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Stephen D. Sayre

Member

Steve Sayre is a deal lawyer and outside general counsel who identifies, addresses, and mitigates risk in complex transactions. Because he listens intently to what they tell him, clients trust his judgment to avoid obstacles and determine the deal points worth fighting over. Steve is a member of the Corporate Finance group and co-leader of the Mergers & Acquisitions sub-practice group.

Steve advises companies on both the buy and sell sides in M&A transactions and negotiates complicated intellectual property, information technology, and product development agreements as well as other complex commercial contracts. He counsels businesses in diverse industries with particular experience in technology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. Steve frequently works with Chinese businesses transacting business in the U.S.

As a broad-based outside corporate counsel to companies without in-house lawyers, Steve draws from his audit and accounting background to understand and analyze business objectives. He also manages their commercial litigation, employment, and tax matters, frequently bringing in Dykema colleagues from other practice groups to ensure comprehensive, first-rate service and attention.

A no-nonsense communicator, Steve is not reluctant to offer his well-informed opinion, nor does he equivocate with wishy-washy advice. His role is to help clients make sound decisions, and he isn’t afraid to deliver bad news or unpopular recommendations.

Steve makes a concentrated effort to develop relationships between the parties at the negotiation table, knowing a deal can make them longtime business partners. He therefore strives to collaborate with opposing counsel, fostering goodwill and cooperation to consummate the transaction and set a tone for the future.

“I give clients solid advice to make important, sometimes life-changing decisions. When they know what they want, my job is not to screw it up.”
    • DePaul University, J.D., with honors
    • University of Colorado, B.S.

  • Bar Admissions

    • Illinois, 1992

    • Member, The Economic Club of Chicago

    • Member, China General Chamber of Commerce Chicago

    • Member of Board of Directors for Clearbrook, a social service organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, 2014-2018

    • Law Clerk to the Hon. Mary L. Cooper, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

    • Accounting Manager, Internal Auditor, and Marketing Manager, McMaster-Carr Supply Company

    • Staff Accountant, Ernst & Whinney

Contact

Chicago312-627-2131

Latest News and Insights

Publications10.30.25

2025 Trends Report: Annual Mergers & Acquisitions Outlook Survey

For 21 years, Dykema’s Annual M&A Outlook Survey has tracked the pulse of dealmaking in the U.S.,…

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Press Releases10.30.25

Dykema’s 2025 M&A Outlook Survey Report: Dealmakers Anticipate a Strengthening U.S. M&A Market

For more than two decades, Dykema’s Annual M&A Outlook Survey has tracked the pulse of U.S.…

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Webinars7.29.25

Entering the U.S. Market – Opportunities, Insights & Practical Guidance

Steve Sayre will serve as a featured presenter for the China General Chamber of Commerce - USA…

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