DLA Piper today announced that Michael Torosian has joined the Corporate and Finance practice as a partner in the Silicon Valley office.

Previously a senior counsel in the Corporate Department at Latham & Watkins LLP, Torosian advises public and private companies, investment banks, and venture capital and private equity firms in the emerging growth, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets areas. Working closely with companies and investors in the high technology, cleantech and life sciences industries, Torosian has extensive experience in all stages of venture capital financings, public securities offerings, and mergers and acquisitions.

“Michael is a leading corporate lawyer who has developed a successful and growing practice, and his addition is a major contribution to the strategic expansion of our emerging growth, IPO and M&A capabilities,” said Jay Rains, global co-chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate and Finance practice. “His varied experience and industry contacts and relationships will be invaluable as we continue to grow and diversify the practice in the Bay Area and nationally.”

Torosian’s practice also focuses on advising C-suite executives, boards of directors, and general counsel on corporate governance matters, federal and state securities law compliance, and public company compliance and disclosure matters, among other company management issues.

“Michael adds tremendous depth and experience to our strong and growing Corporate and Finance practice on the West Coast,” said Rich Scudellari, co-managing partner of DLA Piper’s Silicon Valley office. “His innovative approach and broad experience in representing corporate clients will make him a perfect complement to DLA Piper’s Silicon Valley platform.”

Earlier in his career, Torosian was an associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati PC. He is also a certified public accountant with Big Four firm experience as a supervising senior auditor. Torosian earned a J.D. and LL.M from Duke University and a BBA and MPA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Torosian is the latest addition to DLA Piper’s rapidly growing Corporate and Finance practice, which in 2012 has also added: Rich Scudellari, Armando Castro and Matt Oshinsky in Silicon Valley; Masood Sohaili in Los Angeles; John Altorelli, Alexander Fraser, Patrick Costello, Gerald Francese, Richard Reilly, Edward Johnsen and Daniel Eisner in New York; Neal Aizenstein, Andrew Weil and Wesley Nissen in Chicago; and Kathleen Smith Ruhland in Minneapolis.

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