Eric D. Kline

Partner

412.454.5046

More ways to contact Eric D. Kline

Eric brings decades of experience guiding emerging businesses from startup through exit. He applies practical problem solving to his clients' unique legal and business issues.

Speaking Engagements

Beyond the ‘Burgh: Insights from Out-of-Town VCs
Overview
Representative Matters
Insights
Awards

Eric advises Fortune 500 companies in merger and acquisition, strategic partnering, and joint venture transactions and represents venture capital, private equity, and economic development agencies in their fund formation and venture capital investments.

Clients rely on Eric and his team to serve as outside general counsel and to provide guidance across all areas that affect their business. He guides them throughout their business cycle — from establishing the form of entity and developing and implementing equity compensation plans, to negotiating important contracts and licensing agreements with private sector and government parties. He also structures financings, acquisitions, and divestitures.

As clients’ businesses grow, Eric assists with risk mitigation — including litigation — as well as international expansion and intellectual property strategies. He also counsels boards of directors and senior management on corporate governance, securities law, and other strategic matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Eric served as an attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1989 to 1992.

  • Represents growth companies across all industries in venture capital transaction exceeding $500 million.
  • Represents Fortune 500 companies in strategic acquisitions and divestiture transactions.
  • Represented a private health care software company in a $250 million sale to a publicly traded acquirer.
  • Represented a private pharmaceutical company in a $500 million sale to a publicly traded acquirer.
  • Advises technology companies in initial public offerings.
  • Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” in Banking and Finance Law (2023, 2025), Securities / Capital Markets Law (2021, 2023, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Banking and Finance Law (2010-2026), Corporate Law (2014-2026), Financial Services Regulation Law (2011-2026), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2014-2026), Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015-2026)
  • Named as the Pittsburgh “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law (2018), Corporate Law (2020), Financial Services Regulation Law (2016 and 2014), and Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015) by Best Lawyers in America®
  • Listed in Legal 500 United States
  • Listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Overview

Eric advises Fortune 500 companies in merger and acquisition, strategic partnering, and joint venture transactions and represents venture capital, private equity, and economic development agencies in their fund formation and venture capital investments.

Clients rely on Eric and his team to serve as outside general counsel and to provide guidance across all areas that affect their business. He guides them throughout their business cycle — from establishing the form of entity and developing and implementing equity compensation plans, to negotiating important contracts and licensing agreements with private sector and government parties. He also structures financings, acquisitions, and divestitures.

As clients’ businesses grow, Eric assists with risk mitigation — including litigation — as well as international expansion and intellectual property strategies. He also counsels boards of directors and senior management on corporate governance, securities law, and other strategic matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Eric served as an attorney with the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1989 to 1992.

Representation Matters
  • Represents growth companies across all industries in venture capital transaction exceeding $500 million.
  • Represents Fortune 500 companies in strategic acquisitions and divestiture transactions.
  • Represented a private health care software company in a $250 million sale to a publicly traded acquirer.
  • Represented a private pharmaceutical company in a $500 million sale to a publicly traded acquirer.
  • Advises technology companies in initial public offerings.
Insights

Speaking Engagements

Beyond the ‘Burgh: Insights from Out-of-Town VCs

Sponsored Events

Three Rivers Venture Fair 2024

Sponsored Events

3 Rivers Venture Fair 2023

Firm News

Troutman Pepper Counsels Evoqua Water Technologies in Acquisition of Renal Business from STERIS

See all insights from Eric D. Kline

Awards
  • Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” in Banking and Finance Law (2023, 2025), Securities / Capital Markets Law (2021, 2023, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Banking and Finance Law (2010-2026), Corporate Law (2014-2026), Financial Services Regulation Law (2011-2026), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2014-2026), Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015-2026)
  • Named as the Pittsburgh “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law (2018), Corporate Law (2020), Financial Services Regulation Law (2016 and 2014), and Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015) by Best Lawyers in America®
  • Listed in Legal 500 United States
  • Listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

Top areas of focus

  • Member, Board of Directors, Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association
  • Chair, various committees, Three Rivers Venture Fair (including co-chairman of the 2013 Fair)

Education

  • Robinson College University of Cambridge, LL.M., 1993
  • Penn State Dickinson Law, LL.M., with honors, 1989, taxation
  • Penn State Dickinson Law, J.D., with honors, 1988
  • The Pennsylvania State University, B.S., 1985, finance

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania