Orrick Welcomes Our Partner Class of 2026

Orrick’s 20 new partners strengthen teams serving the technology, energy & infrastructure, finance and life sciences sectors.

“Our new partners represent the very best of Orrick,” said Chair Mitch Zuklie. “Each exemplifies our commitment to excellence, sector-focused expertise and innovation – and each has demonstrated the integrity that is the foundation of our firm. We are proud to add their leadership to our teams and welcome them as our partners.”

The 2026 partner class members are based in 10 offices and practice in 11 transactional, litigation and regulatory areas.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Andy Bloom

• Andy advises high-growth technology companies, startup founders, investment funds and other institutional investors on a broad range of corporate transactions, with a focus on the technology, life sciences and climate tech sectors.
• He leads company-side matters from ideation through exit, and investor-side deals from early-stage SAFEs to complex late-stage and pre-IPO financings and bespoke growth and private equity financings.
• With a background in fund formation, Andy has represented clients throughout the private capital ecosystem, providing him with insights into both investor and company perspectives across all stages of growth.
• Andy is based in Boston, where he is deeply connected to next generation of founders and builders.
• Andy said: “Orrick’s exceptional breadth of talent, experience and subject-matter expertise empowers us not only to deliver outstanding legal counsel, but also allows us to gain a deep and holistic understanding of our clients’ businesses and goals and to serve as strategic business advisors and true partners to our clients as they build and scale their businesses. I am excited to continue partnering with founders, companies and investors who are driving meaningful, positive change and improving our world.”

Jennifer Criss

• Jennifer advises on the technology, IP and AI aspects of strategic M&A and other complex, multijurisdictional corporate transactions.
• She guides companies through drafting and negotiating a wide range of complex commercial and IP agreements at the core of their business, including SaaS and licensing deals.
• Based in Washington, D.C., Jennifer has substantial experience in copyright matters within the music and entertainment industries. She is a member of the ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law Council and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.
• Jennifer said: “Working alongside Orrick’s innovative clients and my talented colleagues allows me to collaborate across industries to help our clients shape and realize their business strategies around the tech and IP at the heart of their most critical transactions. It is an honor to be part of this amazing team where Orrick’s legal sophistication is second to none.”

Kayla Delgado Grundy

• Kayla represents technology and financial services companies in systemic discrimination and pay equity class actions, as well as government investigations.
• Based in San Francisco, she has led the defense of large and complex employment litigation matters, including defending clients against wage and hour, trade secret, and harassment and retaliation matters.
• Kayla also counsels clients to stay in compliance with ever-changing employment law regulations – including advising on the use of AI in employment decision making.
• Kayla said: “As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace and its capabilities continue to grow, this is an exciting time to partner with clients and help them navigate their employment questions and peek around corners to predict what might be next as we apply longstanding legal principles to this evolving landscape.”

Max Hyatt

• Max is a corporate lawyer who focuses on private equity and cross-border transactions for public and private companies, with a focus on the technology, AI and energy sectors.
• He guides clients through a wide range of strategic transactions, including complex mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity investments, joint ventures, internal reorganizations and global expansions.
• Max is based in San Francisco and served as head of Orrick’s U.S. Associates Committee.
• Max said: “Orrick's M&A and Private Equity platform provides an unparalleled opportunity to guide our clients through their most transformative moments, from early-stage startups pursuing growth capital to established companies executing complex strategic transactions. Our team's broad expertise enables us to handle the most sophisticated deals and deliver practical, business-focused solutions aligned with our clients' goals. I'm excited to continue collaborating with our exceptional colleagues to help clients navigate the evolving landscape of mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, corporate reorganizations and global expansions.”

Sarah Coffey Koch

• Sarah advises companies in the online gaming and gambling sector on regulatory and policy matters, guiding clients through complex issues of state and federal law.
• Drawing on over seven years of in-house experience at a leading U.S. digital gaming company, she delivers strategic, business-focused legal advice and practical policy solutions in a rapidly evolving business and regulatory landscape.
• Sarah is based in Washington, D.C.
• Sarah said: “Orrick’s gaming practice leverages broad, integrated experience and deep knowledge of gaming law to deliver business-minded solutions to complex regulatory and operational challenges. It's a privilege to be part of this team and to support clients shaping the future of this dynamic industry.”

