‘Well versed in the start-up ecosystem’, WilmerHale assists clients from the initial stages of company formation to fundings and exits, whether through sale or IPO. The firm offers a holistic approach to serving emerging companies, leveraging its wide-ranging expertise in intellectual property, employment and regulatory matters, and more. The practice is under the joint leadership of Gary Schall in New York, who specializes in advising tech clients across e-commerce, mobile technologies, software, and life sciences, and Daniel Zimmermann in Palo Alto, who assists Silicon Valley-based venture capital clients with their portfolio investments domestically and internationally. Mick Bain, based in Boston, offers his experience in company formation, governance, securities law, and capital markets transactions. Jason Kropp, also in Boston, focuses on representing emerging and growth-stage companies, as well as venture capital and late-stage investors. Frances Mosley is a notable counsel within the Palo Alto team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘WilmerHale's practice stands out for its exceptional fusion of expertise and personalized care. Our company valued the collaborative effort and the commitment to understanding the broader context assured us that we would receive holistic strategies tailored to our specific situation.'

  • ‘The team has a great understanding of fundraising and security-related topics and is well versed in the start-up ecosystem.’

  • ‘Our team is very responsive, reliable, and knowledgeable. This is helpful in keeping pace with the dynamic nature of our start-up.’

  • ‘The main advantage to WilmerHale is their diversity in legal expertise on a wide range of topics and concerns. They have subject matter area experts that can give direct specific advice concisely and rapidly as well as handle more of the day-to-day contractual reviews etc.’

  • ‘WilmerHale is extraordinary. They are like the Apple Computer of the space -- at the top of their game and incredibly professional, yet incredibly accessible to companies of any size! A true privilege to be working with them.’

  • ‘Gary Schall embodies all the qualities of an outstanding lawyer. Both Gary and his colleagues are 100% dedicated to their clients. Their readiness to engage, coupled to their incredibly timely and valuable legal advice, is just unparalleled.’

  • ‘Matters of all complexity have been handled with great proficiency by WilmerHale. I also really appreciate their responsiveness.’

  • ‘Gary Schall's work has been extraordinary. He has thorough and thoughtful perspectives on all matters related to financing, board governance, advisory relationships, contracts, etc. His legal input is always thorough and succinct.’

Key clients

  • Immuta
  • General Catalyst
  • Omeat
  • GiveCampus
  • Lookout, Inc.
  • Centime, Inc.
  • Pear Ventures
  • Alethea Group, Inc.
  • Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine
  • Ribometrix

Work highlights

  • Represented Sierra Space in its $290m Series B funding round.
  • Represented Omeat Inc. in securing $40m in funding as it emerged from stealth mode.
  • Advised Georgiamune Inc. in its $75m Series A financing.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gary Schall, Daniel Zimmermann

Other key lawyers

Mick Bain, Jason Kropp, Frances Mosley