PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 7 2005 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network — Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology and growth
enterprises worldwide, today announced that Larry Sonsini, chairman and chief
executive officer, will continue his role as chairman of the firm and that
John Roos, managing director of professional services, will assume the role of
CEO. Sonsini will continue his leadership position focusing primarily on the
firm’s strategic direction, servicing the needs of its clients, and expanding
and developing new client relationships. Roos will assume Sonsini’s
responsibility for the executive management of the firm’s business.
“My focus has long been on our business model, our client base, and
building the national reputation of the firm,” Sonsini said. “As our business
has evolved and become increasingly complex, it is clear that we need a
full-time CEO to manage the firm. We are fortunate to have an outstanding
partner in John Roos who can devote his full attention to this critically
important position. He has a proven track record, and I am confident that
under his leadership, the firm will continue to reach new heights.”
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Roos. “Technology and
innovation remain cornerstones of the economy, and no firm is better
positioned to serve the needs of technology clients and entrepreneurial
management than ours. Separating the chairman and CEO roles will allow Larry
and our firm to be an even greater competitive force in the industry. I am
looking forward to working closely with Larry, Jeff, and our entire
partnership to set strategic priorities and continue to build on the strengths
of this institution.”
In addition, the firm appointed Jeff Saper, managing director of business
development, to the role of vice chairman. “Jeff has long been one of the top
rainmakers at the firm,” Sonsini said. “I have asked him to step into the role
of vice chairman to work closely with John and me on strategy and vision,
cross-marketing our capabilities, and identifying additional revenue drivers.
He has been a senior leader of the firm for many years and is well positioned
to map out a plan for aggressive growth.”
Sonsini, who joined the firm in 1966, has served as chairman and CEO for
more than 20 years. Roos, who joined the firm in 1985, has played an active
role in executive management for more than five years as the managing director
of professional services and a member of the Executive Management Committee
and Policy Committee. Saper, who joined the firm in 1979, also has played a
significant role in executive management through his position as managing
director of business development and a senior leader on the Executive
Management and Policy Committees.
The chairman, CEO, and vice chairman positions are effective immediately.
Sonsini said, “This is a natural evolution of the core management team,
who have long been working together, along with the policy and executive
committees, to make strategic decisions for the long-term benefit of the firm.
I am looking forward to spending even more time with our clients, identifying
new business opportunities, and expanding relationships. Together, our team
will position the firm for even greater success.”
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati’s broad range of services and legal
disciplines are focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the
management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is
nationally recognized as a leader in corporate governance, public and private
offerings of equity and debt securities, mergers and acquisitions, securities
class action litigation, intellectual property litigation, joint ventures and
strategic alliances, and technology licensing and other intellectual property
transactions. The firm, which is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, has
offices in Austin, New York, Reston, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco,
and Seattle. For additional information, please visit http://www.wsgr.com.
