Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP‘s emerging growth companies and venture capital department has seen significant nationwide growth recently, expanding the team dedicated to counseling start-ups, venture investors, and growth stage businesses. The group distinguishes itself by leveraging its deep connections with institutional investors and fund managers to support early-and growth-stage venture deals for both companies and funds. In Palo Alto, practice head David Ambler advises technology and life sciences clients throughout the entire corporate lifecycle. San Francisco-based Mike Pestana, who joined from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, is a go-to for both early- and late-stage startups, particularly in the SaaS industry. Ian Engstrand joined from Goodwin in September 2024, while Sarah Gagan also bolstered the team, joining from Latham & Watkins in February 2025. Other noteworthy additions include James Huie from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Benjamin Stein from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in July 2025 and September 2025, respectively.