Josh S.

Partner & Chair, Northern California at DLA Piper

Portola Valley, California, United States

About

I advise founders and investors on venture financings, M&A, and corporate transactions for technology-driven companies. My approach is rooted in aligning legal strategy with business realities, helping leadership teams navigate growth, governance, and liquidity events with confidence. I’ve worked with companies across stages, from early formation to complex transactions, with a focus on practical, long-term decision-making.

Experience

  • Partner and Chair Northern California at DLA Piper
    Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    I am a partner with DLA Piper in the Silicon Valley office. I act as outside general counsel to my clients. My practice consists of representing high growth companies and investors on general corporate matters, with a focus on emerging companies, private financings, initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to starting my career as outside counsel in a law firm, I was the Director of Business Development and Corporate Counsel for Practice Fusion, an electronic health record company located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Education: Santa Clara University School of Law JD Santa Clara University MBA University of California, Riverside BS

  • Partner at Cooley LLP
    Jan 2010 - Feb 2026 · 16 yrs 2 mos

  • Advisory Board Member at Wellcoin
    Mar 2012 - Dec 2015 · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Exciting new company...stealth mode.

  • Board Member at Up On Top After School & Summer Program
    Jun 2012 - Dec 2014 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Up On Top offers hope, stability, and fun to children of low-income families in San Francisco, preparing them to be successful in school and in life. Up On Top supports families by providing children tuition-free, enriching after school and summer programs, with low student-teacher ratios, including academic support, social skills, art, music, and nutrition. I am proud to be a member of this organization.

  • Corporate Business Development at GROU.PS
    Mar 2012 - Aug 2012 · 6 mos

    GROU.PS is a do-it-yourself social networking platform that allows people to come together and form interactive communities around a shared interest or affiliation with built-in apps enabling easy collaboration and communication. I am responsible for helping GROU.PS form lasting, scalable partnerships.