Heller Ehrman Names Gavenman Silicon Valley Office Managing Shareholder

(MENLO PARK, Calif.) April 7, 2008 – Heller Ehrman has announced that Jon E. Gavenman has been appointed the new managing shareholder of the firm’s Silicon Valley office, effective April 7.  Gavenman assumes the role from Paul Alexander, whose term as the Silicon Valley office managing shareholder ended this month.

Gavenman joined Heller Ehrman in 2003 and is a member of the firm’s Corporate/VLG Practice Group.  He represents a wide range of emerging growth technology companies from start-ups to public companies, primarily in the areas of software, semiconductors, telecommunications and Internet services, and digital media.  He assists clients with venture capital financings, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions and public offerings.  He also advises companies on general corporate and securities matters.

“Jon is respected by clients and fellow attorneys for his talent and professionalism as a lawyer,” said Heller Ehrman’s Chairman Matt Larrabee.  “Like many of his clients, he has a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.  I am confident that Jon can contribute to our success in Silicon Valley.”

Alexander has held the managing shareholder position since 2003.  He will continue to focus on civil trial work, including both civil jury and non-jury trials and commercial arbitrations.

“Paul deserves a great deal of credit and appreciation for his leadership and dedication throughout his term,” said Larrabee.  “During Paul’s tenure as OMS, Heller Ehrman has grown its reputation as a leading provider to clients in the technology and life sciences industries, and we’ve expanded our reach from Silicon Valley into Asia and the U.K.”

Since opening in 1983, Heller Ehrman’s Silicon Valley office has grown to more than 90 lawyers.  In 2003, Heller Ehrman merged with Venture Law Group, one of the preeminent emerging company law firms in the world.  Over the years, the firm has represented some of the most successful technology companies in the Bay Area, including Aspect Communications, Autodesk, IronPort, Macrovision, Seagate, Symantec, and Yahoo!  Lawyers in the office also represent established companies and those with global platforms, like Merrill Lynch and Texas Instruments.  Among the other clients represented by Silicon Valley-based lawyers are industry leaders in computer hardware and software, semiconductors, Internet services, telecommunications and specialized products. Heller Ehrman also represents prominent clients in the life sciences industry, including well known biotechnology and medical device companies.

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