Suggestions
Meredith Blount
Corporate Counsel at Foundation Medicine
Professional Background
Meredith Blount is a highly accomplished Corporate Counsel at Foundation Medicine, where she plays a pivotal role in providing legal advice and counsel to internal partners across various levels within the company’s Commercial team. With her extensive expertise in corporate law, Meredith supports both day-to-day initiatives and long-term strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with the unique requirements of the commercial biotechnology landscape.
Before her tenure at Foundation Medicine, Meredith honed her legal skills at prominent law firms, including VLP Law Group, Goodwin Procter, Cooley, and Gunderson Dettmer. Each experience fortified her specialization in corporate, securities, and business law tailored for emerging growth companies, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors. Her comprehensive legal advisement encompasses a broad scope of essential business matters, including start-up formation, corporate governance, venture capital financing, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and licensing agreements.
Meredith's robust professional background has endowed her with a wealth of experience that spans diverse industries from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to diagnostics, biotechnology, digital media, social media, and e-commerce. Her focus on these sectors not only exemplifies her dedication to advancing the enterprises she supports but also illustrates her adaptability and keen understanding of the complexities inherent in today’s fast-paced business environments.
Throughout her career, Meredith has represented C-level executives and boards of directors within leading biotech, digital media, internet, e-commerce, and social media companies. Her rich portfolio includes public financings, venture capital financings, buy- and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, as well as corporate restructurings. Meredith's skills in managing and closing domestic and international equity and debt financings speak to her meticulous attention to detail and her commanding presence in negotiations, where she routinely drafts and negotiates transactional documents, crafts financial payout models, conducts thorough due diligence, and oversees compliance with state and federal securities regulations. Moreover, she has served as counsel for both investors and underwriters during private and public financial operations.
Education and Achievements
Meredith Blount's academic journey has greatly influenced her successful legal career. She obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) with a specialization in Law & Business from Vanderbilt University Law School, which equipped her with the analytical tools needed to navigate intricate legal challenges and foster collaborative business relationships. In addition to her J.D., she holds a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where she further solidified her understanding of financial principles, critical for advising on corporate finance matters.
Meredith began her educational journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from the University of Miami Herbert Business School. This foundational knowledge has been instrumental in her comprehension of economic principles that relate to corporate operations and decision-making processes.
Meredith’s educational path not only shaped her expertise in law and finance but also laid the groundwork for her to emerge as a strategic partner for businesses, particularly in sectors that demand a nuanced understanding of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics.
Organizations and Community Engagement
Throughout her impressive career, Meredith has contributed to various organizations, deeply committing herself to legal excellence and community service. She is currently leveraging her skills and knowledge as Corporate Counsel at Foundation Medicine, where she continues to provide invaluable legal support in the thriving biotech industry.
Meredith is a co-founder of The Luke Legacy, a meaningful initiative that highlights her commitment to philanthropy and community impact. This venture underscores her desire to use her expertise for the greater good, extending beyond the courtroom and into the lives of those her organization supports.
Prior to her present role, she served as Counsel at VLP Law Group LLP, where she provided legal counsel to an array of high-growth companies. Her journey also includes integral roles at Goodwin Procter LLP, Cooley LLP, and Gunderson Dettmer, where she gained substantial experience and insights that have made her an authority in corporate law.
Earlier in her career, Meredith developed her foundational skills as an Assistant Office Manager at Arrick, Peacock & Kerr (formerly Arrick, Peacock, Hodges & Wiener) and as an Assistant at the Law Office of William J. Lobb, PA. These positions not only enhanced her administrative capabilities but also provided significant exposure to the legal profession, setting the stage for her subsequent achievements.
Achievements and Impact
Meredith Blount's legal acumen and strategic perspective have allowed her to achieve a number of significant milestones in her career. She is admitted to the bar in three states—New York, California, and Massachusetts—demonstrating her versatility and commitment to practicing law across different jurisdictions. Her ability to manage complex transactions and navigate regulatory environments stands as a testament to her skill set, which is highly sought after in the realm of corporate law, particularly within the life sciences and technology sectors.
Her comprehensive understanding of corporate structures, financing options, and compliance requirements positions her as a trusted advisor to her clients. By leading and managing corporate restructurings and orchestrating transactions across borders in countries such as Spain, Brazil, Sweden, India, Australia, and the Netherlands, Meredith showcases her proficiency in handling international legal matters.
In summary, Meredith Blount is an accomplished legal professional whose career reflects both the breadth and depth of her knowledge in corporate law and business transactions. Her commitment to supporting innovative companies and leaders within the life sciences and technology sectors is evident through her extensive experience, educational background, and community engagements. With a steadfast dedication to legal excellence, Meredith continues to impact the corporate landscape positively, paving the way for emerging growth companies and their leaders on their journey to success.
