Cooley LLP > Seattle, United States > Firm Profile

Cooley LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Finance > Capital markets: equity offerings

Cooley LLP has achieved many accolades in recent years on the strength of its prominence in equity offerings, including IPOs, direct listings and follow-on offerings. The firm’s commitment to the technology, healthcare and life sciences industries has provided it with a pipeline of deals, especially where it acts on the issuer side, though it is also a major force in underwriter engagements. With its multi office strategy, which has given spawned new offices in Chicago and Miami, it has developed close connections to issuers across the country. San Francisco partner David Peinsipp co-heads the global capital markets team alongside Charlie Kim in San Diego. Div Gupta is one of the most prolific advisers in US IPOs, particularly in healthcare and life sciences deals, and has close connections to many investment banks. Palo Alto’s Eric Jensen and Jon Avina are also key figures, along with Eric Blanchard. Richard Segal has a growing reputation. Washington DC associate Darah Protas is a rising star. All named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.

Healthcare > Life sciences Tier 1

Cooley LLP excels at overseeing complex transactions in the life sciences market, advising both public and private clients on M&As, IPOs and follow-on offerings and collaborations in the sector. The firm is also sought after by early stage companies and VC investors looking for financing and investment opportunities. Reston-based practice co-head Christian Plaza advises on biotech, medtech and diagnostics companies on public and private offerings, VC investments and strategic collaborations, and M&A and capital markets specialist Marc Recht, based in Boston, joined the leadership team following Kay Chandler‘s retirement at the end of 2023. Palo Alto’s Ivor Elrifi chairs the firm’s global patent prosecution group, supporting clients looking to both create and enforce patents across, among others, the therapeutics, genetics and medical devices sectors, while Div Gupta is an experienced IPO lawyer based out of New York, who also handles VC transactions and M&A. With a practice split between Seattle and Palo Alto, Kate Hillier assists clients with their licensing strategies, research collaborations and clinical trial processes.

M&A/corporate and commercial > Venture capital and emerging companies Tier 1

Cooley LLP stands out as a premier choice for emerging companies and investors across the start-up lifecycle. The firm has expanded its tech and venture capital capabilities with the opening of its Miami office in November 2023, led by Derek Colla, offering enhanced support to Latin American companies and investors. Co-head of the practice, San Francisco-based Peter Werner counsels high-growth entities and their investors on formation, financing, and securities deals. Also leading the team from San Francisco, Matt Bartus is celebrated for his ‘decades of experience’ assisting companies from their initial stages to pre-IPO. Mark Tanoury, located in Palo Alto, is known for guiding Silicon Valley emerging tech companies and venture capital investors through all stages of their development. Sale Kwon, also in Palo Alto, specializes in company formations, venture financings, and mergers and acquisitions. Rachel Proffitt, in San Francisco, offers advice to emerging clients, venture capital companies, and investment banks on venture capital transactions and securities offerings, while New York’s Adam Dinow is noted for his work with tech unicorns.

Media, technology and telecoms > Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection) Tier 1

Technology companies seek out Cooley LLP‘s cyber, data, and privacy team for its expertise in data innovations and cyber threats, and its track record in complex privacy class actions. Specializations within the team include healthcare, education, and insurance technology. Practice head Travis LeBlanc works across San Francisco and Washington DC, combining technical knowledge with global litigation experience to both support data-rich companies in their privacy needs and sit on the US Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. In Colorado, David Navetta advises clients on global compliance requirements along with supporting those experiencing large scale cyberattacks. Privacy litigation for individuals and high-profile technology companies is the center point of Michael Rhodes‘ practice in Chicago, including disputes around innovation and emerging technology. Also in Chicago, Lei Shen is noted for her work managing consumer protection issues arising from new and developing technologies. Michael Egan, based in Washington DC, is a go-to for regulatory issues encountered by international businesses, including consumer protection matters, cross-border data flows, and e-monitoring. Tiana Demas goes between Chicago and New York, and leverages previous experience both as a federal prosecutor and in-house cybersecurity counsel to litigate for clients in complex privacy and data breach cases. In San Francisco, Randy Sabett and Matthew Brown are both key names.

