WSGR
Since the firm's inception in the early days of Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has been privileged to help lay the groundwork for some of the world's most innovative technology, life sciences, and growth companies. As the nation's leading law firm representing venture-backed companies, we have counseled thousands of entrepreneurs starting new businesses, advising on the formation of companies, equity structures, negotiations with investors, intellectual property rights, and other issues vital to their success.
An Interdisciplinary Approach
WSGR takes an interdisciplinary approach to counseling entrepreneurs and young companies, offering deep expertise in such vital areas as:
Corporate Governance
Patents and Innovations
Employee Benefits and Compensation
Employment Litigation
Tax and Tax Equity
Real Estate
Finance and Structured Finance
Fund Formation
Mergers & Acquisitions
This interdisciplinary approach, along with the breadth and depth of their practice, allows them to serve as a strategic advisor through each stage of a private company's growth. In addition, they have a number of business processes and proprietary knowledge management systems in place that enable all of their attorneys to leverage the collective experience and skills of the firm, ensuring maximum effectiveness and efficiencies for their clients.
A Network for Entrepreneurs
WSGR’s attorneys have seen countless ventures—launched with little more than a promising idea and the passion of their founders—grow into highly successful, mature companies. The firm has grown as well; currently, they represent more than 300 public and 3,000 private companies. But their commitment to entrepreneurs remains resolute, and they always are looking for new ways to serve their needs.
WSGR provides entrepreneurs with the information and opportunities they need to develop into the next generation of industry leaders. The firm's resources are extended to all entrepreneurs and emerging company executives who establish a relationship with the firm. For example, they invite contacts to networking events, workshops, and other programs covering a wide range of topics designed to help entrepreneurs focus their ideas, develop a business strategy, build the right relationships, and access capital.
U.S. Expansion
WSGR’s attorneys have advised hundreds of non-U.S. start-up and growth-stage technology companies—including clients based in the U.K., Israel, and other EMEA countries; South and Central America; and Greater Asia—that have decided to enter the U.S. market, whether to expand, raise investment capital, or pursue a key transaction.
WSGR also worSk closely with key local stakeholders in those regions—investors, accelerators, incubators, professional advisors, strategic partners, and government economic development agencies—to provide home market support on U.S. matters and ensure that companies have the right teams around them to succeed in the U.S.
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Sand Hill Angels Preferred Partner
Herbert Fockler, Partner, Corporate
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Herbert Fockler's practice focuses on corporate and securities work for both private and public companies. He has substantial experience with start-up companies, venture capital financings, public offerings, and public and private mergers and acquisitions in the high-technology area.
Herb has worked with computer software and hardware companies in the Internet, enterprise software, IC design automation, workstation, and mobile electronic-device areas, and with biotechnology companies in the development of new drugs and medical devices. He has represented numerous start-up, venture-backed, and public companies, as well as individual entrepreneurs.
Herb is an Adjunct Professor of Law at UC Berkeley School of Law, where he teaches Venture Capital and IPO Law. He is also the co-host of the Wharton School's San Francisco Entrepreneurs Workshop series. Previously, he taught at Santa Clara University Law School and has lectured at Harvard Law School, the Harvard iLab, the Stanford Business School's Ignite program, and Santa Clara University Business School. He is the past chairman of the Subcommittee on Transactional Documents and Issues of the American Bar Association's Committee on Venture Capital and Private Equity, and is a frequent speaker to both lawyers and entrepreneurs on a variety of topics concerning starting businesses, obtaining financing, and complying with U.S. corporate and securities laws. Herb has a leadership role in the firm's Technology and Knowledge Management programs. Outside of law, he has substantial experience as a computer programmer and ran a software house while in law school.
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Sand Hill Angels Preferred Partner
James T. Huie, Partner, Corporate
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James T Huie, Partner, Corporate, WSGR San Francisco
James Huie is a corporate and securities partner in Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati's San Francisco office. James advises life sciences and technology companies on general corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, strategic partnerships, and private equity and debt financings. He also has extensive experience in representing venture capital firms and other investors in private equity and debt financings.