Richard Climan

As head of the firm's mergers and acquisitions practice, he manages one of the biggest Silicon Valley deal-making teams. In July, he helped steer beleaguered San Jose-based Brocade Communications through its $3 billion acquisition of Santa Clara-based Foundry Networks. He also led pharma specialist Aspreva in its acquisition by Galencia for $915 million in January. His negotiating skills have helped make the firm one of the most sought-after M&A shops in Silicon Valley. A frequent writer and lecturer on transactional-related topics, he also co-chairs the annual National Institute on Negotiating Business Acquisitions, presented by the ABA's Section of Business Law.