Department profile
Cooley LLP

Startups & Emerging Companies

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide


Cooley LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Startups & Emerging Companies - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Cooley LLP leverages substantial experience in cutting-edge emerging companies work for both companies and investors, particularly in the technology and life sciences domains, across the USA. The team readily assists startup businesses throughout their life-cycle, even from before their official formation, with the help of an impressive network of investors. Cooley LLP counts among its clients prominent young companies in the healthcare, media, software and retail sectors.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cooley advised General Catalyst Partners on its $3.5 billion Series E funding round of Anthropic.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Cooley is top-tier. The firm has strategic depth, strong expertise and an ability to draw on various disciplines.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • The team is excellent at giving actionable real-world advice that we can move out on.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Cooley does everything well. It knows our business and is solution-oriented.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Eminent PractitionersRachel Proffitt
    Eminent PractitionersRachel Proffitt

    Rachel Proffitt

    As partner and chief executive officer at Cooley, Rachel Proffitt shows a broad skill set ranging across both venture capital and capital markets transactions. Her clients include high-growth companies in the e-commerce sector.

  • Band 1Mark Tanoury
    Band 1Mark Tanoury

    Mark Tanoury

    Palo Alto-based partner Mark Tanoury enjoys a broad-based practice but is particularly noted for his work with leading venture capital sponsors.
    • Mark is a fantastic lawyer; I have always appreciated him.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 1Michael Lincoln
    Band 1Michael Lincoln

    Michael Lincoln

    Vice-chair of Cooley LLP, Michael Lincoln has a roster of clients that includes startup companies, venture capital firms and angel investors.
    • Mike takes his time to understand the business, the objectives and the market.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 2Craig Jacoby
    Band 2Craig Jacoby

    Craig Jacoby

    Craig Jacoby represents emerging companies operating in a wide variety of industries. He is recognized for his ability to guide clients through early-stage financing transactions.
    • Craig is a great lawyer and a great person.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 2Peter Werner
    Band 2Peter Werner

    Peter Werner

    Peter Werner frequently represents high-growth companies and investors in financings, governance issues and securities transactions.
    • I've had nothing but good experiences with Peter.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 2Sacha Ross
    Band 2Sacha Ross

    Sacha Ross

    Sacha Ross co-chairs Cooley's global emerging companies and venture capital practice group. He advises high-growth companies and strategic investors in venture financings.

  • Band 3David R Young
    Band 3David R Young

    David R Young

    David Young maintains a well-reputed practice counseling established and emerging companies in Los Angeles. He has experience of handling a wide spectrum of transactions from early- to later-stage financings.

    • Dave is thoughtful and practical.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 3Stephane Levy
    Band 3Stephane Levy

    Stephane Levy

    Stephane Levy garners recognition for representing investors and startups across a range of emerging company transactions.
    • Stephane is super practical, knows the market well and can advise on what makes sense. He is a great sounding board.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 4Adam Dinow
    Band 4Adam Dinow

    Adam Dinow

    Adam Dinow is routinely called upon to advise clients on funding rounds throughout the life-cycle of high-growth startups, from seed funding to series financing rounds.

    • Adam gives very pragmatic advice. He is incredibly helpful in navigating challenging situations.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 4Matthew Bartus
    Band 4Matthew Bartus

    Matthew Bartus

    Matthew Bartus co-chairs Cooley's emerging companies and venture capital practice. He is held in high regard for his ability to advise organizations throughout their life-cycle, from formation through to IPO.

    • Matt is terrific. He is very responsive and has great judgment.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 5Derek Colla
    Band 5Derek Colla

    Derek Colla

    Derek Colla is routinely called upon to advise companies and investors from formation to early-stage funding rounds.

    • Derek is a very strong lawyer.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
  • Band 5Lee Schindler
    Band 5Lee Schindler

    Lee Schindler

    Lee Schindler is an experienced attorney who advises technology and life science companies on a range of issues, including early-stage financing rounds.

    • Lee is incredibly versatile.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
    • Lee is an excellent technical lawyer.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Cooley LLP (12)

USA - Nationwide

Cooley LLP has rankings in the following guides

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