Hires in New York and Washington, DC set to boost tech transactions, data and tech regulation capability
Clifford Chance announced on August 1 the arrival of partner Violetta Kokolus into the firm’s Global Tech Group in the US. This hire reflects a local expansion of the 600+ attorney practice which offers clients tech law advice across the spectrum on matters impacted by technology and its rapid transition. Three further partner arrivals will be announced in the coming weeks.
Kokolus brings 15+ years of experience working with emerging and established companies and technology-focused investors. She has guided the assessment of tech considerations for public transactions and private investments across asset management, payments, consumer products, data innovation, healthcare, tech-enabled services, robotics and software. Kokolus also advises on stand-alone intellectual property and data transactions with a focus on collaborations and strategic commercial transactions.
Co-head of the firm’s Global Tech Group Devika Kornbacher, who joined the firm in July 2022 as part of the group’s US expansion offers, “We’ve witnessed the rapid globalization of industry, driven by the development and adoption of tech at hyper speed. Increasingly, organizations seek to shine a light around corners to stay ahead of the curve on new regulations and capitalize on the opportunities this exciting shift brings.
“Violetta’s extensive insight into this complex space will provide our clients an immediate connection to the critical elements they must consider to thrive. I am personally delighted to now call her a colleague, and I cannot wait to see her integrate into our global team.”
Americas Regional Managing Partner Sharis Pozen adds, “This hire, and the three to follow, are driven by our ambition to build out our local US capabilities to match the scale of our global practice. Tech now runs deep through every market and across practice areas and we’re committed to meeting our clients at the forefront of this evolution.”
Kokolus says, “Clifford Chance’s truly global platform was an immediate draw for me. We’re recently seeing significant changes in tech regulation both in the US and across the globe that will directly impact strategies and innovation for US-based companies and investors. I am eager to bring our global team into discussions with clients to provide a 360-degree perspective.”
Clifford Chance’s Tech Group serves as a single global team offering clients tech law advice across the spectrum of matters related to technology and digitalization, including advising on artificial intelligence, digital assets, green technologies, data, cybersecurity and Web3.
The arrival of Kornbacher and Kokolus continues an extended period of growth globally with several tech partners joining the group including Singapore-based Stella Cramer as lead for Asia Pacific and Holger Lutz in Frankfurt to lead in Germany.
