Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that Adrian M. Fenty has joined the firm’s Business Development department, where he will focus on expanding the firm’s Emerging Company & Venture Capital practice and supporting various firm and client strategic initiatives.  Most recently Special Counsel at Klores Perry Mitchell P.C., Fenty rose to national prominence when he served as Mayor of Washington, D.C. from 2007 – 2011.

“Adrian is an incredibly intuitive business thinker and a savvy strategist,” said Buddy Arnheim, Firmwide Chair of Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice.  “His experience in the public and private sectors will be invaluable to many of our emerging company clients as they navigate the complexities of growing their businesses.  We’re absolutely thrilled that Adrian is joining our team and look forward to collaborating with him as we expand our practice and bolster our clients.”

As a member of the Business Development team, Fenty will work with the firm’s Emerging Company & Venture Capital lawyers to identify new client opportunities and to help existing clients manage through their most complex challenges.  While serving as mayor, Fenty was known for reforms that streamlined the District’s government and increased its responsiveness and engagement with residents.  He will adapt his approach to help Perkins Coie’s innovative clients and their portfolio companies grow strategically and smoothly.

After leaving office, Fenty provided strategic advice and business development consulting to an array of companies, including Rosetta Stone, Everfi and CapGemini.  Fenty is also a much sought-after speaker, lecturing frequently on education reform and the use of a private sector approach to running government.  In the fall of 2011, Fenty served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Politics at his alma mater, Oberlin College.

In addition to his new role at Perkins Coie, Fenty also serves as Special Advisor with Andreessen Horowitz and serves on the Board of Directors of two nonprofits: College Track and Fight for Children.

Fenty received his B.A. from Oberlin College and his J.D. from Howard University Law School.  He is also an avid triathlete and was recognized in 2008 by Men’s Health magazine as one of the nation’s top Heroes of Health & Fitness.

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