Latest news with #WilsonSonsiniGoodrich&Rosati
Business Wire
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Wilson Sonsini Bolsters Asia Presence With Corporate Partner Yang Chu
HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, announced today that Yang Chu has joined the firm as a corporate partner in its Hong Kong office. Chu brings a wealth of experience in corporate transactions and bolsters the firm's presence in Asia, offering strategic support for existing client matters and future growth opportunities in the region. "Yang's arrival reinforces our long-standing commitment to serving the legal and business communities in Greater China and neighboring regions," said Doug Clark, managing partner at Wilson Sonsini. "Bringing on a talented practitioner like Yang—who is highly regarded by enterprise clients, banks, and across the market—will further enhance our capabilities as deal activity continues to accelerate. His extensive deal experience, legal acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit make him a welcome addition to our already impressive team." Chu's practice focuses on a wide range of corporate transactions, including Hong Kong IPOs, follow-on equity and debt offerings, public and private mergers and acquisitions, privatizations, and pre-IPO and cross-over financings. He has worked across multiple sectors, with a focus on healthcare and life sciences, technology, media, and consumer and retail. Chu also has significant experience advising Hong Kong–listed companies on post-listing compliance, corporate governance, executive compensation, and related regulatory matters. "Yang's joining supports the continued growth of our Hong Kong and Shanghai offices and reflects our dedication to serving clients across Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region," said Weiheng Chen, senior partner and head of Wilson Sonsini's Greater China practice. "With rising demand for sophisticated and creative counsel who can provide not only advice, but also solutions to clients, his strong track record in capital markets and transactional work will further strengthen our ability to help clients navigate and capture strategic opportunities in this evolving market." A dual-qualified solicitor admitted to practice in Hong Kong and England and Wales, Chu earned his LL.B. from the London School of Economics. He was previously a partner in the Hong Kong office of a leading international law firm. Chu's proficiency in capital markets and other practice areas has earned him prestigious recognition across top legal rankings. He has been ranked in Chambers Global and the Greater China Region for Capital Markets: Equity (International Firms) and recognized as a Next Generation Partner for Capital Markets (Equity) in Hong Kong by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific. Additionally, IFLR1000 has named him a Rising Star Partner for Capital Markets: Equity in China. Chu was awarded 'Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm)' at the Asian Legal Business Hong Kong Law Awards in 2023 and was included in China Business Law Journal's prestigious 'A-List' in 2021. "Wilson Sonsini has a reputation for advising on some of the most innovative, high-profile, and complex deals," said Chu. "The ability to draw on the firm's comprehensive platform of practice areas and industry groups will be a tremendous asset. I have long been impressed by the outstanding team of lawyers in Greater China, and I look forward to collaborating with them—as well as with our colleagues in the U.S. and Europe—to deliver exceptional results." About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini's services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 17 offices in 16 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit
Reuters
05-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Wilson Sonsini to shut Beijing office in latest US law firm exit
March 5 (Reuters) - Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is planning to shut down its office in Beijing, making it the latest big U.S. law firm to scale back in the Chinese legal market. The Palo Alto-founded firm, which also has offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, "has decided to forgo renewing its office lease in Beijing and to begin the process of winding down operations in that location," a spokesperson said late Tuesday. Advertisement · Scroll to continue Lawyers in Wilson Sonsini's Greater China practice have advised companies and investment banks in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and private equity deals. Clients have included pharmaceutical company WuXi AppTec and ride-sharing app operator Dida, according to its website. At least 11 U.S. law firms in 2024 closed or said they would shutter offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong amid muted deal activity, geopolitical tensions and growing pressures on foreign businesses. The closures have continued into 2025, with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton set to close its Beijing office and shift operations to its Hong Kong location in July. Wilson Sonsini, which is known for advising technology and life sciences companies, said it will continue to serve clients in Asia and will "take the steps needed to ensure a smooth transition for clients, attorneys, and professional staff." The firm opened in Beijing in 2012. Its website lists 14 lawyers in Beijing, including corporate partner Weiheng Chen, who heads the firm's Greater China practice and also works from Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trina Higgins, Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, Joins Wilson Sonsini
Higgins Is the First Woman to Serve as a Presidentially Appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah Bolstering the Firm's Expanding Litigation and Appellate Practices, She Joins as Of Counsel SALT LAKE CITY, March 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, is pleased to announce that Trina Higgins, former United States Attorney for the District of Utah, has joined the firm as Of Counsel in its litigation and appellate practices. Based in the firm's Salt Lake City office, she will draw on her distinguished background in public service and leadership to strengthen the firm's capabilities in complex regulatory and enforcement matters, criminal and civil. Prior to joining the firm, Higgins served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, making history as the first woman to hold this esteemed position. Nominated by President Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in April 2022, she earned recognition for her exemplary leadership, dedication to upholding the rule of law, and efforts in prosecuting financial crimes. Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in addressing issues such as environmental justice, firearm and fentanyl trafficking, and violent crime. Before her tenure as U.S. Attorney, Higgins spent over two decades as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, where she handled a wide range of criminal cases and held various leadership roles, including Senior Litigation Counsel and Chief of the Violent Crime Section. She also served as the Mediterranean Regional Legal Advisor at the U.S. Embassies in Valletta, Malta, and Nicosia, Cyprus, helping train foreign governments on investigating international money laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption. "We are thrilled to welcome Trina to Wilson Sonsini, where she joins an exceptional group of former prosecutors who counsel our clients on their most pressing enforcement and regulatory matters," said Doug Clark, managing partner at Wilson Sonsini. "Her strong relationships within the Salt Lake business and legal communities will be an invaluable asset to our clients, enhancing our litigation and appellate practices in Utah and across the firm." As U.S. Attorney, Higgins led several impactful initiatives to enhance public safety and uphold justice. Under her