Cesar Lopez-Morales

• Cesar is an appellate lawyer based in Washington, D.C. He litigates key legal issues in high-stakes cases involving constitutional law, administrative law and government-facing litigation. His practice includes appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court and federal and state appellate courts and critical motion practice at the trial level.
• As a member of Orrick’s Supreme Court & Appellate Group, Cesar has been an instrumental part of teams that have delivered key wins for clients in the technology and life sciences sectors.
• Cesar is a former law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (whom he interviewed last year) and has clerked for three other federal judges. Before joining Orrick, he was an attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch, where he defended federal laws, executive actions and programs in courts across the country.
• The Hispanic National Bar Association included Cesar in its 2025 Top Lawyers Under 40 and he serves as Chair of its Amicus Brief Committee. He maintains an active pro bono practice, representing immigrants and veterans in appeals and filing amicus briefs in precedent-setting public interest cases.
• Cesar said: “As an appellate litigator, my role is to craft a compelling and winning story on behalf of our clients. I focus on understanding my audience as well as our clients’ goals and business needs, and I’m thankful to surround myself with top-notch lawyers who are equally invested in thinking outside the box, rethinking legal strategy where necessary and delivering favorable results. I’m excited to continue helping our clients across sectors as they navigate new legal issues and challenges.”

Justin Montis

• Justin advises private equity funds and their portfolio companies and other public and private companies on a broad range of strategic transactions.
• His work spans platform and add-on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, carve-outs, strategic mergers, growth equity investments, dispositions, special situation transactions, secondary transactions, joint ventures and other complex corporate transactions.
• Based in Southern California, Justin also serves as a strategic advisor to clients on general corporate and governance matters.
• Justin said: “It is a privilege to practice at Orrick alongside so many talented and practical attorneys and to have the opportunity to assist clients with their strategic transactions. I look forward to continuing to help clients achieve their strategic goals and guide them through their M&A and other complex transaction processes.”

Joanna Pak

• Joanna advises public and private companies in the technology and energy & infrastructure sectors.
• She helps clients navigate complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and has represented numerous public companies in public M&A deals.
• Joanna is affiliated with our New York office.
• Joanna said: “Every day, I appreciate the opportunity to represent and collaborate with today’s pioneers and industry leaders. Their innovative spirit inspires me and aligns with Orrick’s own unmatched dedication to legal innovation. It is this relentless commitment to innovation that empowers us to anticipate and respond to our clients’ evolving needs, especially when stakes are highest.”

Amisha R. Patel

• Amisha, a litigator in Orrick’s Cyber, Privacy & Data Innovation Group, defends clients in the technology and finance sectors in complex commercial litigation, with a focus on cybersecurity and privacy litigation and consumer class actions.
• Based in Boston and Washington, D.C., Amisha has advised clients in regulatory investigations, has appeared before the DOJ and the SEC, and is experienced in all aspects of civil litigation in state and federal courts, arbitration and mediation. She also counsels clients facing media scrutiny, including in crisis situations triggered or exacerbated by cybersecurity incidents.
• Amisha maintains an active pro bono practice focused on immigration and civil rights issues. She previously taught at The George Washington University Law School as an adjunct professor in the Scholarly Writing Program.
• Amisha said: “As a litigator, clients seek our counsel when tensions are high and patience is low. At Orrick, trusted advisors and trial lawyers work as one – bringing clear strategy to the most turbulent situations. I’m proud to work with a collaborative and inventive team that treats every matter as a solvable problem, creatively leverages technology to do so, and delivers exceptional client service.”