Media, technology and telecoms > Technology transactions Tier 1

The ‘highly competent’ technology transactions department at Cooley LLP is recognized for its involvement in high-value and cross-border work for the likes of Uber, Google, and Zoom. Working with a wide range of corporations in the tech space, the firm regularly handles innovative AI deals as well as complex IP and licensing tech matters. Palo Alto-based TJ Graham spearheads the practice and assists clients with navigating the challenges of complex technologies, with a particular focus on software and digital media products. Also in Palo Alto, Tracy Rubin's client roster includes emerging startups and public companies, who rely on her expertise in strategic investments and dynamic AI work. In Washington DC, industry veteran Adam Ruttenberg demonstrates skill in the fintech and digital media sectors, while Adam Chase‘s scope of work includes counselling tech companies on significant software licensing deals. Clients come to New York-stationed Len Jacoby for assistance with transactional and IP matters related to fintech, software, and AI. Boston-stationed Thomas Connors covers commercial transactions within the AI space.

Dispute resolution > Securities litigation: defense Tier 2

Cooley LLP is active in the defense of shareholder and securities litigation, particularly for clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. Palo Alto-based practice head Patrick Gibbs is a ‘very effective strategist‘, and his representation of leading AI computing company NVIDIA in a long-running class action arising from a $25bn loss in its market capitalization is typical of the firm’s high-profile work. John Dwyer, also based in Palo Alto, also played a key role in that matter, as did New York-based Sarah Lightdale, who is praised for her ‘practical, efficient and thoughtful approach’. A standout practitioner is Koji Fukumura in San Diego, who successfully represented Silverback Therapeutics in a class action alleging the company misled investors about the efficacy of a cancer drug candidate. Luke Cadigan in Boston, Aric Wu in New York and LA-based Michael Tu also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Finance > Financial services regulation

Cooley LLP‘s financial services team handles a broad spectrum of regulatory matters, with a particular niche in fair banking and lending, where the practice has increasingly been advising on rules governing the use of AI and LLMs in loan decisions. The firm also defends banks and credit lenders facing regulatory enforcement, regularly liaising with the CFPB, OCC, and the Federal Reserve. The practice’s leadership group, based in Washington DC, consists of payments and lending expert Obrea Poindexter, who advises on matters under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and FCRA, and litigation and enforcement-focused Michelle Rogers, with Sean Ruff taking the lead on fintech regulation, including non-bank lending structures, EFTA matters, and AML compliance. Joshua Kotin is called upon by banks and consumer finance providers facing DOJ, CFPB, and FTC enforcement, while Kate Goodman maintains a broad practice that encompasses issues from licensing to litigation; both are based in Chicago.

Finance > Fintech Tier 2

Noted for its strong track record in financial services enforcement matters, including investigations by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Cooley LLP’s broad fintech caseload encompasses financing, joint ventures, IPOs as well as M&A. The practice is also a key port of call for collaborative agreements and transactions, notably Buy-Now, Pay-Later products. In Washington DC, Obrea Poindexter is proficient in the regulatory aspects of mobile payment systems and person-to-person payments, while Michelle Rogers is experienced in representing financial institutions in litigation matters before federal and state enforcement agencies. Sean Ruff is knowledgeable about anti-money laundering regulations and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, while Derek Colla is skilled in venture capital financing. In Palo Alto, Nancy Wojtas handles corporate governance issues, M&A, and venture capital financing, while other key members of the team include Adam Fleisher and James Dionne who are knowledgeable of state money transmitter licensing laws. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise.        

Intellectual property > Patents: litigation (full coverage) Tier 2

Cooley LLP represents global companies on both sides of patent infringement disputes in the tech and life sciences sectors and is especially experienced in working with emerging companies and invalidating third-party patent assertions. The ‘highly capable‘ Steve Smith in Washington DC is a seasoned intellectual property litigator with expertise in a variety of technical fields who frequently represents clients in cases before the International Trade Commission. Representing clients such as Meta and Nianti, Heidi Keefe in Palo Alto is an expert in patent infringement disputes in the tech sector. The group in DC also includes Sanya Sukduang, who is a trusted patent litigator in the life sciences space, tech and IP specialist Phillip Morton, and life sciences expert Jonathan Davies. Other notable practitioners include biosciences expert Michelle Rhyu in Palo Alto and Adam Pivovar in DC, who focuses on tech and life sciences IP matters. In June 2023, San Diego lawyer Chad Shear and Minneapolis contact Betsy Flanagan joined the firm from Fish & Richardson P.C..

