Allen & Overy to add game-changing multidisciplinary technology team in U.S.; Expands West Coast presence

The team comprises Shamita Etienne-Cummings, Bijal Vakil, David Tennant, Noah Brumfield, Eric Lancaster, Adam Chernichaw, Daren Orzechowski, and Alex Touma. Bijal and Daren will be global co-heads of the firm’s Technology practice. All partners will operate from their current locations in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, New York and Washington, D.C.

The broad-based team combines strength in Technology Disputes and Transactions and will bring skill sets in patent litigation, intellectual property, antitrust and tech-focused transactions, including fintech deals. The team has advised Silicon Valley technology companies (Fortune 100 companies to startups).

Wim Dejonghe, senior partner, commented: “All businesses are technology businesses now.  Our clients have been asking us when we will have a presence in Silicon Valley and now we are adding an offering that we will grow to serve as the firm’s center of excellence in a range of technology areas. This is truly a top team and integrating them into our existing practice will be game-changing for us, not just in the U.S., but in our capabilities to serve clients in the key markets of Europe and Asia as well.”

Vakil observed that, “Allen & Overy provides an ideal platform for our sophisticated technology practice, offering one of the strongest and most elite global networks alongside an engaged, entrepreneurial and supportive partnership. We look forward to introducing clients to this enhanced offering and continuing to help their businesses evolve.”

Tim House, U.S. senior partner added, “Allen & Overy is committed to growing the firm’s technology focused transactions and disputes practices and bringing this team’s expertise to our clients globally, whether they are innovator companies or consumers of technology. Our clients will benefit from a global technology law practice that we will continue to develop based on their needs.”

Allen & Overy will open two new offices in Silicon Valley and San Francisco to support the expanded team and offerings. This complements the Los Angeles office Allen & Overy previously opened with the recent, successful addition of a Southern California-based Renewables practice.

For further information, please contact Kris Cole in California at pro-a&o@prosek.com.