Corporate Law
William J. Kohler
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020 
Firm
VELN
1 Best Lawyers award
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
William Kohler, founder of VELN Legal, has been recognized as a top national and international business lawyer for many years. In addition to recognition by Best Lawyers, he has been similarly recognized by several other organizations.
Mr. Kohler primarily supports businesses in transactions with other businesses. He is expert in virtually all types of commercial arrangements, including those involving important supply chain relationships, manufacturing, technology, software, services, and joint ventures. He has represented businesses in many sectors: biotech, pharmaceuticals, fintech, automotive, electronics, software, manufacturing, retail, and technology.
In his role as CEO of VELN Legal, Mr. Kohler ensures clients expectations are met in an excellent and efficient manner.
Prior to VELN Legal, Mr. Kohler served as Chief Legal Officer for major corporations and in leadership positions for major law firms. He is recognized for his thought leadership on a variety of legal topics, including trends that effect the legal framework in which businesses operate, the interface of technological innovation and the law, and the architecture and development of commercial and technology agreements. He holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, an M.B.A. from Michigan State University, an M.S. from Texas A&M, and a B.S. from the Honors College of the University of Michigan.
This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William. is held by other top lawyers in the same legal practice area.
Firm
VELN
1 Best Lawyers award
Overview
- German
- The University of Michigan Law School
- University of Michigan, BA, Economics
- Michigan State University, MBA
- Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, MS, Exercise Science
- Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
- Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
- German
- Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
- Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
- The University of Michigan Law School
- University of Michigan, BA, Economics
- Michigan State University, MBA
- Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, MS, Exercise Science
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Corporate Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Additional Information
- Additional Information
Mr. Kohler is an authority on legal issues relating to autonomous, connected and electric vehicles. His work in those areas, and others, has involved investment transactions, technology development, technology licensing, supply chain relationship and legislative and regulatory issues. He is the author of “Current Law and Potential Legal Issues Pertaining to Automated, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles,” published in the Santa Clara High Technology Law Journal. He is on the board of the Connected Vehicle Trade Association. He has also authored the following articles.
“Current Law and Potential Legal Issues Pertaining to Automated, Autonomous and Connected Vehicles” in the Santa Clara High Technology Law Journal
“Current Risks in Automotive Acquisitions” in the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Journal
“Warranty Cost Sharing: The Framework for Negotiations” in OESA’s Comparative Analysis of OEM Warranty Programs
“Managing Acquisitions as a Corporate Process” in Financier Worldwide Magazine “Bankruptcy Reorganization in America: Strategies, Dynamics and Law”
“Contingency Planning In An Era Of Massive Industrial Failure” in Financier Worldwide Magazine International Distribution Relationships: Commercial and Legal Perspectives in Michigan International Lawyer
"Speaking from Experience: Setting Yourself Up for a Successful Dental Practice Acquisition" in DSO News
"Best Practices for Sellers in the Evolving DSO Marketplace" in DSO News
“Changes In Transportation Are Poised To Transform Commercial Real Estate” in Commercial Investment Real Estate
"Feds Don't Need New Powers Over Self-Driving Cars" in Crain's Automotive News
“International Distribution Relationships: Commercial and Legal Perspectives” in Texas CEO Magazine
“Literature review of studies considering the effect of forced exercise on symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease” in Clinical Kinesiology: Journal Of The American Kinesiotherapy Association
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