Jonathan (Jay) Mansker, J.D.

Introduction

Introduction

Jonathan (Jay) Mansker is an Associate in the Commercial Practice Group at Handler Law, LLP. Jay is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Minnesota and focuses his practice on business and corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and securities offerings. Jay brings a wealth of experience to the firm’s Commercial Practice Group and has established a reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate for businesses across a variety of industries. Jay is also a proud service-disabled veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Business & Corporate. Jay’s experience includes advising on a variety of commercial contract matters, including, but not limited to, vendor, service, licensing, marketing/advertising, leasing, transportation and intellectual property agreements. From small startups to established corporations, Jay has helped clients navigate through the complex landscape of business transactions, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Jay also has experience working as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company, which gives him a unique perspective that resonates throughout his legal counsel, particularly in understanding the intricacies of business dynamics. 

Mergers & Acquisitions. In the realm of mergers and acquisitions, Jay distinguishes himself through his involvement in landmark transactions, including the $3.4 billion acquisition of Planters, the $270 million acquisition of Sadler’s Smokehouse and the multi-billion-dollar sale of Kum & Go, in addition to countless other transactions in a variety of industries. His orchestration of these high-stakes deals underscores his proficiency in navigating complex negotiations and managing multifaceted transactions. Jay’s strategic acumen extends beyond deal execution, as he seamlessly interfaces between buyer and seller business teams.

Private Equity & Securities Offerings. Jay has experience navigating the intricate landscape of private equity and securities offerings. He adeptly oversees the entire spectrum of private equity transactions, from spearheading deal origination to orchestrating meticulous due diligence processes. Jay brings a nuanced understanding to valuations and negotiations, and he contributes to post-acquisition integration efforts, supports operational improvements and synergy realization across portfolio companies. In addition, having worked with some of the largest banking institutions in the world, Jay is well-versed in handling both lender and borrower financing matters, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to financial structuring that aligns with the unique needs of his clients. His multifaceted skillset positions him as a strategic partner, providing invaluable insights throughout the entire lifecycle of private equity investments and security offerings. 

Jay graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he honed his skills focusing on civil litigation, corporate and international law. In law school, Jay worked for the United States Attorney’s Office and earned a spot in the coveted Department of Justice Student Legal Internship Program working in their Antitrust Division. Additionally, as part of his law school’s International Human Rights Clinic, Jay attended a government review conference at the United Nations in Switzerland to advocate on behalf of the Women’s Action Network against human rights abuses. He was also a member of the International Law Association, President of the Law School Armed Forces Association and was awarded ‘Best Oralist’ in the Maynard Pirsig Moot Court Competition. 

Prior to entering the legal arena, Jay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree dual majoring in Political Science and Sociology while minoring in Russian History and Language from the University of Michigan, a testament to his interdisciplinary approach to the law. During this time, Jay was awarded a federal internship with the Honorable Judge Marianne Battani, an honors program internship normally reserved for law students.

Before transitioning to private practice, Jay joined the forefront of the United States Army, where he earned the title of Platoon Sergeant and served for a decade. During this time as a frontline combat soldier, he proudly served in four total combat tours, earning numerous accolades which include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. This tenure instilled in him a profound sense of discipline, leadership and a meticulous attention to detail—attributes that seamlessly transferred into his legal career.