Mountain View, CA (September 30, 2016)– Fenwick & West is pleased to announce that partners Gordy Davidson and Mark Stevens have been named among the top 100 lawyers in California by the Daily Journal. The legal publication’s annual Top 100 list honors attorneys doing cutting-edge legal work.
Mark Stevens debuts on the Top 100 list this year. A partner in Fenwick’s corporate group, Stevens focuses his practice on advising emerging companies, investment banks, and venture capital and other technology investors on complex corporate and transactional matters, as well as with mature companies in their tech-related initiatives.
The Journal notes his specialty representing interactive entertainment companies. In the past two years, Stevens has led the industry’s three largest mobile gaming acquisitions. The publication highlights his work on one of these transactions, representing mobile game developer Supercell of “Clash of Clans” fame in its $8.6 billion stake acquisition by Tencent, one of China’s largest and most-used internet portals. Just months prior, Stevens also guided King Digital Entertainment, maker of popular mobile games including “Candy Crush,” in its $5.9 billion acquisition by Activision Blizzard, Inc. The acquisition made Activision Blizzard the world’s largest game network, according to a statement released by the company.
The Journal also notes Stevens’ leadership in launching Fenwick’s New York office in June 2016. The office addresses the firm’s growing client demand in the New York technology, life sciences and investment communities.
“Mark Stevens is a ‘phenomenal’ lawyer who is praised by commentators for his ‘high-level thinking on critical issues,’” said Chambers USA, who also honored Stevens for his startup and venture capital work this year. “Mark Stevens possesses long-standing experience advising companies of all stages on corporate issues. Clients appreciate that ‘he has a lot of good operational insight and a background in technology and media.’”
Former Fenwick chairman Gordy Davidson has been consistently honored on the Top 100 list since 2012. The prominent Silicon Valley lawyer has guided over 50 public offerings and acted as lead counsel for more than 100 mergers and acquisitions valued at more than $75 billion in aggregate.
“Davidson counsels the boards of established corporations such as Cisco Systems Inc., Facebook Inc. and Symantec Corp., as well as late-stage private companies like Uber Technologies Inc. and Airbnb Inc.,” the Journal said.
The Journal called attention to his recent work advising Symantec in its $7.4 billion sale of Veritas to Carlyle Group LP and its following $4.65 billion acquisition of Blue Coat Systems, Inc., a market leader in security and networking solutions.
“Legendary practitioner Gordon Davidson is singled out by sources as the ‘dean of Silicon Valley attorneys,’ with one recognizing him as a ‘rock star guy’ in the market,” reported Chambers USA, which also regularly recognizes Davidson. “He brings a vast wealth of experience to representations of life sciences and technology companies.”
In addition, The National Law Journal has named Davidson among the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America. This year, Davidson was inducted into GSV Capital’s Global Silicon Valley Hall of Fame, which recognizes pioneers who have created, led and advised some of the world’s most significant technology companies.
About Fenwick & West
Fenwick & West LLP provides comprehensive legal services to ground-breaking technology and life sciences companies – at every stage of their lifecycle – and the investors that partner with them. We craft innovative, cost-effective and practical solutions on issues ranging from venture capital, public offerings, joint ventures, M&A and strategic relationships, to intellectual property, litigation and dispute resolution, taxation, antitrust, and employment and labor law. For more than four decades, Fenwick has helped some of the world's most recognized companies become and remain market leaders. For more information, please visit fenwick.com.