Jonathan L. Awner

Jonathan L. Awner: Leading Corporate Lawyer in Miami

Jonathan L. Awner is a preeminent corporate lawyer recognized for his expertise in guiding businesses through complex transactions. As Co-Chair of Akerman’s Corporate Practice Group, Jonathan consistently delivers exceptional results for clients across a diverse range of industries, including automotive retail, aviation, distribution, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, services, technology, and waste management. He’s known for his ‘top-notch’ approach – smart, hardworking, and practical – and a dedication to providing tailored solutions for middle-market domestic mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and corporate governance matters. Jonathan's experience extends to complex securities transactions and advising on critical governance issues, making him a trusted advisor to boards of directors and senior executives.

Jonathan specializes in facilitating growth and strategic opportunities for his clients. He expertly navigates mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, spin-offs, recapitalizations, and joint ventures, representing both strategic and financial buyers and investors. His deep understanding of the market allows him to effectively counsel on structuring deals and mitigating risks, securing favorable outcomes for all parties involved. Whether it's a substantial $1.5 billion IPO or a private placement of equity and debt securities, Jonathan has a proven track record of success.

Beyond transactional work, Jonathan provides invaluable guidance on corporate governance. He’s frequently engaged to lead investigations of alleged management misconduct, whistleblower complaints, stock option backdating, accounting irregularities, auditor resignations, and violations of securities laws, including insider trading. He also assists in responding to shareholder activist concerns regarding operating performance or excessive compensation. Jonathan's expertise extends to crucial matters such as management succession planning, relations with institutional and activist investors, compensation practices for directors and officers, and navigating change-of-control transactions. His meticulous approach and deep knowledge of legal and regulatory landscapes ensure his clients’ interests are fully protected.

Jonathan’s commitment to excellence has been widely recognized through numerous accolades, including being named a Lawyer of the Year for International Mergers and Acquisitions, Securities Regulation, and Corporate Governance Law by Best Attorney USA. He’s consistently ranked among the top lawyers by Chambers USA and The Legal 500, reflecting his dedication to providing exceptional legal counsel and delivering strategic advantages to his clients. His legal career is built on a foundation of strong technical expertise and a genuine commitment to his clients’ success.

Practice Areas

• Corporate Governance Law
• Corporate Law
• International Mergers and Acquisitions
• Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Securities Regulation

Awards & Recognition

• Lawyer of the Year: International Mergers and Acquisitions, Miami (2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities Regulation, Miami (2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Governance Law, Miami (2022)
• Lawyer of the Year: International Mergers and Acquisitions, Miami (2021)
• Lawyer of the Year: Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Miami (2020)
• Lawyer of the Year: International Mergers and Acquisitions, Miami (2019)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities / Capital Markets Law, Miami (2019)
• Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Governance Law, Miami (2018)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities Regulation, Miami (2017)
• Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Law, Miami (2016)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities / Capital Markets Law, Miami (2015)
• Lawyer of the Year: Securities Regulation, Miami (2013)
• Lawyer of the Year: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Miami (2012)
• Recognized: Corporate Governance Law, Recognized: Corporate Law, Recognized: International Mergers and Acquisitions, Recognized: Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Recognized: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Recognized: Securities / Capital Markets Law, Recognized: Securities Regulation, Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rated, Daily Business Review 2009, Named “Top Dealmaker: Corporate”, South Florida Business Journal 2009, Key Partners Award Winner for Corporate Finance/Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Daily Business Review, 2014, Named “Top Dealmaker of the Year: Corporate”, Florida Trend’s Legal Elite 2012, 2014, and 2015, Listed for Business Law, Super Lawyers Magazine 2006-2018, Listed in Florida for Business/Corporate, Securities & Corporate Finance, and Mergers & Acquisitions, South Florida Legal Guide Top Lawyers 2001-2018, Listed for Corporate and Business, Mergers & Acquisitions, Chambers USA 2003-2018, Ranked in top tier in Florida for Corporate/M&A & Private Equity, The Legal 500 2009-2018, Recommended for Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts: M&A National Middle Market”

Bar Admissions

• Florida