My practice focuses primarily on representing emerging growth companies and venture capital investors. I love working with emerging growth clients because of the variety it creates in my practice – on an almost daily basis, I get to work on everything from entity formation and venture capital financings to M&A and IPO exit events.
Like many Northwest natives, I am extremely proud of Seattle and the growth of our city over the last few decades. I grew up in the Seattle area, went to the University of Washington, left town for a few years to attend law school and then immediately came back to start my practice here. My wife, two sons, dogs and I live on Mercer Island.
Why startups? I enjoy working with entrepreneurs because of their enthusiasm and energy. I am consistently in awe of their ability to innovate and think outside the box – and I love the opportunity to assist them in shaping the future.
Favorite reads: I enjoy reading Geekwire for local start-up news and TechCrunch for a national / Silicon Valley perspective. Our Seattle start-up blog, The Venture Alley, isn't bad either :)
Why a global firm? While entrepreneurs might start local, their end goal is almost always to change the world. At DLA Piper we offer the best of both worlds – local expertise in every important market for the initial growth stages, and then global connections and market perspective when needed (which is increasingly happening earlier and earlier in the start-up life cycle).
My passions: I am passionate about the University of Washington and Seattle Seahawks football. When it's not football season, I spend most of my free time with my wife, sons and nearby family and friends. I am also a huge fan of "middlebrow" television. My unquestioned Mount Rushmore of television is The Wire, Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Sopranos.