Summary: JD Journal recognizes four of the best corporate boutiques in Silicon Valley.
Note: These are BCG Attorney Search’s favorite corporate boutiques in Silicon Valley.
Silicon Valley is the heart of the technology industry in the United States. The lucrative location attracts entrepreneurs and investors, and it makes sense that these individuals and their companies would need expert legal advice. In the area, there are BigLaw firms available to service those needs, but there are also smaller firms that offer more personalized attention. In an area as thriving as SV, both have steady business.
Overall, corporate law is a consistent practice, but Harrison Barnes of BCG Attorney Search stated that the speciality is especially hot in Silicon Valley.
“Firms in [Silicon Valley] are at the forefront of trends and often dictate how the market will look across the U.S. in the coming months. Technology related matters, including emerging companies/venture capital work, patent law, and IP transactions are the leading specialties for firms in this locale,” Barnes said. “While corporate law is arguably the most popular area throughout the country, this is especially true for Silicon Valley.”
So what are some of the top corporate boutiques in the area? JD Journal has analyzed the landscape and compiled our top picks, which are listed below and ranked by size.
Located in Menlo Park, Carr & Ferrell is a full service boutique that bills itself as a firm that helps clients “from idea to enterprise.” The firm focuses on corporate, litigation, and intellectual property; and in addition to legal expertise, its 28 attorneys have backgrounds in business and technology.
2. Montgomery & Hansen
Boutique law firm Montgomery & Hansen helps entrepreneurs and investors build their companies. The 14 attorney law firm based in Menlo Park services start-ups and mature companies in all aspects of their business, including corporate and securities law to venture financing; intellectual property and technology transactions to mergers and acquisitions
Grellas Shah’s eight attorneys focus on start-ups and small businesses. The Cupertino-based boutique takes on clients such as entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners; and it notably will not represent venture capitalists.
“We differ from large Silicon Valley law firms in that such firms see it as a plus to represent venture-capital firms while we do not,” the firm’s website states. “Founders who seek a slot in a venture-formula company, a fee deferral, and an early exit on IPO can find excellent lawyers at large firms who will ably assist them. Founders who disdain an early VC lock, who are wary of possible conflicts, or who aim to build long-term value and profitability with or without an IPO will find us to be an excellent alternative. Both we and the large firms represent client companies, but we work exclusively with those who come in from the founder side; the large firms do not.”
4. Mandell Law Group
In 2001, attorney Doug Mandell formed his own firm, Mandell Law Group, which is located in San Francisco. Mandell serves as general counsel to companies and individuals. Some of his clients included LinkedIn and Tornado Development. Prior to founding his own boutique, he was an associate at Orrick, Herrick & Sutcliffe.