Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP’s ‘dedicated’ team operates out of New York and is well-versed in handling various IP and privacy issues relating to patents, software, AI, and cybersecurity. Notably, the department has demonstrable experience in handling the tech and cybersecurity aspects of cross-border and domestic M&A and private equity deals. The ’skilled’ Lori Lesser oversees the group and primarily works with clients in the financial services, software, and pharmaceutical industries. Marisa Geiger is ‘terrific’ at assisting companies with the IP and tech elements of complex corporate transactions. Associate Alysha Sekhon is a recommended practitioner in the department.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Lori Lesser leads a very strong team of partners and associates who provide very practical, hands-on approach at record speed. They are smart, dedicated, and non-stop.'
  • 'Lori Lesser is very skilled at understanding the nuances of the different transactions and offering business-like, practical approaches.'
  • 'Marisa Geiger is terrific. She is smart, engaged, client-focused, and a problem solver.'

Key clients

  • AGCO
  • Apax Partners
  • Blackstone
  • Cisco Systems
  • Clariant AG
  • Dell
  • Hellman & Friedman
  • KKR
  • L3Harris
  • Mattress Firm Group
  • McKesson Corporation
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • New Mountain Capital
  • Silver Lake
  • Sixth Street Partners
  • Spanx
  • TD Bank
  • XPENG
  • Vivint Smart Home, Inc.
  • Willis Towers Watson
  • Yahoo Inc.

Work highlights

  • Represented Cisco Systems, Inc. in connection with its announced acquisition of Splunk Inc., valued at approximately $28bn in equity value.
  • Advised Microsoft Corporation on its $75bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard following a global regulatory review.
  • Advised KKR on its acquisition of Simon & Schuster from Paramount Global for an aggregate purchase price of $1.62bn.

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 lawyers
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.

Lori Lesser

Other key lawyers

Marisa Geiger