Our Team (H) | Orrick Tech Studio

Dolph Hellman

Having practiced transactional law for almost 35 years, I've developed 2 different areas of expertise in the tech and life sciences ecosystem - (i) venture debt and (ii) VC fund formation. In terms of venture debt, I've been assisting tech and life sciences companies at all different stages of Read More

Having practiced transactional law for almost 35 years, I've developed 2 different areas of expertise in the tech and life sciences ecosystem - (i) venture debt and (ii) VC fund formation. In terms of venture debt, I've been assisting tech and life sciences companies at all different stages of growth with venture debt transactions since the late 1990's when venture debt first become available to start-up companies. Over the years, I worked on hundreds (if not thousands) of such financing transactions. In terms of VC fund formation, I've been assisting sponsors of VC funds - and in particular emerging managers - in connection with VC fund formation for over 15 years. I really enjoy working with founders and venture capitalists because it allows me to be more than just a technical lawyer. Instead, it allows me be also be a trusted advisor which is very rewarding. If you're looking for a trusted advisor to assist you with either venture debt or VC fund formation, then I'm your guy!

Contact me Partner, San Francisco dolphhellman@orrick.com +1 415 773 5678

LinkedIn Full Bio

What inspires you about working with tech companies?

I really enjoy working with founders and emerging managers in the tech and life sciences space since I know that I am really adding value to their companies/VC funds. Often the advice and guidance I provide can mean the difference between success and failure, so I take on this responsibility very seriously. I also think it's cool to watch many of our clients evolve from being a team of just a few people to multi-national entities with thousands of employees.
If you weren't a tech lawyer, what would you do?

Maybe a lawyer in the entertainment industry. In particular, I find the music industry (and in particular the area of music law) to be very fascinating.
What technology are you most excited to see develop?

Autonomous vehicles. Once that technology is perfected it will be a real game changer in terms of mobility.
What's the best advice you've ever received?

Don't put off to tomorrow what you can accomplish today. Procrastination is a terrible habit - particularly for a lawyer to have - so I try to stay on top of my work projects as much as is humanly possible.

Bailey Higgs

I work on a variety of corporate transactions; my practice focuses on capital markets transactions, but I also work with early-stage companies and founders. My main passion is people. I love getting to know my clients and being a friendly face while helping them solve problems so they can focus on Read More

I work on a variety of corporate transactions; my practice focuses on capital markets transactions, but I also work with early-stage companies and founders. My main passion is people. I love getting to know my clients and being a friendly face while helping them solve problems so they can focus on what matters most to them: their business.

Contact me Associate, Seattle bhiggs@orrick.com +1 206 839 4366

Full Bio

What inspires you about working with tech companies?

I love seeing such passionate, engaging, brilliant minds working to solve some of the world's biggest problems. I love that each person can take something they're interested in—from the environment to medicine to computers to so much more—and use technology to find innovative solutions to everything you can imagine.
If you weren't a tech lawyer, what would you do?

If I wasn't a tech lawyer, I'd either be a doctor or a primary school teacher. I love science and medicine – I worked in clinical research for years before law school. Teaching/mentoring is another huge passion of mine and I volunteer regularly teaching English as a foreign language. I'm honestly not sure how I'd choose between the two.
What is your ideal weekend?

My ideal weekend would consist of getting coffee and pastries with my husband and taking our two adorable rescue dogs to the park, binging a new tv show, seeing friends or family (especially our cute nieces and nephews), reading a good book, and cooking a good homemade dinner. It's the simple things for me.

Lewis Hower

I help founders and funds advance innovation around the world – I’ve done a deal on every continent except Antarctica! I’ve spent my entire career as a builder, business advisor and investor in the innovation economy. I’m not a lawyer, but rather work with Orrick’s legal teams to help our clients Read More

I help founders and funds advance innovation around the world – I’ve done a deal on every continent except Antarctica! I’ve spent my entire career as a builder, business advisor and investor in the innovation economy. I’m not a lawyer, but rather work with Orrick’s legal teams to help our clients grow their businesses through connections, relationships and other resources. Before I joined Orrick, I led a global team in support of world-class founders and investors at Silicon Valley Bank. I’ve also been a founder and worked at several VC firms.

Contact me Managing Director, TechCo & Fund Relationships, San Francisco and Silicon Valley lhower@orrick.com +1 415 773 4145

What inspires you about working with tech companies?

I believe in the power of relationships to solve problems and the democratization of access and agency. Both drive the innovation economy. Partnering with founders and investors to not only create, but help deliver change on a global scale, inspires me every day.
Where do you find inspiration in life?

The people around me. We operate in a whirlwind of an ecosystem that changes daily, but there is always a human element to the work we do. The power of relationships is what it is all about.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop being curious and ask the real questions. Control what you can and acknowledge what you cannot, but do not let it control you.
What’s your mantra?

I’d have to pick two, but they go hand in hand. Do less, better. And have more fun!

Max Hyatt

Enabling clients to meet and exceed their goals, while working alongside incredible teams, is the foundation of my practice. With a background in professional motorsports, I specialize in transformational, complex transactions that fuel entrepreneurs, business leaders and financial sponsors to Read More

Enabling clients to meet and exceed their goals, while working alongside incredible teams, is the foundation of my practice. With a background in professional motorsports, I specialize in transformational, complex transactions that fuel entrepreneurs, business leaders and financial sponsors to advance their businesses.

Clients I've worked with: Turn/River Capital I Toyota | Workday | Trimble | Bayer | Zynga

Contact me Senior Associate, San Francisco mhyatt@orrick.com +1 415 773 5818

LinkedIn Full Bio

What inspires you about working with tech companies?

The constant drive to push boundaries and create new systems that re-define industries is incredible.
Where do you find inspiration in life?

Family and friends who challenge me to be my best self.
If you weren't a tech lawyer, what would you do?

Team principal of a racing organization.
What's the best advice you've ever received?

Always take the opportunity to find out how much you don't know.