IT & Outsourcing: California

THE FIRM This firm handles IT and outsourcing across a range of domestic and international industries. The team has a stellar reputation for outsourcing expertise among peers and clients, and has recently acted on a series of high-value ITO, BPO and joint venture matters. Highlights include the firm's representation of Seaworld in the structuring and negotiating of an ITO agreement with Dell, as well as representing other major clients such as Symantec and Tyco International. 

Sources say: "The firm works closely and almost seamlessly with our business." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Daniel Mummery focuses on outsourcing transactions including restructuring, renegotiations, shared services and licensing agreements for clients in the automotive, healthcare and technology industries. According to sources, "he provides a legal perspective, but it is his business perspective that makes him a great person."

William Peters cochairs the firm's strategic sourcing technology transaction group. Clients benefit from his deep experience in the IT and BPO sectors. He has recently handled matters for Marsh McClennan and Apria Healthcare, and is known to be "just incredibly client-focused."

THE FIRM This 50-strong team represents clients in transactions involving the acquisition, implementation, protection, licensing and sale of technology. The firm represents the full range of organizations from emerging companies to major global corporations and has a particularly strong reputation for doing complex international work. Clients appreciate the practical, business-focused advice provided by the team. Interviewees also consistently praise the high levels of responsiveness and service they receive from the firm.

Sources say: "Among the most savvy business lawyers I've worked with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  J D Marple's clients regard him as smart and responsive, while peers praise his bright and professional approach. According to sources, "he's done enough transactions to give us confidence he knows what he's talking about and his advice is practical." He recently handled a multitower IT and development deal for United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

Anthony Klein is well regarded by clients, who say he "understands our business and is able to give practical advice." His acts on behalf of emerging growth companies and established service providers in technology transactions. He recently represented AMD in the sale of its manufacturing operations and handheld devices product business.

THE FIRM Morrison & Foerster's California offices provide clients with experience in large and complex technology transactions across a range of industries. The firm stays at the forefront of industry trends with expertise in cloud computing and social media. Clients value the practical, business-focused advice the firm provides and it attracts praise for its prowess in licensing, joint development agreements and patent work. The firm recently acted on numerous matters relating to IP assets for Yahoo!, and has a continuing relationship with Intel.

Sources say: "I feel so confident about the firm's sensitivity to what we need as a client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  William Schwartz is highly regarded in the field, with sources remarking: "If you had to hire anyone in the world it would be him." He recently handled IP matters for Yahoo! and has expertise in licensing outsourcing, joint ventures and development agreements. His practice spans the semiconductor, internet, e-commerce, computer and communications industries.

Paul Jahn cochairs the firm's technology transactions group. His extensive international experience and range of capabilities lead sources to say: "He's top of his class." He has been involved in some of the year's major technology deals including strategic acquisitions for Intel and the sale of Hitachi's hard disk drive and data storage businesses.

Tessa Schwartz represents a range of businesses from emerging startups to large, established companies. She has expertise in IP strategy, commercial agreements and joint ventures. Clients praise her "smart, strategic and client-oriented" approach to transactions. 

THE FIRM This deep practice focuses on structuring and negotiating strategic outsourcing transactions. It earns praise from both startup and Fortune 500 companies clients alike for its ability across the board and sensitivity to their business needs. The team includes experts in the purchase, development, manufacture and sale of technology. Recent highlight's include the representation of video gaming giant Electronic Arts in licensing issues surrounding its $750 million acquisition of PopCap Games.

Sources say: "They have a very good understanding of entrepreneurial culture."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Suzanne Bell focuses on complex outsourcing transactions and strategic alliances and is "phenomenal at what she does," according to interviewees. She recently represented Polycom with the licensing aspect of its acquisition of Hewlett-Packard's Visual Collaboration business.

Commentators say Michael Murphy is "unparalleled in his ability to understand the issues." He represents technology companies in licensing agreements, purchasing arrangements and patent prosecutions. He recently dealt with licensing matters pertaining to Total's $1.37 billion offer for a majority share in SunPower.

