Capital markets: equity offerings Tier 1

Cooley LLP cemented its standing at the forefront of the equity market in 2020, thanks in no small part to the buoyancy of the life sciences and tech sectors, a focus area for the Silicon Valley-headquartered firm. The capital markets team has an impressive geographic spread with senior team members in San Diego, San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York and Boston. Often recognized for its strong record with issuer clientss, it has also developed a fine standing among key banks; it advised the underwriters on Livongo’s $408m IPO and subsequent $550m convertible note offering and $75m follow-on offering. On the tech side, it represented Snowflake in its $3.4bn offering—the largest software IPO ever. San Diego partner Charlie Kim and San Francisco's David Peinsipp are co-chairs of the global capital markets practice. It further enhanced its New York standing with the hire of Eric Blanchard, a leader in pharmaceuticals and life sciences offerings, from Covington & Burling LLP in March 2020, though Alison Haggerty left the firm for Latham & Watkins LLP in December 2020.

Healthcare: life sciences Tier 1

Cooley LLP is a top-tier practice recognized for its strong transactional abilities, particularly in life sciences IPOs, M&A and collaboration agreements. Kay Chandler chairs the global life sciences practice from San Diego, and recently advised Neurocrine Biosciences on its $2bn strategic partnership agreement with Takeda to develop and commercialize potential therapies for psychiatric disorders. Also recommended in San Diego is corporate lawyer Barbara Borden, who has experience with M&A and public financing transactions in the life sciences sector, and Koji Fukumura, who focuses on securities litigation. Palo Alto-based Marya Postner is recommended for strategic alliances and major licensing and profit-sharing arrangements, as are Laura Berezin and Kate Hillier. Vice chair Christian Plaza and Ken Krisko advise on securities offerings and commercialization deals from Reston, Virgina. The patent practice is led by Ivor Elrifi in New York, and also includes top litigators Michelle Rhyu and Sanya Sukduang in Palo Alto and Washington DC, respectively.

Technology transactions Tier 1

Cooley LLP is deeply entrenched in the technology sector, with a top reputation for supporting clients on every stage of the value chain, from start-ups through to established developers and consumers. This includes advice on IP and licensing matters, development and distribution agreements, and joint venture and M&A-related transactions. Key partners include group chair T’Challa Jabari Graham in Palo Alto, Adam Ruttenberg and Adam Chase in Washington DC, and Keith Berets in Colorado.

Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 1

Cooley LLP has an 'excellent' practice that has been a leading presence in the market for many years. The firm's offering extends well beyond its Silicon Valley origins, with clients benefiting from a strong domestic and international network. This includes advice to entrepreneurs and emerging companies, as well as venture capital and corporate venture funds. The experienced team handles matters at every stage of the value chain, from initial seed financings through to IPOs and beyond. Boston-based partner Pat Mitchell co-chairs the global emerging growth companies practice. Other key individuals include Mark Tanoury and the extremely well-regarded Sale Kwon in Palo Alto, Michael Lincoln in Reston, Peter Werner and Rachel Proffitt in San Francisco, and Adam Dinow in the New York office.

Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 2

Cooley LLP has longstanding client relationships with key names such as Google and Zoom Video Communications, though the group handles a substantial amount of work for both established and emerging companies. The multidisciplinary service group is jointly led by Michael Rhodes and Matthew Brown in San Francisco, Travis LeBlanc in Washington DC and David Navetta in the Denver office, and has expertise across private lawsuits, privacy investigations and regulatory inquiries. In particular, it recently secured a multimillion-dollar settlement for Facebook in a class action suit filed under Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act. Recent highlights also cover the data issues raised by webscraping, the violation of non-disclosure agreements, caller ID spoofing and ransomware attacks. Former vice chair Boris Segalis joined Goodwin in February 2021.

Land use/zoning Tier 2

From its office in Reston, Virginia, granting geographic proximity to a number of significant mixed-use developments, Cooley LLP's land use and zoning team advises owners, developers and investors on the full range of matters across Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. John Lavoie coordinates the team and heads firm's wider real estate practice, but Mark Looney and Colleen Gillis are the names to note for land use-specific advice. Looney and Gillis both have significant experience acting for major developers and national, regional and local companies in land use entitlements for projects ranging from large planned community developments to hotels and offices.

