Introduction
On February 10, 2025, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP announced a landmark expansion of its Los Angeles venture capital practice through the hire of a 13-lawyer team—including four new partners—from Gunderson Dettmer. This strategic move doubles the size of Orrick’s venture capital platform in Southern California, positioning the firm to better serve a booming startup ecosystem Orrick.
Los Angeles: A Thriving Venture Capital Hub
Los Angeles has experienced a sustained upswing in venture investment, with private equity and VC firms pouring $3.1 billion into 144 deals in the LA metro area during Q1 2025—an increase of 15% year-over-year Los Angeles Times. From AI and fintech to healthtech and defense tech, the region’s broad sectoral strength underscores why Orrick is making a transformational bet on its LA platform.
Meet the New Leadership Team
- Mike Heath joins as a partner after co-founding Gunderson Dettmer’s LA office. A Legal 500 “Next Generation Partner,” Heath has guided high-growth companies such as FloQast, Wish and Seismic through formation, venture financings, IPOs and M&A exits Orrick.
- Cody Peterson, also a co-founder of Gunderson’s LA office, brings operator experience from his time as COO of a health-and-fitness e-commerce startup. Peterson advises startups and funds across e-commerce, fintech, climatetech and biotech, and mentors through programs like Plug In Ventures Accelerator Orrick.
- Tim Greene, a Chambers-recognized tech transactions specialist, returns to Orrick after seven years. He has executed hundreds of strategic IP, licensing, privacy and M&A transactions, serving clients in B2B/B2C SaaS, Web3/crypto and alternative proteins Orrick.
- Nick Feldman brings over a decade of experience advising Web3, blockchain and high-growth companies (Phantom, Lightspark, Rec Room) and representing leading VC funds in equity, debt and token financings Orrick.
Strategic Vision and Client Impact
“This is an incredible opportunity to combine two stellar, entrepreneurial teams and an extraordinary portfolio of venture capital fund and company clients,” said Orrick Chair Mitch Zuklie. “We believe it’s a moment to make transformational investments in the tech ecosystem, and we will look back on this addition as a foundational moment” Orrick.
Josh Pollick, co-leader of Orrick’s global Technology Companies Group, added: “We have competed against this top-tier team for a decade and hold them in the highest regard. Now, we are thrilled to combine forces to build a true market leader” Orrick.
Amplifying Sector Coverage and Expertise
With this team in place, Orrick expands its advisory reach across the most dynamic verticals—AI, fintech, crypto and blockchain, energytech, digital health, space tech and defense tech—and represents top-tier funds such as BITKRAFT Ventures, Haun Ventures, Kindred Ventures and Susa Ventures Orrick. The hires bolster Orrick’s ability to deliver end-to-end counsel, from formation through exit, for founders, operators, boards and their investors.
Building on a Winning Track Record
Orrick’s investment in its venture capital platform comes on the heels of being named Law360’s Tech Practice Group of the Year for a second consecutive year and ranking top 5 globally for VC deals for seven straight years (PitchBook). In 2024 alone, the firm advised on over 1,000 venture and growth financings totaling $45 billion, and 170+ M&A transactions worth $29 billion Orrick.
Looking Ahead
As Los Angeles cements its status among the world’s leading startup ecosystems, Orrick’s enhanced bench of partners and associates positions the firm to capture the next wave of innovation. Clients can expect deeper industry expertise, broader geographic coverage and a holistic service model—key differentiators in a market defined by rapid technological change and competitive dealmaking.
