Partner John Gaddis Announces Next Chapter

After more than 17 years with KO Law and more than 23 years practicing law, partner John Gaddis has announced that he will step back from practicing law at the end of 2024.

John has served as an excellent corporate attorney and trusted advisor to countless clients over the years, guiding emerging and established businesses through company formations, financings, exits, and more. During this time, he has also pursued many passions outside of the law, including being an artist, a pastor, and now, after much contemplation, he is leaving the legal world to be an author.

Long-time client Krista Morgan, general partner at Stage has said, “John Gaddis and the team at KO Law have been long-term partners supporting us in acquiring several portfolio companies over the years. John and the KO team have continually provided smart business solutions and top-notch legal expertise to both successfully close acquisitions and guide executive teams looking for a new path forward.”

After a recent acquisition, KO client Russ Coburn, founder and president of EMI Sportswear, said, “In selling our company we believe we received superior advice, obtained more value, and enjoyed working with John Gaddis and his team at KO Law, more than any other lawyer or firm we have worked with or across from, or ever run into, in our 36-year history. KO provided smart, practical business advice and legal expertise to help us successfully close this acquisition. We’re immensely grateful for their support and partnership in helping us with this significant step for EMI.”

During John’s tenure, KO Law has grown significantly from a handful of attorneys to a firm of 30+ highly skilled attorneys in three core practice areas who represent startups to Fortune 100 companies that are regularly recognized on lists of the fastest-growing companies, startups to watch, best places to work, and more.

“I am grateful to my clients for their support and for entrusting me with their legal needs over the years. It’s been one of the great honors of my life to work with amazing colleagues and clients, and I know our clients will continue to be in good hands with my colleagues going forward,” says Gaddis of his departure. “My departure is a personal choice to pursue a different career path. I have complete confidence in the future of KO Law, and I still truly believe KO is the best place to practice and provides the best client service.”

In the last year, KO Law has welcomed eight experienced attorneys to the team. This significant growth reflects the demand for KO’s practical, efficient approach to client service and the draw of a workplace culture of integrity, collaboration, and care.

“John has been an integral, valued member of this firm for nearly two decades and he will be greatly missed by our team and our clients,” said KO managing partner Jon Taylor. “We are so excited for John to be able to pursue his passions as he starts this next chapter. We can’t wait to receive an early release of his book.”