Barnes & Thornburg is adding depth to its Corporate and Labor and Employment Departments with the additions of Kristine Camron and Thomas P. (Tom) Stafford as partners in its Indianapolis office. Camron focuses her practice on venture capital and business transactions, while Stafford concentrates on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and employee benefits.
Camron brings more than 25 years of experience in advising entrepreneurs, startups, growth companies and investors on venture capital and business transactions, and has managed more than 500 deals across industries, including healthcare, logistics, software and manufacturing. She joins Barnes & Thornburg from Camron Molin, the Indianapolis boutique she leads as managing partner, and will continue to counsel clients on a range of corporate and transactional matters.
“Adding Kristine gives our Corporate Department a proven leader in venture capital and emerging company work,” said Jahan Sharifi, chair of the firm's Corporate Department. “Clients across the firm’s national footprint will benefit from her experience.”
Stafford brings similar depth and experience in his practice. Previously a partner at Krieg DeVault in Indianapolis, he focuses on the design, implementation and administration of ESOPs and provides ongoing legal counsel and guidance to board of directors and officers of ESOP-owned companies regarding their fiduciary obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Stafford has participated in the structuring and negotiation of more than 100 transactions across the ESOP life cycle, including formations, re-leveraging transactions and the sale of several ESOP-owned companies. Active in regional and national ESOP organizations, Stafford currently serves as an officer of the ESOP Association’s Indiana chapter and frequently speaks on ESOP issues.
Complementing his niche ESOP practice, Stafford also advises employers on the full spectrum of employee benefits matters, from the design and operation of qualified retirement plans and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements to health and welfare plans. Stafford also assists clients with the benefit plan issues that arise in connection with corporate mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
“Tom is a respected ESOP lawyer in this market, and his depth in employee benefits makes our national Labor and Employment team even stronger,” said John R. Maley, chair of the firm's Labor and Employment Department. “He brings a level of sophistication that our clients expect.”
Camron is also a leader in her field. During a 23-year run at Ice Miller in Indianapolis, she led the firm’s venture capital initiative and gained extensive experience advising venture-backed companies. She then founded a boutique, Camron Molin, where she has served as managing partner. Camron is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA and Indiana Super Lawyers, and was previously named to the Indianapolis Business Journal's Forty Under 40.
“Kristine is one of the most well-connected dealmakers in Indiana,” said Kepten D. Carmichael, vice chair of the firm's Corporate Department. “Her experience with venture-backed companies and her relationships in the start-up community will be a real asset to our clients.”
Camron earned her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and her bachelor’s degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Stafford earned his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and his A.B. in history and religion from Wabash College.