John Fechter

John D. Kauffman is a partner at Stoel Rives and serves as Office Managing Partner of the firm’s Anchorage office. He advises investors, entrepreneurs, corporate management, and Alaska Native Corporations on business and strategic matters. His practice includes mergers and acquisitions, startup formation and growth, commercial and private financings, public securities offerings, public company reporting, and corporate transactions that require coordinated legal and business planning.

Kauffman earned a J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1999 and a B.A. from the College of William and Mary in 1996, summa cum laude. His legal education supports a practice focused on corporate structure, transactions, securities matters, and strategic business decisions. Over more than 25 years of practice, he has developed experience helping clients evaluate ownership, financing, governance, and transactional issues while balancing legal requirements with the commercial goals that drive acquisitions, investments, and company growth.

A significant part of Kauffman’s work involves representing Alaska Native Corporations in complex mergers and acquisitions in Alaska and throughout the United States. He also advises investors, founders, and management teams on business formation, financing, growth, and compliance matters. His transaction experience allows him to assist clients from early planning through negotiation, documentation, closing, and the continuing governance or reporting obligations that can follow a major business transaction.

John D. Kauffman was appointed Anchorage Office Managing Partner effective January 1, 2026, adding office leadership to his corporate practice. He brings longstanding firm experience and local knowledge to clients operating in Alaska’s business environment. His work helps organizations structure transactions, address corporate governance questions, pursue growth opportunities, and manage legal risk while keeping strategic and commercial objectives at the center of the legal process.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Munson, Cacciola & Severin, LLP
• Member, Alaska Bar Association

Licensed State

• Alaska

Education

• University of Michigan
  J.D. ( Cum Laude
• Haverford College
  B.A. ( Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges