Ranking tables

Startups & Emerging Companies | USA

USA - Nationwide

Nationwide Startups & Emerging Companies covers work on behalf of emerging growth companies, startups, individual investors and VC funds. Work might include early and late-stage venture financings, venture capital partnerships, regulatory compliance issues, other advisory work, and IPOs. Emerging markets of focus include technology, life sciences and clean energy.

Rankings overview for Departments

5

Band 5

  1. Adam Dinow Cooley LLP2 Years Ranked
  2. Allan Cohen
    Allan Cohen Nixon Peabody LLP4 Years Ranked
  3. Anthony O Pergola
    Anthony O Pergola Lowenstein Sandler LLP20 Years Ranked
  4. Charles Torres
    Charles Torres DLA Piper LLP (US)3 Years Ranked
  5. Christopher S Miller
    Christopher S Miller Troutman Pepper Locke LLP14 Years Ranked
  6. Christopher T. Errico
    Christopher T. Errico Dentons7 Years Ranked
  7. Curtis L Mo
    Curtis L Mo DLA Piper LLP (US)19 Years Ranked
  8. Daniel R. Zimmermann
    Daniel R. Zimmermann WilmerHale7 Years Ranked
  9. Derek Colla Cooley LLP5 Years Ranked
  10. Edward Sarnowski Holland & Knight LLP1 Years Ranked
  11. Edwin Thom Rumberger Jr
    Edwin Thom Rumberger Jr WilmerHale5 Years Ranked
  12. Evan Kipperman
    Evan Kipperman Wiggin and Dana LLP2 Years Ranked
  13. Fiona Brophy
    Fiona Brophy Perkins Coie LLP4 Years Ranked
  14. Gary Schall WilmerHale2 Years Ranked
  15. George Akers
    George Akers Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP7 Years Ranked
  16. Jaret Davis
    Jaret Davis Greenberg Traurig, LLP6 Years Ranked
  17. Jeffrey K Lehrer
    Jeffrey K Lehrer DLA Piper LLP (US)19 Years Ranked
  18. Joseph Berklund Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian1 Years Ranked
  19. Joseph Daniels Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP1 Years Ranked
  20. Josh Pollick Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP3 Years Ranked
  21. Laurence P Naughton Mintz14 Years Ranked
  22. Lee Schindler
    Lee Schindler Perkins Coie LLP2 Years Ranked
  23. Louis Lehot
    Louis Lehot Foley & Lardner LLP11 Years Ranked
  24. Matthew Eckert Polsinelli PC1 Years Ranked
  25. Michael Cohen Brown Rudnick LLP1 Years Ranked
  26. Michelle Knoop
    Michelle Knoop Goodwin2 Years Ranked
  27. Nick Foreste
    Nick Foreste Reed Smith LLP3 Years Ranked
  28. Paul Hughes
    Paul Hughes Wiggin and Dana LLP13 Years Ranked
  29. Peter Rosenblum
    Peter Rosenblum Foley Hoag LLP23 Years Ranked
  30. Richard Bull
    Richard Bull DLA Piper LLP (US)3 Years Ranked
  31. Rick Jordan Polsinelli PC1 Years Ranked
  32. Ronald A. Fleming
    Ronald A. Fleming Pillsbury2 Years Ranked
  33. Salil Gandhi Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati1 Years Ranked
  34. Samuel Edwards Crowell & Moring LLP1 Years Ranked
  35. Scott C Craig
    Scott C Craig Latham & Watkins LLP6 Years Ranked
  36. Siegmar Pohl Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP1 Years Ranked
  37. Thomas P Dwyer
    Thomas P Dwyer Troutman Pepper Locke LLP2 Years Ranked
  38. Victor Boyajian
    Victor Boyajian Dentons US LLP23 Years Ranked
  39. W Alex Voxman
    W Alex Voxman Latham & Watkins LLP17 Years Ranked

All Departments profiles

1

Band 1

  1. Cooley LLP
    1
    Cooley LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    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.
  2. Fenwick
    1
    Fenwick
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    Fenwick demonstrates the sought-after ability to counsel startup businesses, particularly in the tech sector, on the full extent of company growth processes, as well as advising venture capital investors. The firm operates at the forefront of cutting-edge technology markets, including fintech, virtual reality and the sharing economy. It is noted for its connections to Silicon Valley technology companies and venture capital firms, due to its long-established presence in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  3. Goodwin
    1
    Goodwin
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    Goodwin is a leading player in the startups and emerging companies field, aiding biotech, e-commerce and digital media entities, among others, throughout their development from creation to sale or IPO. The team is also experienced in matters such as intellectual property and M&A. It boasts a significant investor-side practice, acting for a number of leading venture capital funds. The firm benefits from a broad geographical spread, from San Francisco and Silicon Valley to Boston and New York.
  4. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
    1
    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked
    Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati demonstrates an acclaimed record for advising Silicon Valley technology startups on their IPOs and venture capital financings, as well as general corporate and IP matters. The team is experienced in all corporate transactions including M&A and public and private securities offerings. It is highly respected for the sheer number of startups it has successfully cultivated over the past 50 years.
2