Intellectual property > Trademarks: litigation Tier 2

With a varied client roster that is comprised of start-ups, private companies, and global corporations, ‘incredibly efficient’ Cooley LLP capitalizes on its offices across Europe and Asia to advise on complex tech and life sciences sector mandates, as well as e-commerce, video games, and cosmetics mandates. The team also acts for significant celebrity clients, such as Hailey Rhode Bieber. Practice head Brendan Hughes, who is based in the firm’s Washington DC office, utilizes his notable experience before the US Court of Appeals for the Second and Sixth Circuit to provide clients with comprehensive trademark advice. San Francisco’s Bobby Ghajar bolsters the team with his experience in various courts of appeal and the USPTO, with an expertise extending from trademark to copyright and licensing issues. Active in both New York and Los Angeles, JP Oleksiuk is geared to handle trademark-related aspects of corporate transactions and advise prominent brands on trademark issues in a multitude of sectors, routinely operating on an international scale. Angela Dunning departed the firm in October 2023 to join Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton.

Media, technology and telecoms > Telecoms and broadcast: regulatory Tier 2

With extensive knowledge of FCC proceedings, Cooley LLP’s communications team offers advice across the spectrum of FCC-regulated areas. Handling a full range of regulatory procedures before the FCC, the practice is composed of experts on both the business and regulatory aspects of media procurement and distribution, and video and music technologies. The team also advises space and satellite clients on communications regulatory aspects. Michael Basile and Robert McDowell co-lead the firm’s global communications practice; McDowell represents clients before the FCC, Congress and other regulatory bodies, while transactions specialist Basile advises TV and radio broadcast companies on M&A, financings and commercial transactions. JG Harrington specializes in telecoms matters and new technologies and Travis LeBlanc’s expertise spans telecoms, cybersecurity and data privacy. With great experience in the sector, Jason Rademacher advises broadcast, cable, technology, new media and telecoms clients on FCC and federal courts proceedings. Henry Wendel is also active in FCC matters, experienced advising media and broadcast clients on enforcement matters and regulatory issues. All individuals mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Real estate > Land use/zoning Tier 2

Cooley LLP fields a strong real estate practice capable of covering all aspects of land use and zoning law, including entitlement and permitting processes as well as development and operation. The real estate department is headed by lease transactions and commercial property expert John Lavoie in the Reston office, while Colleen Gillis and Mark Looney lead the dedicated land use and zoning practice. Gillis uses her vast experience as a transactional real estate lawyer to assist clients with all areas of entitlement in relation to mixed-use, residential or data center projects and also advises on the acquisition, financing and divestment aspects of real estate developments. Looney represents property owners and developers in all aspects of the land planning, zoning and (re-)development process, advising on development agreements and acquisitions in addition to handling land use litigation.

Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Cooley LLP offers the full spectrum of advice on white-collar criminal matters, including fraud, bribery, and FCPA investigations. Heading the team, Andrew Goldstein is based in New York; he is noted for his wealth of experience handling internal and criminal investigations into prominent companies and NGOs. Working from the firm’s Washington DC office, Daniel Grooms and David Mills are seasoned members of the team. Grooms is highly skilled at navigating multi-jurisdictional investigations, while Mills has experience advising on matters relating to antitrust violations and whistleblowing. Located in New York, Rebekah Donaleski joined the firm in November 2023 from the SDNY; she is experienced in cases relating to corruption and financial fraud. Lindsay Jenkins left the firm’s Chicago office in February 2023.

Dispute resolution > General commercial disputes Tier 3

Fielding a deep bench of ‘highly skilled attorneys’, Cooley LLP is well-regarded for its experience trying complex commercial cases at every level of the state and federal court systems as well as before international arbitral tribunals. The team’s caseload includes cases concerning antitrust, consumer protection, licensing and contractual disputes, securities, and IP issues, among others. Litigation department chair Michael Attanasio is based in San Diego; his recent experience includes successfully representing Sony in a class action that alleged unfair handling of consumer warranties for televisions. Also in the San Diego office, Mazda Antia heads the Southern California business litigation department. Bay Area lawyers Shannon Eagan and Beatriz Mejia, Chicago partner Ian Shapiro, and Boston-based securities litigation expert Luke Cadigan round out the department’s leadership group.

