Ted Stern never imagined returning to private practice, especially when he was first approached about joining OGC back in 2011. “I was GC and head of business development for a private company, and we were in the middle of a sales process (the company was ultimately acquired by a PE firm),” recalls Ted. “I had been in-house for 13+ years and enjoyed the business side of my work, particularly working closely with business leaders on corporate strategy.” Still, Ted admits being intrigued by OGC’s innovative model – senior lawyers (15+ years), no associates, all former in-house counsel, at rates considerably more affordable than Big Law. “It was and remains a tremendous value proposition for clients,” says Ted, “and as a lawyer, having the opportunity to leverage an in-house lawyering approach in support of many clients, across multiple businesses and valuations, at different stages, really appealed to me.” Ted was also impressed with OGC’s founders, Jon Levitt and Bill Stone.
Once his company’s sale was complete, Ted reengaged with the firm’s founders, officially joining in 2012. Since then, he has handled a wide variety of technology and digital media matters, particularly around negotiating and drafting commercial contracts for both private and large public companies. Ted represents a number of SaaS companies; in digital media, his work focuses primarily on podcasting and other content licensing and distribution deals; and for his new media and tech clients, he frequently advises on professional development and consulting services, vendor agreements and ad tech deals. “The work I’m doing today truly represents a natural progression in my 29+ year practice,” he explained.
In fact, Ted’s initial foray into licensing and other tech transactions was as an associate in BakerHostetler’s business group. He then transitioned in-house – first at AOL (focusing on mobile, messaging and other strategic tech deals at a time when AOL was the biggest tech company in the country); then at Amazon (serving as the main lawyer for their digital business, Web Services (AWS), and online advertising/search); and later, as the head deal lawyer for the online division of the Washington Post. After that, he was GC and worked in business development for two private companies.
“Serving as Amazon’s head licensing and tech lawyer (reporting directly to the GC) came with incredibly large areas of responsibility, and allowed me to work with really impressive, smart business clients and colleagues in the legal department,” explained Ted. “Just like AOL before that, working at Amazon was almost like earning a second advanced degree to go with my JD.” To this day, Ted still uses many of the approaches and skills he developed at Amazon in his practice.
Ted notes the importance of maintaining focus on a deal’s most essential elements and thinking like a business person. “This approach ensures that I never over-lawyer a deal, or worse, frustrate the business by focusing on minor issues,” said Ted. Clients appreciate that Ted is sensitive to their timing needs (e.g., end of quarter or month deadlines) and is equally adept negotiating business and legal terms – a skill stemming directly from having previously supported large sales and business development teams. “A former client once referred to me as an excellent businessperson who happens to also be a truly outstanding lawyer,” says Ted, “and that’s how I strive to operate at all times.”
More about Ted Stern
Ted’s previous role as the first dedicated lawyer for Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a bit mind-blowing when you consider the global magnitude of the company today. It’s also pretty cool that the former head of AWS – who Ted closely supported – is now Amazon’s CEO. Ted’s accomplishments were recognized in 2023 when he was selected by Attorney Intel as one of the top 50 lawyers in Washington D.C. He enjoys spending time in Maine, traveling (especially to Italy) and playing poker.