Allen & Overy Opens in Silicon Valley + SF

Not really a legal tech story, but worth mentioning given Allen & Overy’s credentials in this sector – and that California is the home to many legal tech companies and investors, both large and small.

The global firm today announced it has hired eight partners from White & Case’s technology practice. The team covers both technology disputes and transactions, and has advised Silicon Valley technology companies ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups.

‘This multidisciplinary and highly-experienced team continues A&O’s rapid expansion in the US and significantly enhances the firm’s leading Technology practice, completing the creation of a global offering to clients with a critical Silicon Valley presence,’ the firm said.

And congrats on the move. Few UK-based law firms have made a big impact in California. Clifford Chance did many years ago…..(remember Tower Snow anyone…? And no, he was not a Game of Thrones character)….but then closed up shop there after things didn’t work out.

The new Allen & Overy team comprises: Shamita Etienne-Cummings, Bijal Vakil, David Tennant, Eric Lancaster, Adam Chernichaw, Daren Orzechowski, Noah Brunfield, and Alex Touma. Vakil and Orzechowski will be global co-heads of the firm’s Technology practice. All partners will operate from their current locations in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, but also New York and Washington, D.C.

Wim Dejonghe, senior partner, said of the move: ‘All businesses are technology businesses now.  Our clients have been asking us when we will have a presence in Silicon Valley and now we are adding an offering that we will grow to serve as the firm’s centre of excellence in a range of technology areas. This is truly a top team and integrating them into our existing practice will be game-changing for us, not just in the US, but in our capabilities to serve clients in the key markets of Europe and Asia as well.’

While, Vakil, one of the partners who has moved, added: ‘Allen & Overy provides an ideal platform for our sophisticated technology practice, offering one of the strongest and most elite global networks alongside an engaged, entrepreneurial and supportive partnership. We look forward to introducing clients to this enhanced offering and continuing to help their businesses evolve.’

Allen & Overy also has an office further South in Artificial Lawyer’s favourite US city – Los Angeles.