Nicholas O’Keefe, a lawyer with more than 18 years of corporate law and M&A experience, has joined Kaye Scholer as a partner in the Palo Alto office. O’Keefe was formerly Senior Counsel at Crowell & Moring and, before that, an M&A partner in the Silicon Valley office of Latham & Watkins.

“In keeping with our strategy to realign all our offices, most recently in California, in order to focus on and more fully integrate with our core strengths firmwide, we are extremely pleased to have Nick join our already strong M&A team in Palo Alto. His background advising on corporate transactions in the life sciences, technology and financial industries closely mirrors the type of clients and matters with which we are engaged at a national and international level,” said Kaye Scholer Managing Partner Michael Solow.

“We opened our Palo Alto office in 2010 specifically to serve technology and life sciences clients—both emerging entities and those whose brands are household names. Nick’s history representing Silicon Valley companies makes him particularly suited to help us grow our corporate capabilities in those sectors. He is just the first of several partners we expect to bring on board this year to further enhance our capabilities, particularly in our Corporate, Litigation and IP Departments,” Solow added

O’Keefe has extensive experience advising public and private clients in the life sciences, media, technology and financial industries. Having completed major transactions for clients such as Advanced Micro Devices, McAffee, Verisity, Yahoo!, Aclara Biosciences, Aviron, Kyphon, QLT and Scios, he brings a wealth of transactional expertise to our clients.

O’Keefe also has done significant transactional work for funds, including private equity, venture and sovereign wealth funds, both domestically and abroad. O’Keefe also brings a valuable understanding of emerging markets, gained from three years working in the Middle East, on regional and international deals for various funds and other clients investing there.

“Kaye Scholer has a top-notch M&A practice advising on both domestic and international transactions,” said Mel Cherney, Co-Chair of Kaye Scholer’s Corporate Department. “Admitted to practice in both California and New York, Nick is experienced working with clients on both coasts and in the overseas markets, which ideally positions him to support the growth and success of our fund and other clients wherever they are based.”

O’Keefe received his BSc from Exeter University in the UK, and his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. He speaks and writes regularly on M&A and corporate topics.

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