THE FIRM The IT and outsourcing team at Baker & McKenzie represents an impressive stable of clients including Facebook, Zynga and Oracle on a national and international basis. The firm acts for such high-profile businesses in a range of joint venture, M&A, outsourcing, IP and e-commerce matters. Other significant areas of expertise include cutting-edge data privacy and compliance work, cloud computing and social media. The team continues to be involved with complex and valuable transactions, earning plaudits for its commercial awareness.

Sources say: "The team is very good, understands our business and lets us know we are important to them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Lothar Determann's clients describe him as "adept at finding out what our core issues are." He is praised for his practical and efficient approach, and his expertise in data privacy. He recently assisted Yelp in its social media website expansion.

THE FIRM Cooley's technology transactions group works with businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies. The firm is noted for its focus on digital media, alternative energy, e-commerce, telecommunications and IT work. The team's clientele is sourced from a multitude of industries that value the firm's reputation as a leader in outsourcing work. 

Sources say:  "A very solid practice with outstanding practitioners."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Carolyn Craig's practice focuses on IP and technology transactions including licensing and acquisitions. She advises technology companies on how to protect their rights while working with federal, state and local government agencies.

Michael Stern offers expertise in software licensing, hardware and software distribution arrangements, product development, strategic relationships and outsourcing. He represents a range of clients from emerging companies to global powerhouses like eBay.

Diane Savage founded the firm's technology transactions group and remains a strong presence in IT and outsourcing. She is respected by clients and peers alike for her work with emerging growth companies in the software, multimedia, semiconductor and electronics sector.

Gary Moore advises emerging and established companies on complex technology transactions and strategic alliances. He represents software, hardware, internet, telecommunications and digital content industry clients.

THE FIRM DLA Piper provides clients with an international service, with an ability to take on complex multijurisdictional projects and helping businesses to develop, exploit and use their technology assets. The group is consistently praised for its thorough, professional and attentive work. Clients consider the firm a go-to for mission-critical deals, and benefit from expertise in key areas such as cloud computing, open source and patent litigation.

Sources say: "DLA has expertise in just about everything all over the world."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Mark Radcliffe has a wealth of experience in the technology sector. Clients particularly value the proactive approach he takes to understanding their needs and the strategic advice that follows. His practice focuses on strategic IP advice, licensing, private financing and corporate partnering.

THE FIRM Fenwick & West's long-standing focus on the technology industry has built a strong and reputable practice that is held in high regard. The team guides technology and life sciences clients through national and international privacy issues, patents, technology distribution arrangements and open source transactions, and is enhanced by a dedicated life sciences group in California to meet the crossover with outsourcing and IT matters.

Sources say: "Among the best I've worked with."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  David Hayes chairs the firm's IP group. He represents a number of major internet and technology clients in licensing and copyright issues as well as strategic acquisitions. Clients also benefit from his background in electrical engineering.

THE FIRM Greenberg Traurig's IP/IT licensing and transactions group advises technology companies on compliance, open sourcing and software licensing. The team helps clients to develop open source policies, manage open sourcing and deal with the risk assessment and security issues that arise. Greenberg's capabilities also extend to the transactional, regulatory and litigation fields. The firm regularly represents online household names such as Facebook and Yahoo!.

Sources say: "Very responsive and experts in the field."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Group chair Heather Meeker has a formidable reputation in the field of open source licensing. According to clients, "when you think about Greenberg Traurig, you think about Heather and her team." She earns consistent recognition from peers for the depth of knowledge she brings to deals and recently handled licensing matters for Mozilla.

Ian Ballon is well known in internet-related litigation and also acting for clients in the defense of privacy, copyright and trademark claims. He represents leading social networks, internet, technology and entertainment companies in a series of high-value and complex matters.

THE FIRM Arnold & Porter's team of attorneys regularly takes on technology transactions, ITO and BPO transactions on both a domestic and international level. The California office works with colleagues in DC, Virginia and London to offer business clients on the supplier and customer sides of transactions access to a wealth of expertise. Clients attest to the firm's high level of business awareness, and praise the team's responsiveness.

Sources say: "We would use them again in a heartbeat - we don't need to look elsewhere."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Matthew Maccoby specializes in complex business transactions. He also offers expertise in technology licensing and distribution, and related disputes. Interviewees say: "He's both very business-savvy and very pragmatic - not easy to find in a lawyer."

