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Michael Russell

Co-Head of M&A at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Michael Russell is a prominent corporate and securities partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR), where he co-leads the firm's Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) practice.12 With over 25 years of experience, Russell has established himself as a versatile and collaborative deal lawyer in the field of complex corporate and securities transactions.12

Career Highlights

Russell rejoined WSGR in February 2021 after a five-year stint at Goodwin Procter.14 His return to WSGR marked a significant move in the legal industry, as he took on the role of co-leading the M&A practice alongside longtime firm partner Robert Ishii.45

Areas of Expertise

Russell's practice focuses on representing public and private companies and investors in both domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.2 His expertise extends to various complex corporate and securities transactions, including:

  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Divestitures
  • Joint ventures
  • Public and private equity and debt offerings
  • Tender and exchange offers
  • Corporate restructurings
  • Venture capital financings

Industry Focus

Russell advises clients across numerous technology and life sciences industry sectors, including:

  • SaaS
  • Internet and data
  • Cybersecurity
  • Mobility
  • Fintech
  • Digital media and gaming
  • E-commerce
  • Consumer products
  • Semiconductor and semiconductor equipment
  • Biotech and digital health2

Notable Clients

Throughout his career, Russell has represented leading technology companies in numerous strategic transactions, including Dolby, Fitbit, Lyft, Micron, Slack, and Twitter.2

Professional Background

Before his most recent return to WSGR, Russell was a partner in Goodwin Procter's Silicon Valley office, where he was a member of the Technology group and M&A/Corporate Governance practice.2 He had previously spent 18 years at WSGR, joining the firm in 1998 and becoming a partner in 2007.2 Earlier in his career, Russell served as a deputy city attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney's Office.2

Michael Russell's LinkedIn profile (username: michael-russell-6a26726) reflects his current position as Partner and Co-Head of M&A at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.3

Highlights

Mar 7 · Reuters
Big tech M&A partner returns to Wilson Sonsini from Goodwin to co-lead practice - Reuters
Bakkt's Acquisition of Apex Crypto – Global Legal Chronicle - Global Legal Chronicle
Michael Russell Rejoins Wilson Sonsini to Co-Lead M&A Practice
Feb 1 · wsgr.com
Michael Russell Rejoins Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Michael Russell Rejoins Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Feb 1 · prnewswire.com
Michael Russell Rejoins Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Feb 1 · reuters.com
Big tech M&A partner returns to Wilson Sonsini from Goodwin to co ...

Related Questions

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Michael Russell
Michael Russell, photo 1
Michael Russell, photo 2
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Location

Palo Alto, California, United States