The Woodlands, Jan. 22, 2008 — LAWFUEL – The Law Firm Newswire – Jeff Harder, managing shareholder of The Woodlands Office of Texas law firm Winstead PC, has joined the National Council for the College of Business Administration at Valparaiso University in Indiana, his alma mater. The National Council is an advisory body to the dean of the college, composed of alumni of the University who have demonstrated knowledge of what it takes to be successful in business in today’s market.
Harder has more than 25 years of legal experience, both as in-house and outside counsel. Over 20 of those years have been spent working with venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and emerging biotechnology, life science, energy and information technology companies, advising them in complex corporate matters including public and private financings, mergers and acquisitions and corporate partner and license transactions.
Harder began his career as in-house counsel at leading energy companies such as Exxon Corporation, Amoco (Standard Oil of Indiana) and Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. (MEDC), the developer of The Woodlands. It was at MEDC that Harder first began his focus on the biotech industry as MEDC began developing the Research Forest with biotechnology companies based on technology transferred from the Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Harder joined Winstead in April 2004 to head up the firm’s Biotechnology Industry Group.
Due to his years of experience in the biotechnology and information technology industries, Harder is a frequent judge in the annual Rice University Business Plan competition. He is active on the advisory boards to the Houston Technology Center, BioHouston and the Rice Alliance, organizations promoting the growth of biotechnology, energy and other technology interests in the Houston Metropolitan area. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Houston Bar Association. Harder received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law, graduating Cum Laude, and his B.A. from Valparaiso University with highest distinction.
Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as the trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead has the power to perform for your business. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.
