Justin Petzold

Enthusiast
DISC Type : i

General Counsel at YA Group

Laguna Beach, California, United States

Overview

Justin Petzold is a seasoned legal executive and the current General Counsel at YA Group, specializing in private equity M&A and complex corporate transactions. With a career spanning over 15 years, he has a reputation for providing practical, actionable solutions to drive business goals. He holds a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

He has a demonstrated interest in emerging financial technologies and their underlying investment structures. Justin follows the evolution of cryptocurrency and critically assesses how new technologies are integrated into legacy financial systems.

Unique fact: During a one-year tenure, he built an organizations M&A playbook to successfully close over 10 deals.

Personality Overview

Consensus Focused

Non-Confrontational

Optimistic

They are more about building relationships than just cutting deals.  Unlike D or C types, they are convinced more by stories and testimonials. They agree with others often, so exercise caution when relying on their word.

Topics They Care About

Private Equity M&A
He has extensive experience leading M&A transactions for private equity clients and their portfolio companies from his time as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis.
Fintech Leadership
As Chief Legal Officer at InvestCloud, he led the legal and HR departments of the high-growth, global fintech SaaS company through multiple phases of evolution.
Corporate Governance
His roles as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer involve advising boards and senior executives, making corporate governance a key area of his expertise.

Media Appearances

YA Group Expands Executive Team. Featured in PR Newswire

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YA Group appoints four executives. Featured in Consulting.us

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Justin Petzold, General Counsel - YA Group. Featured in YA Group

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Work History

9-2025
General Counsel at YA Group
5-2024 - 9-2025
Chief Legal & Human Resources Officer at InvestCloud, Inc.
5-2021 - 5-2024
Chief Legal Officer at InvestCloud, Inc.
2-2017 - 4-2021
Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP
1-2016 - 1-2017
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Education

J.D. from University of Wisconsin Law School
Bachelor of Science - BS from University of Wisconsin-Madison

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 16 Location : Laguna Beach, California, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : General Counsel at YA Group
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Insights For Selling To Justin

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee
  • Give them the opportunity to lead the conversation where possible
  • Compliment them about their personality if you get a chance

DONT's

  • Don’t be excessively objective, be like a storyteller with them
  • Avoid overloading them with too much information
  • Don't be critical or challenge them openly, they can react defensively

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Justin is

  • Relationships and rapport matter to them, but so does the value of the product.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Justin

  • They probably won't say no directly.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Justin move?

  • They are not the ones to make fast decisions, even while they stay committed.
  • Can Justin take some risk or not?

  • If it seems really necessary, they can take small risks.

You And Justin

Personality Compatibility


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