Ryan Selis

• Ryan is a corporate lawyer and strategic advisor to high-growth technology companies and venture capital investors, with a particular focus on the AI sector. He provides business-driven counsel to help clients raise capital, close deals, manage risk and achieve their business goals.
• Based in Washington, D.C., Ryan represents AI, fintech and technology startup companies on matters, including formation, venture financing, corporate governance, M&A and strategic transactions. He collaborates with other Orrick specialists to help clients scale and navigate legal issues with speed and confidence.
• Ryan said: “With a deep commitment to excellence, innovation and collaboration, Orrick provides an exceptional platform for high-growth technology companies, and the founders and investors behind them, who value sound judgment, fast execution and outstanding client service. We operate as an extension of our clients’ teams, delivering clear, practical legal solutions so they can stay focused on building and scaling. I’m honored to join Orrick’s partnership and to continue helping our clients bring the next generation of transformative companies to market.”

Annie Prasad Vadillo

• Annie is a trial lawyer who represents companies of all sizes in all things employment – from problem-solving issues with current employees, to discreetly settling pre-litigation matters, to litigating highly publicized discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims through trial.
• Annie partners with clients to develop creative solutions that achieve business objectives and minimize risk.
• In addition to her deep employment experience, she has niche expertise in gig economy issues and crisis management/PR counseling.
• Based in Silicon Valley, Annie joined Orrick as a summer associate.
• Annie said: “Orrick’s Employment Group is a globally renowned powerhouse, helping leading companies solve a wide range of problems. As the employment law landscape continues to evolve, our team is on the cutting edge of critical employment law issues, innovating with our clients to tackle their toughest issues. I’m proud to be a partner on this dynamic team and to collaborate with our clients to achieve their goals.”

Montana Ware

• Montana represents startups and high-scale tech companies, venture capital funds and strategic investors across all verticals, with significant experience in highly regulated industries such as defense, nuclear energy, space and aerospace.
• He regularly advises clients on venture financings, corporate governance matters, securities issuances, mergers and acquisitions, and public offerings.
• Based in Austin, Montana is recognized by Chambers in the Startups & Emerging Companies category.
• Prior to law school, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He hosts regular conversations with some of our most innovative clients to share insights on what is shaping the market.
• Montana said: “I have the pleasure of working with generational innovators who are truly building the future. Our practice empowers founders to bring game-changing technologies to market and equips them with the advice and resources they need to focus on what they are building. It is truly a privilege to work every day with such inspirational clients and colleagues at Orrick.”

Jason Wu

• Jason advises U.S. and European technology companies and investors, with a focus on multijurisdictional company formation, governance, and venture and growth capital financings.
• He is a U.S.-qualified lawyer based in London. He has deep experience in advising early-stage companies on Delaware flips and navigating the complexities of cross-border deals and market expectations.
• Jason said: “As technology lawyers, we have the privilege of helping startup founders get their companies off the ground from day one and then looking back in awe at what our clients have built. Orrick has the global expertise to advise the largest public companies as well as a clear understanding of the needs and constraints of the earliest stage companies. It’s a privilege to be part of the No. 1-ranking team that has led the market in closing European venture capital deals for nearly a decade.”

ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE

Grace Lentz

• Grace is a project development and M&A lawyer who helps developers, sponsors, strategic investors and other energy companies navigate complex renewable and conventional power projects.
• Her practice spans the full lifecycle of energy projects, from early-stage planning through commercial operation and divestment, including negotiating and structuring engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, major equipment supply agreements, build-transfer agreements and long-term offtake arrangements, as well as project M&A transactions.
• Grace began her career at Orrick as part of the Houston office’s inaugural class of first-year associates.
• Grace said: “It’s an exciting time to be an energy lawyer. As energy demand grows and the industry transforms, the work we do has never been more critical. Orrick’s collaborative culture and deep bench across every segment of the energy sector create an unmatched platform for helping our clients meet that moment. I’m honored to work with exceptional colleagues and forward-thinking clients to navigate the complexity of the industry and deliver energy to our communities.”

Gil Shefer

• Gil advises leading energy developers and corporate buyers worldwide on offtake arrangements, including PPAs, tolling agreements, revenue share agreements and other cutting-edge contract structures across a range of technologies (including solar, wind, battery storage, biofuels, natural gas and carbon credits).
• He was previously a Clean Energy Leadership Institute Fellow and a participant in the Climate Wisdom Fellowship.
• Based in San Francisco, Gil joined Orrick as a summer associate.
• Gil said: “At a transformative moment in the energy industry – driven by accelerating data center demand and decarbonization, I am grateful to be part of Orrick’s deeply experienced and collaborative team. Over more than a decade, this team has shaped my legal practice, instilled a passion for energy projects, and reinforced a shared commitment to the many clients who trust us to deliver innovative legal and business solutions.”

Spencer Sinclair

• Spencer focuses on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, private equity investments, joint ventures, financing matters and project development across the energy & infrastructure sector.
• He advises developers, private equity investors, global energy companies and startups on strategic transactions involving the development, construction, acquisition, sale and financing of power generation, battery storage, energy transition, energy tech and infrastructure projects.
• Spencer is based in Austin.
• Spencer said: “With energy demand on the rise and largely fueled by advances in AI, it is an extremely exciting time to be at the forefront of the energy & infrastructure sector, helping our clients solve complex problems in a rapidly evolving market to meet the moment. Orrick offers an unmatched platform of talented professionals uniquely situated to tackle the energy and infrastructure challenges of today and build the solutions of tomorrow. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this team.”

FINANCE

Jesse Albani

• Jesse serves as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel and disclosure counsel on tax-exempt and taxable financings for affordable multifamily housing, student housing and waste-to-energy facility financings.
• He recently helped to develop a tax-exempt financing program to create affordable housing for middle-income families and individuals across California.
• Based in San Francisco, Jesse regularly advises issuers, underwriters and developers on complex nonprofit and private activity bond financings nationwide.
• Jesse said: “It’s an exciting moment in public finance, as lenders and developers look for innovative ways to deploy capital to address housing affordability and infrastructure needs. Orrick’s integrated platform allows us to structure financings that are creative and responsive to real-world goals.”

Alex Radisich

• Alex is a structured finance lawyer with deep experience advising issuers, borrowers, underwriters and lenders across numerous asset classes.
• A member of Orrick’s esoteric asset-backed securitization (ABS) team, he has helped pioneer new ABS transactions involving digital assets, like loans backed by cryptocurrency and tokenized securities, and entertainment venues. He also advises clients in the residential mortgage and renewable energy spaces on securitizations and warehouse financings.
• Alex is based in Los Angeles.
• Alex said: “It’s an exciting time to be a structured finance lawyer at Orrick, as we help clients innovate and navigate novel challenges to achieve their goals in the capital markets. I’m honored to join Orrick’s partnership and am thrilled to be part of a team committed to providing practical, actionable advice and top-notch service to our clients.”

Sachi Schuricht

• Sachi, who is based in San Francisco, is a litigator who represents crypto and fintech clients in high-stakes commercial disputes globally.
• Her matters often involve parallel civil, criminal and regulatory proceedings, and she works across teams to craft litigation strategies across multiple lines of defense and attack.
• Sachi’s experience practicing and clerking as a supreme court and appellate litigator enables her to present cases to audiences unfamiliar with “crypto speak” and to represent clients seamlessly from pre-litigation through trial and appeal.
• Sachi said: “This is an incredibly exciting time to represent clients in the fintech space, which is evolving at an unprecedented pace. I am thrilled to work at a sector- and innovation-focused firm that is committed to helping our clients navigate this ever-changing legal and business landscape.”

LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTHTECH

Kayla Z. X. Southworth

• Kayla advises public and private life sciences and technology companies on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, licenses, financings and other strategic transactions.
• With a deep understanding of the scientific and technical aspects of her clients’ businesses, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver legal solutions that advance her clients’ broader objectives.
• Kayla leverages her prior experience as a litigator and antitrust attorney in counseling clients on regulatory matters and risk management.
• Based in New York, Kayla represents clients across North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
• Kayla said: “Working with pharmaceutical and biotech clients is deeply rewarding. Their commitment to developing lifesaving and enhancing technologies and therapies is a constant source of inspiration. I am excited to contribute to Orrick’s leadership and continued growth in the life sciences sector.”