Catering mainly to venture capital funds infrastructure domestically and internationally, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP ‘stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend deep technical knowledge with a practical, business-oriented approach’. Sector wise, the group has a strong focus across the finance, technology, energy and infrastructure sectors for a global client base. Dolph Hellman in San Francisco is at the helm, and particularly specialises in investor side fund launches and operations, with a varied client roster of large public pension plans. Additional standout team members include Washington DC-based Mary Wallace, an of counsel whose transactional expertise is notable, and also has a strong track record of investor side of fund formation, operational and regulatory issues. Indeed Kenneth Rasamny in Orange County is often called upon by venture capital funds, private equity funds and debt funds for regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Our experience with Orrick has been nothing short of exceptional. Orrick has handled the formation of our fund and all our deal-related legal work, demonstrating a level of expertise and commitment that sets them apart in the legal industry.'

  • 'Orrick’s practice stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend deep technical knowledge with a practical, business-oriented approach. The team’s attention to detail, combined with their ability to anticipate challenges and proactively propose solutions, has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of fund formation and deal structuring. What makes Orrick truly unique is their ability to operate as an extension of our team, ensuring alignment with our goals while maintaining the highest standards of legal rigor.'
  • 'Potential clients should know that Orrick excels in providing clarity in areas that are often opaque. The team bring unmatched expertise in venture capital and fund formation, supported by a collaborative ethos that ensures no detail is overlooked. They are not only responsive but also take the initiative to simplify complex legal concepts, making them accessible to all stakeholders. Their understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the broader strategic implications of legal decisions sets them apart.'
  • 'Orrick consistently outperforms in terms of responsiveness, creativity, and depth of understanding. Orrick offers bespoke solutions tailored to our needs, ensuring every aspect of our fund and deal work aligns with our strategic objectives. Their ability to deliver high-quality work on tight timelines is another differentiator.'
  • 'Their collaborative approach, especially when working across multiple jurisdictions and teams, has been instrumental in ensuring seamless execution. They prioritize building strong relationships not only with their clients but also with opposing counsel, creating an environment where even complex negotiations are handled professionally and effectively.'
  • 'Their combination of technical excellence, innovative practices, and a genuinely client-centered approach makes them a standout choice in the legal industry. We would highly recommend Orrick to anyone seeking a legal partner capable of delivering exceptional results in fund formation, deal work, or broader corporate matters.’
  • 'Orrick’s team consistently provides tailored, forward-thinking advice that accounts for the nuances of our industry and our specific goals. Their ability to dive deep into complex issues while maintaining a strategic perspective has consistently placed us at an advantage in our legal dealings.'

  • 'Beyond their mastery of the law, they approach every challenge with an eye toward our long-term objectives. This level of insight ensures that every decision aligns with our broader vision. The team operates with precision and thoroughness, never compromising on quality, even under tight deadlines.'

Key clients

  • Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund (OPERF)
  • San Francisco City and County Employee’s Retirement System (SFERS)
  • Ego Death Capital Management LLC
  • Connect Humanity
  • Comptroller of the State of New York
  • Blue Forest Finance

Work highlights

  • Advising Blue Forest Finance on forming and fundraising for its asset management arm, Blue Forest Asset Management, and its inaugural private investment fund, the California Wildfire Innovation Fund, L.P., which supports forest resilience and wildfire mitigation efforts in California.
  • Advising Ego Death Capital on investing in and accelerating the growth of the next generation of Bitcoin technology startups.
  • Advising Connect Humanity on the targeted US$50 million financing for the IDEA Fund (Investing in Digital Equity Appalachia) - an initiative by Connect Humanity and Appalachia Community Capital to invest in broadband projects for underserved communities in Appalachia.

Lawyers

Practice head

Dolph Hellman

Other key lawyers

Mary Wallace; Kenneth Rasamny; Perry Teicher