Paul Ellis represents companies at all stages of their life cycles, as well as funds and angel investors. Clients choose Paul to negotiate complex business matters and provide sophisticated, strategic legal advice for establishing, financing, operating and exiting highly successful, and often rapidly-growing, companies. His experience spans multiple industries including software/SaaS, AI, fintech, blockchain/crypto, digital media, e-commerce and healthcare. Paul routinely handles cross-border matters, often in collaboration with the firm’s network of foreign counsel worldwide.

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
  • American Criminal Law Review
• Harvard University, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Prior Work Experience

• Winston & Strawn LLP
• Donovan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine
• United States Office of Special Counsel, Public Affairs Director
• United States Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, Staff
• Massachusetts House of Representatives, Legislative Committee Staff

Taeko Yamamoto is a seasoned corporate lawyer with extensive experience in complex transactions, including cross-border M&A, divestitures and joint ventures, representing domestic and international clients. Her practice includes advising start-up and emerging companies across numerous industries on formation, financing, corporate governance and business operational matters.

Education

• The George Washington University Law School, JD
  Member, The George Washington Journal of International Law and Economics
• Brandeis University, BA
  Graduated with High Honors, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Prior Work Experience

• Morrison & Foerster LLP
• Bingham McCutchen LLP

Julie Horowitz represents emerging growth companies, startups and established companies of all sizes and structures. As a respected business lawyer, Julie advises entrepreneurs, lenders, venture capitalists, investment bankers and investors in corporate and securities matters. With experience across a diverse array of industries, Julie counsels clients through some of the most important transactions connected to their long-term success.

Education

• New York University School of Law, J.D.
  Order of the Coif; American Judicature Society Prize; Articles Editor, Journal of International Law and Politics; Law Revue
  Graduated cum laude
• State University of New York at Albany, B.A.
  Graduated summa cum laude

Prior Work Experience

• Cravath, Swaine & Moore
• Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
• Camhy Karlinsky & Stein
• Citicorp Real Estate Inc.

Joseph Villapol is an experienced intellectual property attorney who focuses on trademarks, copyrights, name/image/likeness (NIL) rights and licensing. He uses creative acquisition, protection and exploitation strategies to maximize the value of clients’ intellectual property rights. Joe’s global perspective enables clients to acquire and protect IP rights both in the United States and internationally. His solutions-oriented approach helps clients anticipate and overcome obstacles.

Education

• New York University School of Law, J.D.
• Fordham University, B.A., cum laude

Prior Work Experience

• Bryan Cave LLP
• Ladas & Parry LLP

Chris advises companies, entrepreneurs and investors on employee benefits and executive compensation matters. This includes the design, governance and implementation of benefit plans and compensation arrangements, including equity incentive plans and nonqualified deferred compensation.

Chris has significant experience counseling clients on benefit issues arising in corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions. Chris works closely with corporate deal teams on a regular basis to conduct benefits and compensation due diligence, to identify and mitigate transaction-related risks, and to structure post-closing benefit arrangements.

In addition to transactional work, Chris advises clients on ongoing compliance and regulatory matters under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. This includes practical guidance to help clients align benefit and compensation programs with business objectives while managing legal and operational risk.

Education

• Master of Laws in Taxation, Georgetown University Law Center
• Juris Doctor, Duquesne University School of Law
• Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Notre Dame

Prior Work Experience

• RiverStone Group
• Maselan & Jones, P.C.

Ekong Udoekwere is a corporate lawyer who advises businesses in connection with M&A, venture capital finance and joint venture transactions. Ekong works with companies ranging through all stages of growth, with a particular focus on small to mid-sized companies. He represents both public and private companies with diverse capital structures across a broad array of industries. His work includes transactions involving representation and warranty insurance, no-indemnity deals, and auction-style acquisitions and sales.

Education

• Harvard Law School, J.D.
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte (B.A. & B.Sc.)

Prior Work Experience

• Loeb & Loeb LLP
• Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
• Troy Gould PC

Ony Okoro is a corporate transactional and intellectual property attorney representing businesses ranging from Fortune-500 companies to start-ups. Her work spans many industries including life sciences, pharmaceuticals and software. With a proven track record for pragmatic business solutions, Ony partners with clients to resolve complex legal challenges so that they continue running their businesses effectively.

Education

• New York University School of Law, J.D.
• University of Washington, B.A., B.S.

Prior Work Experience

• Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
• Dorsey & Whitney LLP
• GE Healthcare Life Sciences

Alix Rubin helps employers and employees resolve disputes efficiently, while minimizing disruption to their businesses and personal lives. A proactive lawyer, Alix is deeply knowledgeable about the most recent employment practices available to companies. She counsels clients on policies and contracts that help prevent lawsuits whenever possible. Should employee misconduct be suspected, she performs internal workplace investigations. And should litigation be necessary, Alix is experienced in representing both employers and employees.

Education

• University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D.
• Temple University, Master of Journalism
• Tufts University, B.A., Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Prior Work Experience

• Entwistle & Cappucci
• Lowenstein Sandler
• Hannoch Weisman

Rachel E. Barnes (she/her) counsels clients across the full spectrum of corporate law, representing start‑ups, emerging growth companies, and established companies. Clients rely on Rachel for sophisticated, strategic guidance in navigating complex business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, corporate governance, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.

Drawing on her global perspective, which has been shaped by travel to more than 15 countries and her dual background in corporate law and business administration, Rachel provides holistic, business‑minded counsel tailored to each client’s operational realities and long‑term goals. Her approach emphasizes active listening, relationship‑building, and a deep understanding of the unique pressures facing companies at every stage of growth.

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law, J.D.
  • Virginia Tax Review
• University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, M.B.A. – Entrepreneurship Concentration
• University of Georgia, B.A., Economics, Cum Laude – Minor in Spanish

Prior Work Experience

• Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC
• Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
• Greenberg Traurig LLP
• Athens-Clarke County, Office of the District Attorney

Camille Gallardo is the firm’s legal assistant and office manager, handling many of the firm’s day-to-day business needs pertaining to clients, attorneys and staff. Camille is a go-to professional at the firm, a highly capable individual who understands the importance of detailed-oriented client service in the delivery of legal services. She touches virtually every aspect of the firm, ensuring smooth operations.

Education

• Barnard College of Columbia University, B.A.
• Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía, Master’s
  International Law, Foreign Trade and International Relations

Prior Work Experience

• Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations
• Gleason & Koatz, LLP