Cooley LLP

The story of Cooley LLP is a journey that mirrors the evolution of modern innovation, beginning in San Francisco in 1920. Founded by Arthur Cooley and Louis Crowley, the firm laid its roots in a city on the cusp of tremendous growth. For decades, Cooley established itself as a reputable law firm, but its transformative chapter began with a strategic move that would forever entwine its destiny with the burgeoning tech industry. In the 1950s, the firm was already showing its forward-thinking approach by assisting in the formation of pioneering companies like Raychem and National Semiconductor. A pivotal moment came in 1958 when Cooley played a key role in forming Draper, Gaither and Anderson, the very first venture capital partnership to be established on the West Coast. This early involvement in the venture capital ecosystem set the stage for Cooley's future dominance in the tech world.

The firm's trajectory skyrocketed as it relocated its headquarters from San Francisco to Palo Alto in the late 1980s, placing itself at the very heart of what would become known as Silicon Valley. This move was more than just a change of address; it was a declaration of intent. Cooley immersed itself in the world of startups and emerging technology companies, becoming the go-to legal counsel for visionaries and innovators. The firm's client list began to read like a who's who of the tech industry, advising iconic companies such as Adobe Systems and Gilead Sciences. They facilitated the initial public offerings (IPOs) of industry giants like Genentech in 1980, Amgen in 1983, and Qualcomm in 1989. This deep-seated connection with both venture capitalists and groundbreaking companies cemented Cooley's reputation as a powerhouse in the technology and life sciences sectors. Over the years, the firm has continued to evolve, expanding its reach globally with offices across the United States, Asia, and Europe, and diversifying its expertise to cover a wide array of practice areas, all while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that has been its hallmark since its inception.