Ira Moskatel guides businesses through IP and technology transactions, focusing on licensing, M&A transactions, joint ventures and strategic alliances. He attracts work from a range of industries including semiconductor, software, entertainment and hardware. He earns praise for having "an incredible attention to detail." 

Jan Siok's clients are impressed by her handling of technology matters. Sources say: "She is just tenacious, pretty relentless and really keeps up the pace in all kinds of time zones." Her practice incorporates IP licensing, M&A transactions and outsourcing arrangements.

THE FIRM Kirkland & Ellis has a long-standing reputation in the outsourcing field, offering expertise in IT, business process and application service provider outsourcing. The group also has experience in the acquisition of and investment in technology companies, and is active in technology litigation. An established presence in San Francisco and an expanding practice in Palo Alto that acts predominantly for investors in emerging businesses give the firm a healthy California base.

Sources say: "Very responsive and sensitive to the business aspects of a deal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Karen Spindler is a key contact.

THE FIRM This practice guides businesses through a wide variety of technology transactions. The firm advises public and private companies on strategic alliances, joint ventures and other collaborative arrangements, and offers strength in acquisitions, venture capital investment and licensing. Domestic and international clients value the team's expertise in the structuring, negotiation and implementation of open source software.

Sources say: "The firm strikes the right mix of high-end legal practice and practical advice in a business setting."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Rahul Kapoor is held in particularly high regard for his understanding of complex technical issues relating to outsourcing transactions. His practice focuses on IP and technology issues, exemplified by his representation of Omnivision in a major patent acquisition. According to commentators, "he really looks after clients from start to finish."

THE FIRM This firm advises technology companies from both the vendor and customer side of transactions. Clients such as Chrysler, Total and Microsoft take advantage of the firm's expertise in the acquisition, development and protection of IP rights. Orrick's experience in a variety of sectors including online services, clean technology and social networking makes it a visible and well-regarded presence on the West Coast.

Sources say: "Orrick has its ears to the ground and is very connected to the industry."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Outsourcing and technology practice cochair Stephanie Sharron is renowned for being "very plugged into the Silicon Valley community and IT industry." She focuses on multijurisdictional matters in software, clean technology, e-commerce and life sciences.

Fellow practice cochair Daniel Yost is experienced in IP counseling, strategic alliances, patent, licensing and privacy among other areas. Interviewees say: "His work is solution-driven and his positive personality helps both sides of a negotiation work toward the outcome."

THE FIRM This 17-partner IT and outsourcing practice works with a team of sourcing consultants to provide clients with a business-focused service. Pillsbury offers expertise in a variety of areas including business process, IT and telecommunications outsourcing. Established clients such as the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco benefit from the firm's ability to represent them in outsourcing issues, and particularly admire the firm's grasp of cutting-edge issues in the market.

Sources say: "Pillsbury knows the industry very well, which is one of the reasons we chose it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Michael Murphy handles complex technology transactions and BPO projects spanning the USA, Australia and Europe. Clients such as Parker Global Sourcing benefit from his expertise in joint ventures, system licensing transactions and strategic alliances. Sources say: "He is always looking to get a positive conclusion and not just score points."

Lisa Earl is widely regarded as a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner, with interviewees commenting that "she just knows the business very well and we don't have to teach her what we do."

THE FIRM Sheppard Mullin is able to offer clients a full-service practice to meet their technology needs. The firm's lawyers offer expertise in outsourcing and management services arrangements, structuring and negotiating a wide variety of deals. Clients from the venture capital, financial services, e-commerce and telecommunications industries look to the technology team to guide them through complex transactions. The team is able to advise on both domestic and international level.

Sources say: "The firm provides us with exactly what we're looking for."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Brian Pass recently represented Conduit in the production of global search agreements with Microsoft and Google. He offers expertise in IT and BPO and interviewees "would highly recommend him to anyone."

Riaz Karamali regularly takes on cross-border technology transactions for social gaming, semiconductor, internet and medical device companies. He is known for guiding startup and emerging companies through a range of outsourcing arrangements.

Firmwide technology transactions group chair Shaalu Mehra has a reputation for being "very creative in coming up with problem-solving techniques to work through difficulties." He represents  IT companies in multinational, multivendor outsourcing deals.