Crowell & Moring is expanding its emerging companies and venture capital practice with the acquisition of a group of senior lawyers from Atrium, including its co-managing partners Matthew Melville and Michel Narganes, and a founding attorney, Jon O’Connell. These partners are joining the firm’s San Francisco office.
The team operates as strategic advisors, connecting the client to the legal experience and business know-how that is required to navigate through formation, capital raising, regulatory compliance, and the evolving stages of commercial growth and maturity.
“We are excited about this acquisition. It aligns with our strategic goals of continuing to grow our practice in San Francisco, deepening our corporate capabilities, and advancing our digital transformation initiative to support clients in a business environment where technology plays an increasingly imperative business role,” said Philip T. Inglima, chair of Crowell & Moring. “These partners bring bold ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to delivering the highest level of service to emerging companies and investors.”
In addition to the three new partners, Matt Pelnar joins the firm as counsel from Atrium in its San Francisco office. The firm also has welcomed Steven Ryan, who joins as a counsel in the emerging companies and venture capital practice in Washington, D.C. from DLA Piper.
“We developed a service model that focuses on worrying for our clients and the privilege of serving as their most trusted advisors,” Melville said. “By joining Crowell & Moring, we have enhanced our ability to do that. In addition, we can plug into the firm’s experience and relationships across its platform, including in key markets such as New York, Washington, DC, and London, and access innovative pricing and staffing structures to support our clients’ needs.”
Atrium launched with great fanfare in 2017 with a dual tech co and legal services arm but closed its doors in March after failing to deliver better efficiency than law firms.
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