M&A: middle-market ($500m-999m) Tier 2

Cooley LLP has a sizable M&A practice providing the full range of transactions advice both to public and private companies. The practice group regularly acts for acquirers, targets and sellers in connection to all-cash and all-stock acquisitions, public company mergers, and take-private transactions, with a strong focus on the technology and life sciences industries. Barbara Borden, who concentrates on cross-border acquisitions and joint venture structuring, heads the team from San Diego. In San Francisco, Jamie Leigh handles transactional matters for clients including Uber, NVIDIA, Tableau and Zoom, and Ben Beerle has broad expertise in M&A and joint ventures. Also of note, the New York office welcomed the arrival of Kevin Cooper from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in March 2020, but also saw the departure of three partners.

Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Cooley LLP is predominantly focused on securities litigation involving clients in the technology and life sciences industries, which together account for more than 50% of the total number of securities class actions filed each year in the US. Acting in the the defense of issuers in shareholder litigation, the firm has a stellar track record in securing the dismissed of securities class actions in pre-trial motions. The firm has defended more life sciences companies in securities class actions during the last ten years than any other firm, and its strong presence in the technology sector is confirmed by on-going matters such as the defense of Twitter and two of former officers in a securities class action alleging that the company made false or misleading statements about its user growth and engagement. The core team is based in San Diego, where Koji Fukumura, Peter Adams and Ryan Blair are the main practitioners, but the practice group also has a presence in Boston, Seattle, Palo Alto and New York.

Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

Cooley LLP’s client base includes traditional players such as T-Mobile and CBS, as well as emerging tech companies and investors. Former commissioner of the FCC Robert McDowell co-chairs the practice and recently assisted Microsoft with its request to use unused TV channels for wireless broadband connectivity. He leads the team alongside Michael Basile, who has been advising Apollo Capital Management and Scripps on their acquisitions of telecoms infrastructure. Other key contacts in the team include Travis LeBlanc, who focuses on cybersecurity and data privacy; satellite expert JG Harrington; and John Feore, who has extensive experience in TV broadcasting matters.

Trademarks: litigation Tier 2

Cooley LLP represents clients in the technology and life sciences sectors in the full range of high-stakes trademark litigation matters. Members of the team also have deep experience of counseling well-known brands on US and international clearance, protection, and other controversy matters. Moreover, the team has a strong on-the-ground presence on both US coasts. Practice co-chair Ivor Elrifi is based in New York and leads on a wide range of IP-related litigation and arbitration matters, while senior counsel John Crittenden in San Francisco is recommended for litigating trademark and unfair competition cases. In 2020 Nick Bolter departed for Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and Charlie Winckworth left to set up a solo practice.

Fintech Tier 3

Cooley LLP has a strong reputation in the technology legal market. This expertise extends to the fintech sphere where it advises on matters across corporate and finance transactions, data privacy and IP. Boston-based practice head Alfred Browne is a contact for private equity and technology matters.

Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 3

Cooley LLP excels in life sciences and technology-related disputes, with its successes in a number of other sectors, including the electronics, pharmaceutical, computer hardware and software industries particularly notable. The group is especially well known for its success in leading challenging disputes for some of the market's largest technology and life sciences players, but is also very active for start-ups and emerging companies, many of which also entrust the firm with their prosecution and licensing matters. Hatch-Waxman litigation is also dealt with. With a presence in Palo Alto, where Heidi Keefe is based, in Washington DC, from where Stephen Smith directs the practice, in New York, in Reston, San Francisco and Denver, the group is close to the country's main innovation hubs. In March 2020, the Washington DC practice gained an expert in pharmaceutical and biotechnology disputes with the arrival of Jonathan Davies and a life sciences dispute and transactional specialist in Sanya Sukduang, who also brings his Hatch-Waxman experience to the table. Both were formerly at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP. In February 2020, Susan Krumplitsch and Ellen Scordino joined DLA Piper LLP (US).

Telecoms and broadcast: transactions Tier 3

Cooley LLP operates under the leadership of Michael Basile and former FCC commissioner Robert McDowell, and as such is a popular choice for transactions that require FFC approval. Basile's recent workload has included advising private equity house Apollo Capital Management on its acquisition of 31 TV stations and 59 radio stations, while McDowell has been assisting Microsoft with extending its wireless broadband connectivity. Other noteworthy individuals in the team include Travis LeBlanc, who has deep experience in internal investigations, and JG Harrington, a name to note for financings and bankruptcy work.

