Investment Funds: Venture Capital: Nationwide

THE FIRM This firm is a long-established player in the market, famed for its fund formation and financing work. As well as assisting clients in the technology and life sciences areas, the team has been increasingly busy for cleantech companies.

Commercial Awareness "The team not only offers pragmatic advice but helps us build bridges in the industry."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Craig Dauchy impresses sources with his depth of expertise and personable approach. Both he and Mark Tanoury are based in Palo Alto and come highly recommended for financing and formation work for emerging growth companies. Sources praise Eric Jensen for being "superb in figuring out where the real issues lie," while Barbara Kosacz is hailed by peers for her knowledge of the life sciences arena. Fred Muto has considerable corporate experience and his list of clients includes public technology companies, venture capital investors and investment banking firms. Bo Yaghmaie is based in New York and heads the firm's business technology group.

THE FIRM The team at this dedicated technology and life sciences firm acts principally out of its office in Silicon Valley. The firm offers a comprehensive venture capital practice and can also draw on the strength of its corporate, litigation, IP and tax departments.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-regarded Gordon Davidson has a broad practice and routinely advises hi-tech companies and investment banks. Barry Kramer specializes in startup issues, financings and M&A, while Mark Stevens is noted for his exceptional business acumen and work in M&A, IPO and strategic alliance transactions.

THE FIRM A popular choice for emerging technology clients, Gunderson Dettmer often handles early-stage investment for fund sponsors. The team also has an increasing international focus and is particularly active in Asia and Latin America.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Scott Dettmer has extensive experience representing companies from the technology, life science and consumer industries. Bob Gunderson is widely regarded as an authority in this field and advises leading venture capital firms, investment banks and both public and private companies. Clients appreciate Steven Franklin's pragmatic approach and broad focus, which encompasses tax issues, private equity and venture capital.

THE FIRM This firm continues to enjoy a tremendous reputation in the market after another successful year. The team is famed for its strength in the technology sphere and its substantial experience in advising clients on all aspects of early-stage investment.

Commercial Awareness "The team is excellent at understanding a company's business needs and connecting the legal work to the business objectives."

Client Service "The lawyers go out of their way to introduce you to funders and other clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS CEO Steven Bochner is highly regarded by peers, who highlight his strength in venture capital and corporate transactions. Jeff Saper specializes in technology and emerging growth companies and is described by clients as "a highly influential and strategic lawyer." Michael Danaher has been extremely busy over the past year and proves very popular with sources, who praise his "excellent business insight." Robert O'Connor is another talented member of the team and clients especially value his commercial awareness: "He is as much a business adviser as a legal one."

THE FIRM This firm is noted for its presence on the East Coast, and is increasingly recognized for its expanding practice in California. The group has considerable depth in all aspects of private equity and is particularly active on behalf of technology and life sciences clients.

Client Service "The team is extremely receptive to its clients' needs."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Axelrad attracts praise for his ability to "translate law into business" and comes highly recommended for fund formation. John Egan cochairs the firm's technology companies group out of Boston and is noted for his expertise in growth equity and technology.

THE FIRM This firm is enjoying a period of growth due to a number of arrivals in its Silicon Valley office. The team has an excellent regulatory focus and has been notably active of late in the technology and life sciences arenas.

Commercial Awareness "The service is impeccable; the lawyers are flexible on commercial issues, suggest great alternatives and, most importantly, get the deal done."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Williams cochairs the life sciences group in Washington, DC, while Jeffrey Hurlburt is co-head of the private equity and venture capital practice and splits his time between London and Washington, DC.

THE FIRM This firm handles the whole spectrum of venture capital transactions, from advising startup companies to working on high-end transactional work. The team recently advised Calix on its IPO of 6.3 million shares on the NYSE. 

Sources say: "When you get them involved, you know you're in good hands."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in Silicon Valley, Christopher Kaufman is highlighted for his outstanding experience in this area. Clients enthuse about Patrick Pohlen, describing him as "in a league of his own; he really understands the business and knows what it takes to form a great startup."

THE FIRM Technology is a big part of this firm's work, and much of the team's recent workload has focused on IPOs and financing deals. Although California remains at the heart of its venture capital practice, the firm has extensive nationwide coverage and an increasing presence in Asia.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jorge del Calvo impresses sources with his depth of expertise and insight. As one client enthuses, "he understands our business and the needs of the company extremely well."

THE FIRM This firm regularly advises leading venture capital funds and has considerable experience representing startup companies. Clients appreciate the team's industry-specific approach, notably in life sciences and healthcare.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "phenomenal" Louis Rappaport is highly active in the emerging growth sector and attracts praise for his ability to "consider both the short and long-term implications of a decision."

THE FIRM This firm further cements its position in the market after another successful year and, as a result of the recent merger, enjoys an even greater international presence. The team continues to handle a broad range of matters, especially for technology companies.

Client Service "The lawyers are resourceful, innovative and able to address any issue quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate partner Michael Rosenthal has vast experience in venture capital transactions at all stages. He recently represented the founders of Stone Tan China Holding in a $50 million Series A preferred stock financing. Clients admire Victor Boyajian for his thorough knowledge of the industry and ability to "give extremely strategic advice." Paul Gajer focuses on investments in the media and telecom sectors.

THE FIRM This firm benefits from a widespread national and international presence, allowing it to advise leading US and global clients on a variety of venture capital issues. The team is particularly noted for acting on behalf of emerging growth companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Hurdlow cochairs the emerging growth and venture capital group and splits his time between Austin and Palo Alto. 

THE FIRM Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher wins praise for its breadth of practice and international capabilities. The team has handled a number of deals in the media tech and technology world of late, with clients including Intel Capital, Investcorp and L Capital Management.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Davidson co-leads the group out of the Palo Alto office and comes highly recommended for his "sound business sense and up-to-date knowledge of the industry."

THE FIRM A favorite with early-stage companies, this firm is a notable player in the technology and energy sectors. With its offices around the USA and worldwide, sources appreciate the team's local industry knowledge, as well as its international scope.

Commercial Awareness "The lawyers have strong business acumen and are adaptable to the needs of the client in any situation."

Client Service "The team articulates the reasons behind the law and translates the legal codes into language clients understand."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Steven Cohen and Tom Kellerman cochair the group out of the Princeton and San Francisco offices respectively.

THE FIRM Working largely out of Silicon Valley, this firm is well placed to advise leading global tech firms and emerging companies. The team also has considerable cross-border strength and often works closely with colleagues throughout Europe and Asia.

Sources say: "As well as an excellent venture capital practice, the team is able to utilize the other resources of the firm when needed. A very strong one-stop shop."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Silicon Valley-based Don Keller advises emerging companies, venture capital firms and investment banks.

THE FIRM This firm is consistently active and visible in the sector, with particular focus on the areas of technology and energy. The team is well versed in venture financings and has been notably active in M&A, strategic partnering and licensing transactions for emerging companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ralph Arnheim leads the practice out of California and represents a number of emerging growth companies and venture capital funds.

THE FIRM Highly prominent on the East Coast, WilmerHale has substantial expertise advising venture capital firms and venture-backed companies in a variety of industries, such as software, life sciences and telecommunication.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Rothermel is partner-in-charge of the Boston office. Her roster of clients includes venture capital funds, private investment vehicles and corporate business enterprises.