Dispute resolution > Product liability, mass tort and class action - defense: consumer products (including tobacco) Tier 3

Led from Washington DC by ‘absolute rock star’ Matt Howsare, and also able to draw upon ‘incredibly talented attorneys’ in other nationwide offices, Cooley LLP‘s product safety group advises consumer product manufacturers on all aspects of the product life cycle, particularly in a regulatory and risk management context. Much of the firm’s success in this area can be attributed to Howsare, who ‘understands the politics and personalities of the CPSC at the most granular level’. Drawing upon the firm’s overarching technology sector expertise, the team, as well as handling work for established entities including Google, is also very adept at guiding fast-growing early stage companies. The firm is also able to draw upon broader litigation capabilities to handle disputes stemming from product recalls as well as enforcement actions brought by the CPSC. Lauded for his ‘excellent grasp of strategy’ , Washington DC-based Shawn Skolky is also a key member of the team, regularly acting alongside Howsare.

Finance > Capital markets: global offerings

Cooley LLP is a market leader in life sciences and technology offerings, including for a growing number of European, Asian and Latin American issuers. A new office in Miami has increased its connection to the Latin American market. In 2023, it continued to work on a series of IPOs and follow-on offerings by issuers in Europe and Asia. The firm has a wide-ranging and impressive client base from start-ups to growth businesses and established public companies. It is also close to key financial institutions. A force in equity offerings, it has a further presence in equity-linked transactions. San Diego-based Charlie Kim heads the capital markets team alongside David Peinsipp in San Francisco. New York’s Div Gupta and Richard Segal are also leading names.

Intellectual property > Patents: prosecution (including re-examination and post-grant proceedings) Tier 3

The patent prosecution group of ‘trusted partners’ at Cooley LLP is led from New York by Ivor Elrifi who is experienced handling work in both domestic and international contexts and chairs the firm’s global patent counseling and prosecution practice. Advising on worldwide portfolio development and strategy forms a substantial portion of the group’s workload; it is well-regarded for its ‘unwavering commitment to success’. The team has national coverage; in Palo Alto, Mika Reiner Mayer is a standout for her experience handling matters pertaining to patent due diligence reviews in connection with venture financing, IPOs and acquisitions. Patent acquisition and strategic counseling is an area of expertise of Boston’s Heidi Elracher. At the firm’s Seattle office, Bill Christiansen has capabilities across the remit of patent portfolio cases, while Washington DC's Chris Holly has particular expertise in life sciences-related patent matters. Amy Baker-Mandragouras departed from the Boston office to join Foley Hoag LLP in August 2023.

Intellectual property > Trade secrets (litigation and non-contentious matters) Tier 3

The ‘excellent’ trade secrets practice at Cooley LLP is led by Michael Attanasio in San Diego who has impressive expertise in high-stakes litigation cases. Tech and life sciences trade secret matters form a large part of the team’s workload, namely developing, protecting and defending tech for its range of clients, the list of which includes significant start-ups and emerging companies. The range of industry sectors are covered by the group which is experienced handling matters at both State and Federal court levels. Key names include Adam Gershenson and Michael Sheetz who has international capabilities in trade secret cases; both work from the firm’s Boston hub. In New York, Ian Shapiro assists such well-known names as Cartier in alleged misappropriation matters. The team also has a considerable presence in Washington DC.

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

Powered by its capacity to manage matters for start-ups through to established corporations, Cooley LLP‘s expansive practice encompasses portfolio management, exploitation and licensing work on both a domestic and international scale, demonstrating particular prowess in the technology and life sciences sector. Washington DC-based Brendan Hughes steers the practice, contributing his capabilities in global trademark portfolio management, commerce issues and monetary damages in the trademark space, while Los Angeles-based Bobby Ghajar‘s wide-ranging experience incorporates a variety of trademark, copyright, and right of publicity mandates. Operating across the firm’s New York and San Francisco offices, JP Oleksiuk harnesses his international expertise to assist growing and established brands across a diverse range of industries, while San Diego’s Anne Peck is noted for being entrusted by various business and technology innovators.

International trade > CFIUS Tier 3

Cooley LLP’s CFIUS practice is praised for its ‘deep experience practicing before CFIUS, including in difficult circumstances that call for mitigation’. Indeed, the group’s enforcement activity continues to grow and it was involved in a string of mitigation negotiations over the past year. Primarily recognized for its dominant offering in technology-related transactions, the team is also handling a growing share of reviews in connected industries, including aerospace, financial services and biotech. Christopher Kimball co-chairs the Washington-based practice and is sought after for his specialist expertise in security reviews concerning the technology and financial services spheres. Kevin King co-heads the export controls and sanctions practice as well as the CFIUS group, and brings to bear broad national security experience. Other key contacts include special counsel Dillon Martinson, who is a former senior policy advisor at the USDT; and associate Sarah Oliai, who is a ‘phenomenal support’.