Band 2

  1. DLA Piper LLP (US)
    2
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    DLA Piper LLP works with both venture capital investors and growing businesses at all stages of startup development, bringing to bear international strength to benefit both kinds of client. The firm is well distributed throughout the USA and capable of handling everything from M&A to governance and IP. It has particular expertise in the software and life sciences sectors.
  2. Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian
    2
    Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian maintains a dedicated emerging companies practice, with the ability to advise investors and early-stage tech companies on a diverse spectrum of matters, including international investments. The team also provides guidance on complementary areas of law, such as employee benefits and executive compensation, IP and tax. It regularly advises clients who operate in the media, software and pharmaceutical sectors.
  3. Latham & Watkins LLP
    2
    Latham & Watkins LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked

    Latham & Watkins LLP is particularly well recognized for its representation of nascent life sciences businesses throughout their financings, IPOs and sales, as well as in general corporate issues throughout their life-cycles. Drawing upon extensive global resources, the firm is also highly adept in representing both investment banks and venture capital firms. It is respected for its work with a number of prominent emerging data and fintech companies.

  4. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    2
    Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP advises companies and investors at the forefront of the technology industry on financings, investments and IPOs, in areas like social networking, life sciences and fintech, including blockchain. The department cultivates a strong Silicon Valley presence alongside its nationwide network to serve burgeoning tech markets from New York to Los Angeles.
  5. WilmerHale
    2
    WilmerHale
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    WilmerHale is well regarded for advising venture capital investors and startup companies, with a key affinity for both IP and general corporate advice. It is particularly strong in the Boston market and capable of guiding an emerging business from inception all the way to sale or IPO, typically drawing clients from the life sciences and breakthrough technology fields.
3

Band 3

  1. Lowenstein Sandler LLP
    3
    Lowenstein Sandler LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    Lowenstein Sandler LLP typically acts on behalf of venture capital investment firms, startups and growing businesses in the technology sector, with a particularly strong East Coast presence. The team cultivates a significant IP practice in tandem, counseling businesses of all sizes, including some of the biggest names in the technology industry. It is valued by clients for its innovative approach, including the running of startup accelerator VentureCrushFG.
  2. Morrison Foerster
    3
    Morrison Foerster
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    Morrison Foerster handles the full spectrum of transactional work throughout the development of startups, across such diverse technology subsectors as renewable energy and life sciences. The team is notable for its strong investor-side practice, both within the USA and internationally, with a unique focus in the area of impact investing.
  3. Perkins Coie LLP
    3
    Perkins Coie LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    Perkins Coie LLP counsels across a full range of corporate and IP issues in the consumer technology domain, with an emphasis on financial services regulatory advice in relation to fintech startups. Its typical work includes equity financing deals, exit transactions and board management advice, as well as data security and privacy concerns. The department represents clients from the software, computer sciences and telecommunications sectors, with expertise in autonomous vehicles.
  4. Pillsbury
    3
    Pillsbury
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP boasts an established team that is well regarded for its startups and emerging companies practice, representing technology clients across the United States. It is noted for its expertise across all aspects of formation and financing, as well as for its strength in a range of corporate matters. The team possesses significant expertise in the semiconductor and software sectors.
4

Band 4

  1. Dentons
    4
    Dentons
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 4 | 6 Years Ranked
    Dentons is a highly respected team renowned for considerable experience in the startups market. It is particularly adept in investments in the technology space and called upon by both early-stage companies and venture capital firms. The department has considerable experience of handling matters that are cross-border in nature, garnering strength from its global presence.
  2. King & Spalding LLP
    4
    King & Spalding LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked
    King & Spalding has a highly regarded startups and venture capital team. Working with emerging companies in the technology, life sciences and food sectors, the team advises on general corporate matters, and early-stage financings.
  3. Mintz
    4
    Mintz
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 4 | 4 Years Ranked
    Mintz is a well-known and respected outfit with a strong offering in the startups and emerging companies space. The team regularly handles a range of matters including early to late stage financing rounds, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, and general corporate advice. Mintz is well known for its representations of venture capital investors as well as venture-backed companies in the healthcare, life sciences and technology sectors.
  4. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    4
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP assists both investors and emerging companies across a diverse array of legal disciplines, such as financing, IP and tax, with a focus on the life sciences and technology sectors. The team is able to advise on transactions at all stages of a company's life cycle, from inception through angel and venture financing to IPO. It brings to bear an international network of legal professionals, both throughout the USA and overseas in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The department is particularly active in the areas of renewable energy, fintech and healthcare and life sciences.
  5. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
    4
    Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 4 | 5 Years Ranked
    Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP has a distinguished team of practitioners with considerable experience of handling cross-border issues. The department maintains an enviable client base drawn from the growing community of start-ups and scale-ups in the Southeastern USA. It also boasts key relationships with venture capital funds and companies across the nation.
5

