: P /612.604.6612E /[email protected]

Education

The George Washington University Law School, J.D., honors, 2011

• George Washington Scholar
• Thurgood Marshall Scholar
• Articles Editor, The George Washington International Law Review

 

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, A.B., Journalism/Mass Communications & Political Science, 2006

Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2011

New York, 2011

My Approach

I have been fortunate in my career to work with sharp clients who have great ideas, but need guidance to turn those ideas into successful businesses. I work with clients to access our capital markets primarily through public and private securities offerings, and navigation of ancillary or additional securities and corporate finance matters. I appreciate that my clients see us as a partner to reach the finish line, rather than a hurdle to jump over.

A significant portion of my practice involves the formation of investment funds and other investment vehicles and structures, with a primary focus on private equity investments in the real estate space. Due to the complexity inherent in this area, there are many potential legal and regulatory pitfalls that developers and their investors must navigate as they pursue successful transactions. One of the aspects of my work I most enjoy is helping clients through these obstacles to set them up for long-term success.

I also represent clients in a wide range of corporate transactions, with an emphasis on venture capital and growth equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate representation of both established and emerging growth companies.

Before joining Winthrop, I worked in the Division of Corporation Finance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in the Department of Enforcement of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. I have seen the securities world through both a business and a regulatory lens, which allows me the perspective to approach the issues my clients face pragmatically and practically.

When I’m not at work, I play basketball and golf, try new restaurants around town, and hang out with my French bulldogs.

Practice Areas

Practicing Securities & Corporate Finance

My Experience

I represent clients in securities and general corporate matters, including debt and equity financing, securities law compliance and corporate governance. I also represent clients in a wide range of corporate transactions, with an emphasis on venture capital and growth equity financings, mergers and acquisitions, and the general representation of both established and emerging growth companies. I routinely advise on the formation, structuring and operation of investment funds, including private equity funds, venture capital funds and hedge funds. My experience also includes corporate, limited partnership and limited liability company formation and structuring.

Representative Matters

• Represented a medical device company in connection with private offerings in an aggregate amount of greater than $50 million of preferred equity and convertible debt.
• Represented a software development company in connection with a private placement of $35 million of preferred stock.
• Represented a manufacturer in offerings of common stock, preferred stock, debt and derivative securities in an aggregate amount of $30 million.
• Represented numerous independent brewery start-ups from inception to commercial viability through private offerings of debt, equity and derivative securities.
• Represented various technology start-ups in multi-million dollar equity and debt financings, seed capital raises and angel investment rounds.
• Represented a pharmaceutical start-up in connection with a series of multi-million dollar equity offerings.

Other Related Experience

• Represented a hotel owner and asset manager in connection with a $53 million tender offer by an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
• Represented a distributor and logistical solutions provider in connection with a $63 million sale of a public company.

Practicing Real Estate Finance

My Experience

I work with developers and other businesses and individuals in the real estate industry to access equity and mezzanine capital through investment structures employed to leverage available incentives and other benefits, including single- and multi-asset investment funds, 1031 “like-kind” exchanges, real estate investment trusts (REITs), Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs), “Opportunity Zone” investment structures , and other tax-advantaged investment vehicles.

Representative Matters

• Represented real estate developers, owners and acquirers in connection with the structuring and formation of single- and multi-asset investment funds, real estate investment trusts, joint ventures, opportunity zone structures and various other investment vehicles in connection with aggregate private offerings of equity and debt securities in excess of $1.26 billion (aggregate total asset value in excess of $4 billion).
• Represented a real estate investment trust in connection with the sale of $150 million real estate.

Also experienced in

Real Estate Development & Transactions

Mergers & Acquisitions

General Corporate

Honors & Awards

Rising Stars

Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2019-2021

MSBA North Star Lawyer

Pro Bono Service, 2021

Top Lawyers in Minnesota

Minnesota Monthly, 2024