Press Release
Press Release
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
10.10.16
PALO ALTO—Pillsbury today announced that noted technology transactions lawyer and intellectual property authority George Willman has joined the firm’s Silicon Valley office as a partner in the corporate practice. Willman comes to Pillsbury from Reed Smith, where he led the Northern California technology transactions team.
Willman’s practice focuses on preparing and negotiating licensing, development, service, distribution, manufacturing, supply, partnership and other business agreements around a wide range of technologies. He also has a background as a patent attorney and continues to provide intellectual property counseling generally and as it relates to financings, mergers and acquisitions and other transactions.
“Pillsbury has a renowned team of corporate and IP lawyers in Silicon Valley, and we are concentrating on expanding the licensing services we offer technology clients,” said Emerging Growth & Venture Capital practice leader Stanley Pierson. “The depth of George’s experience crafting these deals and his impressive technical background make him an excellent fit for our practice.”
Prior to beginning his legal career, Willman trained as an engineer at Stanford and worked for a Silicon Valley-based software and telecommunications company, as well as international tech giants IBM and Siemens.
“We are thrilled to welcome George to Pillsbury’s thriving corporate team in Silicon Valley,” said partner Jim Rishwain. “We are focused on expanding the services we offer established and emerging growth clients in the technology sector, and George’s ability to counsel these clients across a range of matters is key to that strategy.”
Willman frequently presents on licensing and intellectual property issues related to emerging technologies and new product development, as well as venture funding and angel investing trends.
“Pillsbury’s focus on the technology industry and intellectual property and the firm’s deep bench of skilled corporate lawyers provide a great platform for my practice,” Willman said. “I am eager to start working with the team to meet the complex licensing and transactional needs of our technology clients.”
About Pillsbury
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is a leading international law firm with offices around the world and a particular focus on the energy & natural resources, financial services, real estate & construction, and technology sectors. Recognized by Financial Times as one of the most innovative law firms, Pillsbury and its lawyers are highly regarded for their forward-thinking approach, their enthusiasm for collaborating across disciplines and their authoritative commercial awareness. For more information, visit www.pillsburylaw.com.