Steven J. Dickinson

Strategic Counsel for Cross-Border Business 

I help U.S. and international companies structure and execute complex business transactions with clarity and efficiency. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with clients in nearly every sector and on every continent except Antarctica, guiding them through cross-border M&A, international joint ventures, contract negotiations, entity formation, market entry strategies, and global compliance issues. 

Whether I’m advising a European or Asian company on U.S. expansion, helping a Midwestern manufacturer establish operations abroad, or supporting a U.S. tech company exiting a foreign market, I bring more than legal knowledge to the table. My approach blends legal strategy with cultural fluency and on-the-ground business insight. I help clients navigate unfamiliar regulatory environments, avoid costly missteps caused by cultural misunderstandings, and negotiate agreements that align not just with legal norms, but with business expectations on both sides of the border. 

In cross-border work, success often hinges on understanding what isn’t written in the contract – including how different markets approach negotiations and legal issues such as labor, intellectual property, and governance. I help clients anticipate those differences and prepare accordingly. When needed, I connect them with trusted advisors abroad to ensure every facet of their transaction or expansion is handled with local credibility and global consistency. My goal is to help clients enter new markets with confidence, manage international operations effectively, and build lasting partnerships that stand up to real-world challenges. 

In addition to private practice, I’m an active member of the global business community. I serve on the board of Global Minnesota, am an appointed member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minnesota District Export Council, and regularly volunteer my time to mentor and advise companies looking to grow globally. I’ve presented and networked at international legal conferences around the world, and my global relationships help clients quickly access trusted advisors in foreign jurisdictions. 

Avisen Legal provides a platform that aligns with how I approach my work – collaborative, flexible, and business-minded. Here, I’m able to deliver cost-effective counsel tailored to each client’s goals while working alongside attorneys who share my focus on practical advice, long-term relationships, and global growth. 

When I’m not working with clients or connecting with international colleagues, I enjoy spending time on the golf course. I’m an avid player with four holes-in-one to my name. I’ve recently added pickleball to my winter routine and like to travel and explore new places.