Latham & Watkins has added corporate partner Steven Dunst to its Los Angeles office, bolstering the firm’s Emerging Companies & Growth Practice with a lawyer focused on advising startups and the investors that fund them across the company lifecycle.
Dunst’s practice centers on emerging growth companies from pre-seed through unicorn stage, as well as venture and other investors, with experience spanning technology, fintech, blockchain and crypto, digital health, entertainment and media, and consumer products. His work includes pre-incorporation planning, fundraising and financing strategy, equity and debt financings, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, equity compensation, and corporate governance.
Latham said the hire supports its strategic growth objectives in Southern California and strengthens its connections to West Coast startup and investment communities. The firm also highlighted the continued expansion of its West Coast Emerging Companies & Growth bench, noting multiple partner additions in its Bay Area offices over the past two years.
Dunst joins Latham from Cooley. He earned his JD from Harvard Law School and his BA from the University of California, Berkeley.
KEY QUOTES
“We are delighted that Steven is joining our team. He has deep connections within the West Coast startup and investment communities, and his extensive experience advising growth companies and investors, particularly in venture capital and M&A transactions, aligns perfectly with our strategic growth objectives in Southern California. With his track record of advising fast growth companies and the diverse investor market in Los Angeles, he will be a key force in helping us expand our practice not only in California but nationwide.”
Jeff Bjork, Managing Partner, Latham’s Los Angeles Office
“Steven’s expertise advising founders, startups, and investors on complex and novel transactions and other matters is highly accretive to our practice. His exceptional reputation in the market reflects his abundant talents, industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial qualities, and we are thrilled to add a lawyer of his experience and business development skills to the practice.”
Ben Potter, Global Chair, Latham’s Emerging Companies & Growth Practice
“I have long admired Latham’s commitment to being the destination firm for founders, growth companies, and the investor community, and I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the firm’s continued success. I have a lot of respect for the team’s drive, ambition, and quality of practice, and I am enthusiastic about bringing the firm’s comprehensive platform to meet clients’ evolving needs.”
Steven Dunst, Partner, Latham & Watkins
