Accomplished corporate attorney Thomas “T.J.” Lynn has been appointed to the newly created position of general counsel and corporate secretary at MGP, a leading U.S. supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches.

Specializing in counseling senior management teams and boards of directors of publicly- and privately-held companies, Lynn has become familiar with MGP in recent years through his association with the Kansas City, Mo.-based law firm, Stinson Leonard Street LLP. In his role as a partner of that firm since 2008, he led significant corporate finance and merger and acquisition transactions for a number of regional and national clients. He also has extensive experience in advising publicly-held companies, including MGP, on compliance with securities laws and with respect to corporate governance matters.

“As part of the continued growth and evolution of MGP, we created the position of general counsel,” said Dave Rindom, vice president and chief administrative officer. “This role will allow us to insource some of our legal needs, improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s legal function.”

Rindom added, ”As a critical member of our executive leadership team, T.J. will perform an important role in supporting MGP’s business goals and commitment to growth by providing counsel on issues of overarching importance to the company. His previously acquired knowledge of MGP and our business operations is a big plus, and will make for a smooth transition to his new position here.”

As general counsel, Lynn will have responsibility for commercial matters, litigation oversight, environmental matters, corporate compliance obligations, intellectual property and labor/employment laws, contracts and day-to-day legal matters. Corporate secretary responsibilities will include counseling the board and senior management on matters relating to relevant federal and state securities laws, and assuring compliance with applicable corporate government requirements and best practices in conjunction with outside counsel.

“I am thrilled and honored to join MGP,” said Lynn. “I look forward to engaging in this new opportunity to more directly support the company’s strategic initiatives. MGP is positioning itself for long-term growth and I’m excited to help drive the company’s success.”

Prior to his years with Stinson Leonard Street LLP, Lynn served as an associate attorney with the Bryan Cave LLP law firm in Kansas City from 2001 to 2008.  He began practicing law as an associate attorney with Mayer Brown in Chicago in 1999.  His achievements throughout his career have consistently demonstrated his proficiencies and expertise in corporate law.  

Lynn earned his juris doctorate with honors at the University of Chicago Law School in 1999, and a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kansas in 1995.