Labor and employment > Employee benefits, executive compensation and retirement plans: transactional Tier 3

Cooley LLP is adept in handling both the buy and sell sides of transactions for private and public companies, offering guidance on a broad spectrum of topics including ERISA, global stock plans, securities filings, and golden parachute arrangements. Barbara Mirza, co-chair of the practice based in Los Angeles, brings in-depth knowledge of compensation and benefits issues in mergers, de-SPACs, spin-offs, and sales. Fellow co-chair, Alessandra Murata, specializes in advising tech and life sciences organizations and management teams, with notable work such as advising Grindr on its SPAC merger with Tiga Acquisition Corp. The firm expanded its executive compensation and employee benefits offering to Chicago with the addition of Steve Flores in April 2023 from Winston & Strawn LLP. In New York, Nyron Persaud counsels a diverse range of clients, from emerging businesses to established public companies, particularly on IPOs and other significant corporate transactions.

Transport > Aviation and air travel: litigation and regulation Tier 3

Routinely mandated by aerospace manufacturers, Cooley LLP‘s aviation litigation practice acts in major accident litigation cases, such as fatal air crashes and wrongful death claims; and the group’s caseload is frequently multi-jurisdictional cases when clients’ aircraft are involved in major accidents across the world. ‘With very good knowledge of the aviation industry’, the team also assists air carriers (as their liability and emergency response counsel); represents airports and fixed-base operators in high-stakes airport disputes; and acts in cases involving unmanned flights. The litigation practice further benefits from the firm’s experience in both National Transportation Safety Board investigations and contested matters against the US Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Authority, which involve regulatory compliance and international air authority issues. William O’Connor acts across the full range of aviation litigation from San Diego; and in Washington DC, Parker Erkmann‘s aviation disputes practice focuses on antitrust, competition and regulatory work.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 4

Continued global growth in technology-related arbitration, including investment cases, is positioning Cooley LLP as an increasingly prominent name in the international arbitration field. That being said, the team’s industry experience extends beyond the firm’s signature sweet spots of technology and life sciences to encompass mining and financial services, among other matters. Over the past year, New York-based department head Rachel Thorn notched up key roles in a string of high-profile cases, including representing Odyssey Marine Exploration in an ICSID arbitration brought under Chapter 11 of the NAFTA against Mexico. Marc Suskin, also in New York, has recently handled arbitrations for many of the world’s leading tech companies.

Finance > Capital markets: debt offerings

Cooley LLP is a leader in equity offerings, particularly in the tech and life sciences sectors, and this has provided a platform for a thriving DCM practice, especially convertible and equity-linked transactions. The firm represents both issuers and underwriters and headline offerings, its multiple office strategy bringing it close links to a wide range of issuers. Gian-Michele a Marca is noted for convertible, investment grade and high-yield bonds, while Jason Savich is prominent in convertible debt offerings. Both are based in San Francisco.

International trade > Customs, export controls and economic sanctions Tier 4

Cooley LLP is held up by sources for its extensive expertise in technology-related matters—particularly in the area of encryption controls—in line with its firm-wide sector focus. Demonstrating robust capability in both compliance and enforcement work, the group routinely collaborates with colleagues in the corporate, IP and criminal defense teams to provide full-service support on complex export controls and sanctions issues. Kevin King chairs the practice and is ‘particularly adept at software/encryption-related export controls’. The Washington DC-based group also draws on CFIUS head Christopher Kimball; newly promoted partner Annie Froehlich; and special counsel Rebecca Ross.

Investment fund formation and management > Private equity funds (including venture capital) Tier 4

Cooley LLP is well known on the market for its venture capital funds expertise with regards to their formation and financing, where it remains a popular choice for both large venture capital investment funds and high-growth emerging fund managers. Practice head John Dado is located in the Palo Alto office and is a preeminent name in the areas of venture capital fund formation and buyout partnerships. Alongside Dado in Palo Alto are Shane Goudey and John Clendenin, who among them advise the firms notable venture capital clients including, Neo, Lux Capital and Industry Ventures, while in San Francisco Eric Doherty who handles various aspects of fund formation for US based and international private investment funds. Matt Smith joined the firm’s Boston office in May of 2023 from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, while Elizabeth Reese in San Francisco was made partner in January. Nicole Peppe left the firm in 2023.

