John Hove has more than 50 years’ experience with compliance, contracting and governance matters of all types. He has handled transactions throughout the United States and in more than 120 other countries. He has been the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer of three major corporations and has served as outside or part-time General Counsel for many other entities. As internal counsel, he has functioned as the overall manager of global legal matters and has served as the legal advisor to senior management. In addition, from time to time, he has been directly responsible for the legal aspects of transportation and warehousing, corporate documentation, tax planning, risk management, safety, labor and employment, financing, and dispute settlement. He is familiar with and has experience directing M&A activities, due diligence procedures, crisis management, internal investigations, bankruptcy analysis and litigation.
John is a graduate of the University of Tulsa and the Southern Methodist University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in Oklahoma and Texas. In addition to his roles as an in-house lawyer, John has served as a partner and directed the international practice of three major law firms.
Among John’s specialties, the following are particularly sought after by both U.S. and foreign clients:
Anti-corruption Policies, Training and Investigations. All companies and individuals who engage in international commerce are subject to multiple laws governing corruption, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. There are severe penalties for failure to comply with these laws, which are, in many instances, complex and challenging. In addition, some jurisdictions now penalize companies not just for actual violations but also for failing to have in place policies and practices that prevent corruption.
Oil Field Contracting and Operations. Throughout his career, John has always been involved to some degree with pipeline activities. His work has included bidding, engineering, construction, operations, maintenance and repair activities. Projects have included work in highly populated areas as well as in some of the most remote parts of the world.
Corporate Governance. John has participated in Board of Director and governance activities for large and small enterprises for more than 35 years, both inside and outside the Board room, as a Board member, as Corporate Secretary and as counsel.
Executive Safety. Many companies are completely unprepared for the possibility that members of senior management, as well as lower-level employees, may be at risk of being captured and held for ransom in many parts of the world. John has assisted clients with the development of preventive policies and practices, the acquisition of appropriate insurance coverage, the identification of professional negotiators and rescue experts and the recovery of personnel.
