Jesse B. McKeithen Partner (510) 451-3300 jmckeithen@donahue.com Download vCard LinkedIn

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Jesse B. McKeithen is a business and corporate partner whose practice focuses on commercial agreements and corporate transactions.  Jesse serves as outside general counsel to many Bay Area and multinational companies, from startups and emerging companies to publicly traded companies, across a broad spectrum of industries, including sports, apparel, software and technology, consumer packaged goods, and hospitality, providing business advice regarding:

  • Commercial contracts/business agreements
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • IP agreements
  • Trademarks
  • Commercial leases
  • Employment contracts
  • Antitrust counsel and disputes

Prior to focusing on transactional matters, Jesse spent over a decade representing clients in complex, high-stakes antitrust lawsuits, investigations, and post-closing M&A disputes. With a background in complex commercial litigation, he brings a seasoned understanding of business disputes to his transactional practice, helping his clients anticipate potential pitfalls and structuring agreements that align with their business goals. Notable cases while with Donahue Fitzgerald and his former firm Latham & Watkins include representing:

  • Global consumer packaged goods company with breach of warranty indemnification claims stemming from major strategic acquisition
  • National wholesaler of aftermarket auto glass in antitrust lawsuit
  • Chinese online content producer, including television and movies, in copyright infringement lawsuit
  • National propane company in FTC investigation and successful defense against multiple class action lawsuits
  • Japanese multinational electronics and computers manufacturer in successful defense of several multidistrict cases
  • American multinational tech company in successful defense of putative antitrust class action alleging no-poach agreements

A proud alum of Oakland Technical High School, Jesse graduated with honors from Princeton University with an A.B. in Public Policy and received his J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. As a trusted presence in the Bay Area business community, Jesse enjoys developing strategic connections and supporting local initiatives. He also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting  youth, families, and businesses in Oakland.  Outside of his legal practice, Jesse coaches his kids’ softball and baseball team, plays pickleball, gardens, and spends time with his friends and family. Prior to law school, Jesse taught in Oakland and Santiago, Chile.

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • Board of Directors, Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, 2024-present
  • Board of Directors, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 2022-present
  • Co-founder, East Bay Trusted Professionals, 2022-present
  • Board of Directors (including Board Chairperson), Oakland Feather River Camp, 2016-2022
  • Leadership Council, Oakland Ace Kids Golf, 2018-2022
  • Leadership Oakland Class of 2019, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 2018-2019

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