Real estate Tier 4

With a strong footprint in Washington DC and Virginia in particular, Cooley LLP’s real estate practice handles transactions for clients spanning small startups to large developers. Development work and data centers are also core areas, evidenced by the firm’s advising of office leasing at The Wharf, together with a large mixed-use redevelopment at West Falls, and a 3.5m+ square feet development near Reston Town Center Metrorail Station. John Lavoie, based in Reston, has substantial experience covering acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing on behalf of both landlords and tenants, lenders and borrowers. He is also noted for his expertise in data center leasing and mandates relating to company headquarters. In the same office, Michelle Garcia Schulman is sought after for her experience advising on transactions and financings, together with her tech, data center, and life science sector expertise.

Antitrust > Civil litigation/class actions: defense Tier 5

Cooley LLP's antitrust and enforcement litigation practice advises high-profile clients, such as JetBlue and the National Association of Realtors. The team is prominent in agency investigations, advising clients in both civil and criminal proceedings. Dee Bansal’s practice focuses on the data, technology and media sectors, and she represents clients in antitrust litigation and civil and criminal investigations before the FTC and the DOJ. Based in Washington DC along with Bansel, Ethan Glass plays a lead role in an array of antitrust cases, including agency proceedings and merger review, with a particular focus on the technology and life sciences sectors. In San Francisco, Beatriz Mejia brings international expertise in government investigations to the team, along with experience in cartel investigations and monopolization claims.

Antitrust > Merger control Tier 5

Praised for its ‘vast knowledge, great response times and advice’, the team at Cooley LLP stands out for its expertise in the tech and life sciences sectors, navigating major transactions for clients domestically and internationally. The team is spearheaded by Ethan Glass, an experienced advisor on bet-the-company mergers in key sectors such as tech, life sciences and healthcare. Megan Browdie continues to handle merger review and government investigations, representing clients before the DOJ, FTC, and state antitrust authorities. Jacqueline Grise left the firm in early 2024.

Finance > Commercial lending Tier 5

At Cooley LLP the debt finance team is regarded for its expertise in the life sciences and technology sectors. It has significant experience advising on capital call facilities for venture and private equity funds. Leading the team from San Francisco is practice head Mischi Marca. In New York, Patrick Flanagan is a key member of the team, regularly representing corporate borrowers, private equity firms and financial institutions on matters related to leveraged finance transactions. Washington DC-based Michael Tollini focuses his practice on acquisition finance, syndicated bank lending and structured finance. Cindy Lovering left the firm in August 2023.

M&A/corporate and commercial > M&A: large deals ($1bn+) Tier 5

The Cooley LLP team specializes in handling high-value transactions in the life sciences, tech, and media industries, displaying a special focus on buy-side M&A and strategic exits. The practice routinely advises domestic and international clients on cross-border stock and cash acquisitions, with the San Diego-based co-head Barbara Borden being an expert in complex joint ventures, restructurings and activism matters. The other co-head, Jamie Leigh, operates out of San Francisco and regularly assists boards and special committees with strategic issues, and Ben Beerle routinely acts on behalf of multinational tech corporations. Steven Tonsfeldt focuses on the software and pharmaceutical spaces from Palo Alto, and the ‘outstanding’ New York-based Bill Roegge is knowledgeable on cross-border private and public M&A.

Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 5

Cooley LLP offers a comprehensive service covering the full spectrum of local, state, federal and international matters, regularly advising major companies in the tech, life sciences, retail, and media sectors in relation to middle-market and billion-dollar transactions. San Diego’s Todd Gluth, focusing on life sciences and tech matters, leads the group. Alexander Lee, dividing his time between the firm’s Los Angeles and Santa Monica offices, also has vast experience advising life sciences and tech companies, recently representing major players in the crypto mining and biopharma spaces. Eileen Marshall in Washington DC specializes in M&A and financing tax issues, particularly convertible note offerings and tax integrated call spreads. Jonathan Rivinus in Colorado handles M&A and restructurings, while New York-based Jeffrey Tolin advises clients in the tech, pharma, auto, and telecoms industries. Timothy Shapiro in Palo Alto is also a key contact.

Labor and employment > Workplace and employment counseling

Dispute resolution > Financial services litigation

Finance > Restructuring (including bankruptcy): corporate