Katherine H. Ku

Kathy Ku has risen to the highest levels of the corporate legal world, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, private equity and corporate governance for big name clients including Uber, Lyft and Internet Brands (owner of Fodor's Travel, CarsDirect and other top consumer websites).

Ku was the lead M&A partner on the $550 million sale of Lyft's self-driving vehicle division to Toyota subsidiary Woven Planet Holdings Inc. in August 2021. The agreement called for a $200 million upfront payment while Woven Planet also agreed to use Lyft's platform and fleet data in developing its automated driving technology.

Busy with her cases, Ku answered by email. She said one thing she loves most about her job is variety.

"My practice has afforded me the opportunity to learn about so many different businesses, leadership styles, and team organizations, as well as participate in a broad range of types of transactions," she wrote. "Every day is different, and I love that."

Ku said she also loves guiding others toward opportunity, whether it's "clients making tough decisions on the path toward a successful transaction or younger lawyers through development and growth in their careers."

In another major deal, Ku also recently acted as lead counsel in advising remote work giant Globalization Partners in a $200 million investment from Vista Credit Partners in December 2021. Globalization Partners saw major growth in the pandemic, with the investment valuing the company at $4.2 billion.

Ku said work-life balance is always challenging, especially in the pandemic, but she works to make it a priority.

"Often I don't achieve balance, but I get close and that's a win for me," she said in an email. "Also, while I used to try to offer specific advice, I've come to realize that balance -- what it means, how to achieve it -- is particular to each person and their situation. What works for one person doesn't work for another. I think the keys are to be aware of the need for balance (however defined for oneself), to be persistent in prioritizing it, and to think about success over the long term."

- Kelly Puente