leadership, the office founded the Utah Drug Overdose Task Force in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration to tackle the fentanyl crisis, started an Environmental Justice Initiative, and took proactive measures by appointing an Election Officer to protect the integrity of the 2024 general election. "I jumped at the chance to recruit Trina to our Salt Lake City office," said former Justice Deno Himonas, a partner at Wilson Sonsini. "Having known her for many years, I am familiar with her remarkable skill set, dedication, and tireless work ethic. She will be a tremendous resource to our clients in handling their most complex legal matters and will greatly enhance our presence in the region." Beyond her public sector work, Higgins has made significant contributions to the legal community as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where she taught trial advocacy for a decade. During several of those years, she taught with Wilson Sonsini partner Jess Krannich. "I had the privilege of teaching trial advocacy alongside Trina for many years," said Krannich. "She has likely tried more cases than any other active practitioner in the state, and she is one of the best courtroom lawyers I've ever seen. I could not be happier that she has chosen to join us for the next chapter of her extraordinary career." Higgins is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, previously serving as Utah State Vice Chair and Diversity Coordinator. Additionally, she is a former president of the Salt Lake County Bar Association and an active member of Women Lawyers of Utah. Higgins earned her J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and her B.A. from Weber State University. Her professional accomplishments have been widely recognized, including receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Utah Chapter of the Federal Bar Association in 2024. She is also committed to public outreach, exemplified by her recent appearance in an FBI-produced video designed to educate the public about romance scams. Wilson Sonsini opened its Salt Lake City office in November 2021 with three partners: Marc Porter, Matt Squires, and former Justice Deno Himonas, following his 2022 retirement from the Utah Supreme Court. Five months later, the firm welcomed another former Utah Supreme Court Justice, Christine Durham, the first woman to serve on both the state's highest court and its district court. More recently, Jess Krannich and Paul Sampson joined the firm, bringing the total number of attorneys in the Salt Lake City office to nearly 40. "I am delighted to join such an impressive and talented group of attorneys at a firm leading the way in this dynamic and rapidly evolving market," said Higgins. "I was drawn to Wilson Sonsini's reputation for handling challenging cases and taking them to trial when needed to safeguard its clients' interests. I look forward to using my experience to further enhance the firm's ability to deliver exceptional results for clients, both in Utah and beyond." About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini's services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 18 offices in 17 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, China, and Europe. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Kimberly Brooks+ 1.212.453.2881kbrooks@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wilson Sonsini Launches Innovative General Counsel in Residence Program
The New Program Will Benefit Clients Through Insights and Advice from Experienced In-House Counsel PALO ALTO, Calif., February 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, today announced the launch of its innovative General Counsel in Residence (GCIR) program. Modeled after the entrepreneur-in-residence roles at venture capital firms, the GCIR program offers a short-term opportunity for accomplished general counsels from technology and life sciences companies to provide invaluable advice to the firm's clients. Through the GCIR program, clients gain unprecedented access to a wealth of practical knowledge and insights from peers who have successfully navigated similar challenges. By drawing on these shared experiences, clients gain a deeper understanding of their operational obstacles, avoid common pitfalls, and make more informed decisions regarding their legal priorities. This, in turn, helps clients strategically allocate resources, optimize operations, refine their legal functions, and broaden their business perspectives. The GCIR program complements Wilson Sonsini's Executive Advisory Program (EAP), which offers customized, long-term support to clients at every stage of growth—whether they are high-growth start-ups, late-stage companies preparing for an IPO, or large multinational corporations. Likewise, the EAP is designed to assist companies of all sizes, from those with limited or no in-house legal resources to those with established legal teams. For more information, visit the EAP overview page. "We're excited to launch our GCIR program, offering technology and life sciences clients direct access to trusted advisors who genuinely understand their specific needs," said Doug Clark, managing partner at Wilson Sonsini. "Kiki Haar was the ideal candidate for our inaugural GCIR. With her extensive in-house background, she is uniquely positioned to support general counsels' continued evolution as strategic leaders within the C-suite." Clark continued, "This program not only provides interim support that benefits both participants and clients, but also aligns with our EAP, which has a longer-term focus on client success." Katherine (Kiki) Haar has spent more than 20 years advising both public and private technology companies, having served as both in-house and outside counsel. Her work has spanned diverse industries, including enterprise software, telecommunications, digital entertainment, renewable energy, and investment banking. Most recently, Haar served as general counsel at Sumo Logic, where she was instrumental in guiding the company through its transition from a late-stage private firm to a publicly traded corporation, and later to a private-equity-owned entity. In this role, she oversaw global legal affairs and acted as a strategic advisor to both the executive team and the board of directors. Before that, Haar was senior vice president, general counsel, and chief privacy officer at Informatica, where she managed a globally distributed team of legal, compliance, and license compliance professionals. Her experience spans various legal areas, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, SEC reporting, privacy and data security, intellectual property, go-to-market and commercial matters, employment and equity compensation, and international legal affairs. Earlier in Haar's career, she was a corporate and securities associate at Wilson Sonsini, focusing on representing technology companies in public and private offerings, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. "At Wilson Sonsini, clients are at the heart of everything they do, and the GCIR program is a perfect example of how the firm partners with them to deliver exceptional, forward-thinking service," said Haar. "As the first participant in this program, I am honored to leverage my background to provide guidance that extends beyond traditional legal counsel. My goal is to help clients address their strategic, operational, and departmental initiatives with insights from real-world experience, gained through navigating similar challenges myself." Haar earned her J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law and holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago. About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini's services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 18 offices in 17 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, China, and Europe. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Kimberly Brooks+ 1.212.453.2881kbrooks@ Sign in to access your portfolio
