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Peter I. Dunn

Partner


Administrative Assistant

Janet Steele

Peter I. Dunn works with family businesses, emerging companies, and start-ups in a variety of industries ranging from life sciences, medical devices, high-tech, cold storage, logistics, craft brewing, architecture, engineering, and finance, to construction and specialty manufacturing. He practices in the areas of corporate and securities law, commercial finance, and mergers and acquisitions.

Peter counsels clients on a wide range of matters such as formation, debt and equity financing, sales of business, employment matters, corporate governance, workouts, and restructurings. He often acts as outside general counsel for his clients, advising them on issues ranging from commercial sales terms, vendor contracts, lending, licensing, and compliance.

Honors & Awards

Thomson Reuters, “Standout Lawyer,” 2023-2024

Boston Magazine, "Top Lawyers" – Corporate Law, 2021-2023

Massachusetts Super Lawyers – Business/Corporate, 2017-2023

awards

  • Massachusetts

JD, magna cum laude, Boston College Law School
BS, cum laude, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Former U.S.A.R. Military Policeman (officer and enlisted)

Experiences

  • Counseled transportation company in $300 million sale to a private equity buyer.
  • Represented multi-location temperature controlled storage business in $85 million sale to a strategic buyer.
  • Represented food manufacturer in $45 million commercial finance transaction.
  • Representation of $30 million niche software company in year-long strategic re-alignment including divestitures, acquisitions, executive recruitment and implementation of equity incentive and phantom stock plans.
  • Advised closely-held distributor in $25 million sale of its business to a strategic buyer.
  • Advised life sciences start-up in convertible note offering, board of advisors formation and equity compensation plan.
  • Represented a chain of restaurants in an investigation by the Department of Labor into claims of unpaid overtime, resulting in a favorable resolution.
  • Represented national architecture firm in succession planning from founder group to successor group.
  • Representation of private equity group in $12 million acquisition of multi-location retailer as well as associated debt and equity financing.
  • Counseled logistics company in $5 million private equity investment.
  • Represented consumer packaged foods company in Series A equity financing.
  • Represented successful bidder in foreclosure auction of medical device company by venture debt lender whose assets and intellectual property were acquired in bulk at a fraction of the amount owed to the lender.
  • Representation of specialty software company in $12 million preferred equity investment by a private equity firm.
  • Representation of developer in $4.5 million equity raise and $14.5 million bank borrowing for 85 unit assisted living facility.
  • Counseling a syndicate in $4.6 million Series A financing of tech company involving multiple angel groups and venture capital firms.
  • Advisor to domestic $14 million electronics design and sales firm in partnership break-up with Asian manufacturer including negotiation of long-term supply and sales representative agreements as well as purchase and sale and release documents.
  • Advisor to lead angel group in seed series financings of tech start-ups.

  • Judge, MassChallenge, Merrimack Valley Sandbox, and other start-up competitions
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Committee Member, Business Law Section, American Bar Association
  • Committee Member, Business Law Section Curriculum Committee, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education
  • Member, Boston Bar Association
  • Member, MIT Enterprise Forum
  • Member, Association for Corporate Growth
  • Member, USA 500
  • Former Examiner, Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners
  • Former Trustee, Summit Montessori School
  • Former Chair, United Way's Agency Financial Review Committee

Publications

  • Author, “Regulation Crowdfunding – Still Stuck,” Law 360
  • Author, “Avoid Wage Act Mines,” The Boston Business Journal

Seminars

  • Chair, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE), “Start-Up Securities Issues,” 2023
  • Chair, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE), “Private Company Core Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Fluency,” 2022
  • Chair, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE), “How to Advise on Business Closures,” 2021
  • Chair, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education’s (MCLE), “Representing Micro Brewers,” 2018
  • Co-chair/panelist for recent seminars on angel investing, start-ups, securities law issues, business organizations and contract drafting and negotiation

News for Peter

Casner & Edwards Attorneys Peter I. Dunn and Renee Inomata Recognized as 2024 Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers

22 Casner & Edwards Attorneys Named “Top Lawyers” by Boston Magazine

Casner & Edwards Attorney Peter I. Dunn Featured on Radio Entrepreneurs episode, “Financial Regulations for Entrepreneurs.”

21 Casner & Edwards Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers 2023

Casner & Edwards’ Peter I. Dunn Speaks on MCLE’s “Start-Up Securities Issues” Program