Pestana Joins Paul Hastings to Boost VC Practice
Advisor - People | Mar 31, 2025 | Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings LLP has announced the addition of Mike Pestana to its San Francisco office, strengthening its Emerging Companies & Venture Capital (ECVC) practice. Pestana joins from Wilson Sonsini and brings extensive experience in company-side representation, handling strategic deals including private financings and acquisitions. The appointment is part of a broader strategy to enhance Paul Hastings' presence in technology and life sciences sectors, as well as its capabilities across California, New York, and Boston. The firm is committed to supporting clients at all stages of growth, from startups to large public companies.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Venture Capital
- Technology
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- United States – Paul Hastings operates across major U.S. markets, such as California, New York, and Boston, with the addition of Mike Pestana being specific to Northern California.
- Northern California – The specific location of the new partner, Mike Pestana, is in San Francisco, a key region for technology and venture capital.
Industry
- Legal Services – Paul Hastings is a law firm that is enhancing its Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice, thereby impacting the legal services industry.
- Venture Capital – Paul Hastings is reinforcing its Venture Capital practice to better serve clients in this competitive financial sector.
- Technology – The firm's focus on clients in the technology sector indicates its relevance in this industry.
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals – The firm's commitment to the life sciences sector includes biotech, reflecting its involvement in this industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Hastings LLP | Law Firm | Company | A global law firm enhancing its ECVC practice with a new partner. |
| Mike Pestana | Partner | Person | Newly appointed partner at Paul Hastings, specializing in venture capital and emerging companies. |
| Wilson Sonsini | Pestana's Previous Firm | Company | The former firm where Mike Pestana worked before joining Paul Hastings. |
| Frank Lopez | Firm Chair | Person | Chair of Paul Hastings, quoted on the strategic importance of the new hire. |
| Culture Biosciences | Client | Company | One of the clients represented by Mike Pestana in the startup ecosystem. |
| Future Family | Client | Company | A client of Mike Pestana. |
| Napster | Client | Company | A client associated with Mike Pestana. |
| Noetica | Client | Company | A company represented by Mike Pestana. |
| Reshop | Client | Company | One of the startup clients represented by Mike Pestana. |
| Amir Ghavi | Technology Transactions Co-chair | Person | Recently joined Paul Hastings to lead the Technology Transactions practice. |
| Sarah Gagan | Technology Transactions Co-chair | Person | Joined alongside Amir Ghavi to enhance the firm's Technology Transactions practice. |