Band 5

  1. 5
    Brown Rudnick LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Brown Rudnick LLP has built a strong startups and emerging companies practice, advising a range of clients in early stage growth. The team advises startups, investors and venture companies across a range of industries including life sciences, artificial intelligence and cleantech. The law firm also provides international capabilities catering complex cross-border transactions.

  2. Foley & Lardner LLP
    5
    Foley & Lardner LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Foley & Lardner's practice group is well regarded for its representation of life sciences and technology companies. The firm regularly assists early-stage companies and venture funds on financings, including seed and Series A, B and C financings.
  3. Foley Hoag LLP
    5
    Foley Hoag LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Foley Hoag has a well-regarded startup practice which regularly advises early-stage companies on formations, corporate governance and financings. The team's clients stem from a wide array of sectors, including the energy, technology and cannabis industries.
  4. Fox Rothschild
    5
    Fox Rothschild
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked

    Fox Rothschild is highly regarded for its expertise in the startups and emerging companies space. The law firm has a nationwide presence and advises clients on venture work from start to finish. The team has collective experience in the life sciences, technology and blockchain sectors.

  5. Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    5
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked

    Greenberg Traurig's LLP team maintains a strong emerging companies department. The group regularly advises companies and venture capital funds on early-stage financings, from seed through to Series A, B and C. The team boasts strength in handling issues containing cross-border elements.

  6. Holland & Knight LLP
    5
    Holland & Knight LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Holland & Knight LLP has renowned expertise in the startups and emerging companies space. The team advises clients across a range of industries including the biotech, healthcare and technology sectors. The law firm boasts a nationwide presence, from Boston to Southern California.

  7. Katten
    5
    Katten
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 10 Years Ranked

    Katten represents both investors and high-growth companies in financing matters across a multitude of industries, including the life science and technology sectors. The department is proficient in aiding startup companies throughout their life-cycle from inception to IPO. Its expertise in the emerging companies space is bolstered by strength in matters of IP and tax.

  8. Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP
    5
    Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years Ranked

    Morris, Manning & Martin boasts a strong practice in the space. The team routinely demonstrates its ability to advising emerging companies and venture funds on financings across the life-cycle of a company. The group handles issues across a wide spectrum of industries, such as the technology, financial and transport sectors.

  9. Nixon Peabody LLP
    5
    Nixon Peabody LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 4 Years Ranked
    Nixon Peabody LLP has a robust startups and emerging companies team which is known for its extensive representations of early-stage companies. The team is especially adept at handling seed and early-series funding rounds as well as mergers and acquisitions of later-stage companies.
  10. 5
    Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked

    Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt's group is highlighted for its ability to provide strong counsel to both funds and emerging companies. The team is notably adept at handling financings and has the capacity to support organizations throughout their life-cycle.

  11. Ropes & Gray LLP
    5
    Ropes & Gray LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked
    Ropes & Gray's emerging companies and venture capital practice advises both startups and funds. The team has particular expertise in the life sciences sector. The firm advises on general corporate matters as well as on financings.
  12. Sidley Austin LLP
    5
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Sidley Austin LLP has an established emerging companies and venture capital practice offering global and nationwide expertise. The team advises clients across their Palo Alto, San Francisco, Chicago and New York offices. The law firm serves as legal counsel to startups across a range of industries including cryptocurrency, life sciences and artificial intelligence.

  13. Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
    5
    Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked

    Troutman Pepper Locke LLP contains a well-regarded startup team. The group regularly advises emerging companies in the technology and the life sciences sectors. The firm assists on angel and seed funding rounds. Its practitioners also boast notable strength in handling Series A, B and C financings.

    On 1 January 2025, Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord merged to form Troutman Pepper Locke LLP.

  14. Wiggin and Dana LLP
    5
    Wiggin and Dana LLP
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Wiggin and Dana LLP has an established startup and emerging companies practice, advising early stage companies in all stages of their life-cycles. They provide expertise across multiple industries including digital media, technology, life sciences and telecommunications. The team offers a full-service experience, from seed financing to IPOs.

  15. Silicon Legal Strategy, A Professional Corporation
    Startups & Emerging Companies
    2025 | Band 5