Education

University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., with high honors

Hampden-Sydney College, B.A.

Bar Admissions

Florida

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Leighton D. Yates

Partner
Orlando
t: 407-244-1126

Leighton D. Yates, Jr. is co-Leader of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group. He practices general corporate, banking, securities, and commercial law, with particular emphasis on mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions.

The types of matters Mr. Yates handles include corporate acquisitions, dispositions, redemptions, and reorganizations; general corporation, partnership, and limited liability company matters including negotiating and drafting agreements among owners, buy-sell agreements, and other documents relating to ownership and governance; secured, unsecured, and credit-enhanced lending arrangements; sales of securities and periodic regulatory reporting; general commercial contracts including arrangements with vendors, customers, independent contractors and employees; and matters arising under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Professional Honors & Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Corporate Law, 1995-2012
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Orlando Corporate Lawyer of the Year, 2010
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Mergers & Acquisitions, 2007-2010
  • Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend magazine, 2007-2011
  • Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2006-2011
  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
  • Who's Who in American Law
  • Who's Who In America
  • Florida Association of Blood Banks' Board Member of the Year
  • Patrick Henry Public Service Award, Hampden-Sydney College , 2008
  • Corporate Counsel Edition, Super Lawyers magazine

Memberships

  • Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Member, Board of Directors
  • SunTrust Bank, Member and Former Chairman, Administrative Board
  • Florida's Blood Centers, Inc., Former Chairman (1995-2010) and Vice Chairman (1980-1995) of the Board
  • Florida Board of Bar Examiners, Emeritus Member and Former Chair
  • Orlando Opera Company, Former Chairman
  • University of Florida Law Review, Former Executive Editor