Jay Coogan—a well-known attorney who advises clients in mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, securities offerings, capital financings, and corporate governance matters—has joined Ballard Spahr as a partner in the Business and Transactions Department, Firm Chair Mark Stewart announced.

Mr. Coogan brings more than 20 years of experience representing clients in industries ranging from technology, manufacturing, and business services to consumer products and health care. He represents public and private companies in M&A and securities issues and helps private equity firms and investors in the purchase, sale, financing, and operation of their portfolio companies.

Mr. Coogan counsels investment banks and issuers in securities offerings and represents both venture capital firms and emerging businesses seeking growth funding. Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, he was a partner in DLA Piper’s Philadelphia office.

“Our corporate transaction practices have never been stronger and more unified,” Mr. Stewart said. “Across the firm, we have an extraordinary group of senior lawyers and a hungry, talented, and cohesive group of younger attorneys. In addition to their talent, they share a willingness to embrace the expectations of them and a strong desire to serve clients. Jay is a perfect addition to the group.”

Often called upon to serve as outside general counsel to private companies, Mr. Coogan advises on legal and business matters, such as regulatory issues, entity formation, corporate governance, capitalization, equity compensation, capital raising, and contracts.

“Jay will strengthen our growing corporate bench and his experience advising companies in the health care industry and clients in the private equity/venture capital arena is a particularly good fit for Ballard,” said Peter V. Michaud, chair of the firm’s Business and Transactions Department.

Mr. Coogan’s experience includes advising health systems, MSOs and rehab, senior care, and HCIT companies on transactions and compliance, and he is the former General Counsel of a NYSE-traded national medical rehabilitation services provider.

“In addition to its well-known work with both private equity firms and large public companies, Ballard is a real innovator in the emerging growth space and I’m excited to be a part of that,” Mr. Coogan said. “Ballard’s resources are an excellent fit for my clients and practice, and I’m thrilled to be here.”