Charles R. "Chuck" Kraus

Partner, Practice Group Leader
Corporate & Securities
Commercial Transactions

Contact

415-735-5933
ckraus@scalefirm.com
Fort Worth, TX
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Cross-Border General Counsel for Canadian and Texas-Based Companies Navigating U.S. Capital Markets, M&A, and Strategic Transactions

Overview

Chuck advises Canadian and U.S.-based companies—particularly in the energy and industrial sectors—on U.S.-bound capital raises, cross-border M&A, and securities compliance. As a dual-qualified corporate lawyer and former General Counsel of three dual-listed public companies, Chuck brings over 25 years of practical legal and executive experience to strategic transactions. Clients rely on him for high-impact legal advice that drives confident decision-making, faster closings, and fewer surprises across borders.

Key Areas of Focus

  1. Cross-Border M&A and Strategic Transactions (Alberta Texas)
  2. U.S. Capital Markets and Private Placements for Canadian Issuers
  3. Fractional General Counsel for Dual-Listed Public Companies
  4. U.S. Securities Law Compliance for Canadian Foreign Private Issuers
  5. Board and Special Committee Advisory in Change-of-Control Scenarios

Representative Experience

  1. Served as GC and senior executive for three TSX/NYSE dual-listed public companies
  2. Advised Alberta-based energy company on U.S. M&A transaction with Texas-based acquirer
  3. Led cross-border private placement for Canadian issuer targeting U.S. investors
  4. Structured U.S. reporting and governance strategy for a Canadian public company undergoing restructuring
  5. Negotiated complex JV arrangements between Canadian and U.S. energy players

Professional Background

Prior to joining Scale LLP, Chuck served as General Counsel and senior executive of multiple dual-listed public companies and practiced corporate and securities law at leading Canadian and U.S. firms. He has worked in the Alberta–Texas corridor since 2005, helping clients navigate capital markets, energy deals, and regulatory strategy on both sides of the border.

Personal & Community

Chuck co-hosts the Y’all Street Law Podcast, which decodes strategic deals and legal trends across North America. He also mentors early-career lawyers building cross-border practices.

Areas of Expertise

Capital Markets
Commercial Contracts & Transactions
Corporate Governance
Energy & Natural Resources
Joint Ventures
Mergers & Acquisitions
Outside General Counsel

Prior Associations

DIRTT Environmental Solutions
Bellatrix Exploration
Lone Pine Resources
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Rider Bennett LLP

Education

University of Northwestern - St. Paul
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Bar Admission

Texas
Alberta
Minnesota
Washington (inactive)

Articles and Press

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