Trademarks: non-contentious (including prosecution, portfolio management and licensing) Tier 3

Cooley LLP runs a sizeable trademark team with a long history of maintaining valuable international trademark portfolios, advising on general trademark prosecution, protection, and enforcement for a variety of corporate clients. In New York, Jeff Greene focuses on foreign and domestic brand counseling, and also regularly advising clients on trademark acquisitions, while Bobby Ghajar in Santa Monica advises a number of major brands, including food and drinks companies, on trademark portfolio management and enforcement. Also in Santa Monica, John Crittenden is recommended for trademark counseling and prosecution. Nick Bolter joined Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in June 2020, and Charlie Winckworth left to establish a solo practice in July 2020.

Transport: aviation and air travel - litigation and regulation Tier 3

Cooley LLP's 'dedication and dynamism is second to none'. The team is a go-to adviser for aerospace manufacturers in relation to accident litigation, including fatal air-crashes and wrongful death claims; the practice also acts in high-profile airport disputes and regularly represents freight carriers as liability and emergency response counsel. A 'go-to lawyer for aviation matters', practice head William O’Connor in San Diego is recognized for his 'deep industry knowledge'; O'Connor represented Columbia Helicopters in connection with the 2016 crash of a Sikorsky S-61 helicopter during a maintenance check flight. Associate Andrew Barr  in Denver is 'undoubtedly someone to watch'.

US taxes: contentious Tier 3

Cooley LLP’s tax litigation practice regularly represents domestic and multinational clients before the federal and state courts in administrative appeals, as well as in precedent-setting litigation. Of note, practice head and chair of the firm's business department Kathleen Pakenham is involved in cutting-edge tax disputes in Alaska concerning the taxation of an internet-based company domiciled in another state. In the real estate sector, Pakenham, Adriana Wirtz and Clint Massengill are currently representing property owners in property disputes concerning easement deductions. Stephen Gardner leads on transfer pricing disputes. Technology and fashion companies are also featured on the client roster. Named lawyers are based in New York.

General commercial disputes Tier 4

Cooley LLP's 'extremely impressive' nationwide team is best known for its strong reputation in civil disputes involving major technology and healthcare companies. In this regard, the team has developed particular expertise in contract disputes, IP litigation and antitrust-related cases. Of recent note, Washington,DC-based Michael Klisch represented Patheon in a high-value class action regarding alleged violations of the Sherman Act. Ian Shapiro in New York stands out for his experience in complex commercial litigation, including antitrust claims and shareholder disputes. Patrick Gunn leads the practice from San Francisco. Experienced trial and appellate lawyer Kathleen Hartnett joined the firm's San Francisco office from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in February 2020.

International arbitration Tier 4

The New York-based arbitration practice at Cooley LLP counts dispute resolution in the technology and life sciences industries among its core strengths, with additional expertise in sectors such as energy, natural resources, and construction. The team has a solid track record assisting clients with a wide range of commercial and investment treaty arbitrations conducted under the ICSID, UNCITRAL, ICC, and ICDR rules. In addition, it is also well-versed in advising on the enforcement of arbitral awards; Marc Suskin is a key contact for mandates in this regard. Following the departure of former department head Mark Beckett to found his own firm in the summer of 2020, Rachel Thorn took over sole leadership of the practice; she acts for a mix of multinational companies, sovereign states, and state-owned entities.

Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 4

Cooley LLP is particularly active in the life sciences and technology sectors; these are aso industries in which the team of New York-based practice head Ivor Elrifi enjoys an excellent reputation for its start-up caseload. The group regularly accompanies clients from seed stage onwards, but is also sought after by market-leading multinationals. Forming a part of the firm's integrated patent offering that also includes litigation and licensing experts, the prosecution practice also includes an effective PTAB team with particular experience in inter partes reviews. Special counsel Sandhya Deo joined a pharmaceutical company in an in-house position.

Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 4

Well regarded for its venture capital funds work, Cooley LLP fields an experienced team from its primary office in Palo Alto. The group continues to prove its position as a major player in venture capital, with impressive capabilities in the establishment and buyout of multibillion-dollar VC funds. Practice head John Dado has a strong track record with high-profile clientele and frequently acts for instantly recognizable names in the technology sector. Recently, Dado advised the Peter Thiel’s Founder Fund on the formation of its $1.5bn growth fund, while John Clendenin advised Venrock on the closing of its latest healthcare focused fund valued at $447m. Shane Goudey and San Francisco-based Jordan Silber are also recommended.

Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 4

The life sciences and technology experts at Cooley LLP assist clients with developing, defining, protecting and defending trade secrets. The firm’s fortes include assessing risks, counseling clients and acting in trade secret misappropriation and breaches of fiduciary duty claims. Other specialisms in the area are IP audits, advising on employee movements and preparing confidentiality, nondisclosure, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements. Notable on the the deep bench are Ian Shapiro in New York, who is head of the East Coast business litigation practice, and Michelle Rhyu based in Palo Alto, who represents life sciences companies in patent, contract and trade secrets disputes.

Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 5

Cooley LLP’s employee benefits and executive compensation practice has a strong focus on the technology and life sciences sectors, with an established West Coast footprint. The team cites expertise in handling high-value, high-profile M&A transactions and IPOs. Palo Alto-based Alessandra Murata is recommended for advice on severance packages, tax compliance matters and equity compensation arrangements. In Los Angeles, Barbara Mirza provides advice to companies on the compensation aspects of IPOs. The 'knowledgeable, responsive and business-minded' Joshua Friedman is a key name in the Boston office.

Leading trial lawyers Tier 5

Michael Rhodes - Cooley LLP

Merger control Tier 5

Cooley LLP handles the full range of merger control work, ranging from Hart-Scott-Rodino filings to DOJ and FTC investigations, defense litigation, and international clearance proceedings. Particularly strong in the technology and life sciences spaces, the firm has successfully secured federal and state clearances for deals under significant political scrutiny, such as Finicity's acquisition by Mastercard. The team is led by Washington DC-based Jackie Grise, who has a successful record in merger clearances, regularly defending transactions before the FTC, DOJ, and international competition bodies on behalf of major clients such as Finicity and Tableau. Another key team member is New York's Tanisha James, who specializes in multi-jurisdictional merger clearance for multibillion-dollar deals, and is recognized as an up-and-coming player within the antitrust merger space.

Real estate Tier 5

The real estate lawyers at Cooley LLP are experts in the proptech field and provide a full-service offering in relation to data center assets, acting at every stage of relevant projects from acquisition, planning and construction through to development financing and subsequent leasing. Department chair John Lavoie, a Reston-based lawyer with a focus on the Washington DC and Mid-Atlantic markets, also handles matters in the office, retail and industrial sectors where he is engaged in purchase, sale, leasing and development mandates, including those relating to corporate headquarters. Lawyers at the firm’s San Diego office are particularly active in the finance and investment fields and represent numerous private equity and opportunity funds.

M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 6

With a strong focus on tech-based companies and growth industries, Cooley LLP has enjoyed a prolific transactional year in the areas of healthcare, life sciences, and innovation technology. The firm advises new companies from inception to sale, as well as acting for emerging major tech and media companies, including Zoom and TiVo. San Diego-based co-head Barbara Borden advised clinical-stage biotechnology company Synthorx on its sale to Sanofi, while San Francisco practice head Jamie Leigh acted for Sunrun, a market leading energy provider, in its acquisition of solar energy company Vivint Solar in an all-stock transaction worth $3.2bn, reflecting the firm's movement into large-cap deals in a variety of innovation-focused industries. In addition, the firm’s corporate advisory work and antitrust capabilities allow it to act on complex transactions involving demanding Silicon Valley clients and regulatory regimes, bolstered by a strong platform in Asia and across the US. Palo Alto-based partner Steven Tonsfeldt is also noted for his record in M&A.

US taxes: non-contentious Tier 6

Cooley LLP's tax department is led by Kathleen Pakenham in New York, and also includes Alexander Lee in Los Angeles, who is recommended for M&A and debt and equity finance transactions, acting for start-ups and private investors.

Commercial lending

Cooley LLP has a very solid finance practice, and is capable of advising borrowers and sponsors on all major types of financings. In particular, the firm has core strengths in the areas of technology and life sciences, where it advises a number of established market players on acquisition financings, in addition to assisting innovative start-ups with securing capital for development. The key partners include practice heads Gian-Michele a Marca and Michael Tollini, who operate from San Francisco and Washington, DC, respectively. Patrick Flanagan is recommended in the New York office.

Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Cooley LLP continues to expand its white-collar defense and investigations team, having recently welcomed several new partners. In San Francisco, John Hemann joined from the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California in November 2019, and Kathleen Hartnett joined from Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in February 2020. Further afield, Andrew Goldstein and Elizabeth Prelogar joined the DC office from the DOJ. New York’s William Schwartz heads the practice and is experienced in representing multinationals before the DOJ and SEC. The wider team acts both for corporates and individuals, and handles large-scale investigations, fraud, bribery and corruption matters, with a particular focus on the technology and life sciences sectors.